Virily Editor
Solid wood has always reigned supreme when it comes to flooring materials. Generations of home owners have made hardwood flooring their first choice, and with good reason. The naturalistic aesthetic of solid wood is a timeless classic, and is still popular today! Alongside this, solid wood flooring has previously boasted unmatched durability, having a lifespan of over 25 years. But with updates in technology, new manufacturing techniques have made for higher quality materials at more affordable costs. With an increase in demand in recent years, engineered wood flooring is becoming the new champion for homeowners everywhere. If you’re unfamiliar with engineered wood, it can be hard to believe that it’s deserving of solid wood’s crown. But the truth is, engineered wood floors have an abundance of additional benefits. Unlike solid wood flooring, which is milled from a single piece of timber, engineered boards are constructed from multiple layers of compressed wood, such as ply or HDF. The engineered wood floor is then finished with a surface wear layer of solid wood, and thus, appears identical to hardwood alternatives. The unique composition of these specialty planks allows engineered wood flooring to excel in areas where solid wood simply cannot. Still don’t believe us? Here are 4 reasons to make you change your mind:
Engineered Wood Flooring is More Versatile
There’s no doubt that solid wood flooring is a truly luxury product. But whilst it’s a great choice for hallways and living rooms, solid wood struggles in areas of high humidity and moisture. This, however, is no problem for engineered wood flooring. The criss-cross composition of the internal core layers stop the engineered wood from buckling, warping, and shrinking under pressure. As a result, engineered wood flooring can be installed in kitchens, over underfloor heating, and in other areas that solid wood cannot.
Easier Installation Than Traditional Hardwood Flooring
Traditionally, installation of hardwood flooring has been long and laborious. To receive the best results from your solid wood floors, various pieces of specialist equipment is required, along with the skills and know-how of an adept fitter. With improvements in flooring technology, most engineered wood floors are now much easier to install than their predecessors. Constructed with a ‘click’ or ‘tongue and groove’ installation system, engineered wood boards can be floated, instead of fixed to a subfloor. Because of this, there is no need for additional nails and adhesives, and even a DIY amateur could give it a go!
Cheaper than Solid Wood
If there’s one thing that deters homeowners from purchasing solid wood flooring, it’s the price. Whilst your money is being put to good use when paying for hardwood, the initial payments can still feel too steep. Because engineered wood flooring only has a surface layer of solid wood veneer, the price-tag is a great deal more manageable. Additionally, the inclusion of modern installation systems make for quicker fitting, meaning you could save money on the cost of labor too.
It’s Eco-Friendlier.
Being kind to our environment is always important, especially in more recent years. Although solid wood manufacturers are making efforts to sustainably source their timber, engineered wood flooring is still a greener option. Using only a surface layer of solid wood, engineered wood flooring cuts out the need for a large portion of solid timber. Instead, the core can be made from a variety of wood chippings, waste, and pulp, making it an eco-friendlier choice.
