Engineered Wood Flooring

About Engineered Wood Flooring 

Wood flooring is a convenient option that can last for decades. While solid hardwood boasts exceptional appearance and durability, it also comes with a price tag to match. Engineered timber flooring, on the other hand, is a more affordable alternative that contains plenty of natural wood.  

Engineered timber flooring comprises a composite wood core topped with a layer of solid wood. Such a surface makes it impossible to distinguish engineered from the solid timber floor once it’s installed.   

The engineered wood core is typically made of plywood or fiberboard, while the top “veneer” can come from any tree species used for traditional, solid wood floors.

Advantages of Engineered Wood Flooring  

• Affordability
• Durability
• Better resistance to water and damages compared to solid hardwood 
• More suitable for use in kitchens or bathrooms thank solid hardwood
• Ease of maintenance
• Design versatility 

Engineered Wood Flooring Types 

While engineered hardwood flooring typically contains plywood or fiberboard core, the veneer options are virtually endless. Other ways to distinguish engineered floor types are the grade, layer thickness, plank dimensions and suitable installation methods. 

Engineered Hardwood Flooring Veneer 

Many varieties on the market contain one of the five most common wood species: walnut, white oak, red oak, maple, and hickory. Apart from differences in appeal, each type comes with a set of advantages and drawbacks. 

Hard timber veneer such as hickory is a good choice for hallways and other high traffic areas such as hallways or entrances. Maple is also a good alternative, particularly if used by pets and children. It’s resistant to scratches and dents up to a point, which means the floor will remain in prime condition longer. Bamboo flooring is one of the hardest options available on the market, and the same applies to bamboo veneers. 

Softer species such as walnut are ideal for bedrooms, home offices and similar quiet areas. Cork floor surfaces will enhance soundproofing properties while also providing additional comfort for walking.

Engineered Timber Flooring Grade

The type of wood determines the streaks, knots, and other markings on the floor plank’s surface. When it comes to engineered flooring, it’s more about the veneer appeal than the overall quality. 

While visible character markings make the flooring unique, they don’t fit with every decor and interior design style. Markings might fit perfectly with a rustic appearance, but the uniform look is more suited to sleek and modern rooms.

Grading helps to determine the best choice for specific needs, and it ranges from Clear grade, over Select and Common, to the Cabin Grade, which features the most prominent character markings. 

Veneer Thickness

Veneer, or the wear layer, is the top of the plank made of solid hardwood. Its typical thickness is between one and four millimetres. The thicker veneer means that the floor can be sanded and refinished more often; hence the 4mm-thickness is also a sign of durability. A thick veneer is also the best choice for areas with a lot of traffic or activity.

Engineered Wood Flooring Plank Dimensions

The width and length of planks play a major role in the overall flooring appearance. Uniform planks, in general, look more harmonious and modern. On the other hand, alternating plank dimensions may improve the place’s visual dynamics. The number of seams can also trick the eye, making the room appear more spacious or compact if needed. 

Veneer Finish

A finishing coat functions as a seal on both solid and engineered hardwood, adding a final visual touch while protecting the floor at the same time. Certain finishes are more suitable for busy areas, while others excel at concealing dirt and debris. 

From the visual point, finishes differ from matte to glossy. A matte finish produces a smooth surface that hides minor damages. well. The satin finish does a similar job with a little more glow. Semi-gloss and glossy floors offer superiorly elegant flair at the price of more maintenance.

Installation Method

There are four principal methods for engineered hardwood floors installation. Nailing, stapling and gluing offer different ways to attach the boards to the subfloor. Click-lock engineered flooring is designed for the floating installation. Engineered parquet flooring can be designed and arranged in the same way as regular parquet flooring, offering freedom to create unique patterns. 

Engineered Flooring Cleaning & Maintenance 

Engineered timber flooring requires, more or less, the same cleaning methods as any hardwood flooring. A dry microfiber dust mop, soft broom or vacuum cleaner are recommended for picking up dirt and debris from the floor. 

Harsh or wax-based cleaners, powerful detergents, and steel wool should be avoided, as well as steam cleaners. A damp mop and mild cleaning agents are sufficient for removing all kinds of dirt and stains. 

Any kind of liquid or greasy spills should be removed as soon as possible - prolonged exposure can result in visible damages. Also, high heeled shoes or boots can leave marks on the upper wear layer of the floor, so it’s recommended to use mats and rugs at entranceways.

Things to Consider When Choosing Engineered Timber Flooring 

Fabricated core boards reduce the wood’s natural tendency to contract and expand under the influence of moisture. For that reason, the veneer will perform much better than solid wood flooring in humid areas such as basements. Also, the thin profile saves a bit of vertical space.

Before shopping, it’s good to consider the overall room design. Hues, undertones, grain patterns and other features will determine the exact type of veneer species to look for.

If you need assistance to find the right engineered flooring for your home or office, ArchiPro provides a connection to the various professionals, ready to assist with all requirements and questions. Simply click "Contact supplier" on the product's page, or visit the supplier's website directly from the product's page.