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If you’re looking for a durable alternative to solid wood flooring, engineered wood flooring is something to consider. At first glance, there’s very little to distinguish these two types of flooring from one another.
However, engineered wood flooring boasts hidden benefits, making it a sturdier and high-performance alternative. Interested in exploring the perks of engineered wood further? Below, we highlight six of the biggest benefits of this superior choice of flooring.
1. An Affordable Alternative
Engineered wood flooring can be a cost-effective alternative to solid wood. However, this all depends on the type of wood you’re dealing with. If you’re looking for premium woods like teak and maple, engineered wood products will certainly be cheaper than solid wood ones. However, the price difference is less significant when it comes to regular hardwoods.
The reason engineered wood flooring tends to be less expensive than hardwood is that only a small amount of new wood is used to produce the veneer. The inner core of engineered wood is made from recycled material, such as plywood.
Although cost benefits can be slight, there are more long-term benefits to engineered wood flooring that make it a much more desirable alternative.
2. It’s Incredibly Durable
Hardwood flooring is durable enough but engineered wood flooring excels when it comes to longevity. Unlike solid wood flooring, engineered wood boasts many individual layers that produce exceptional levels of stability.
If you’re looking to resurface a kitchen or area that’s exposed to constant humidity, engineered wood flooring is far more suitable than hardwood. Because of its unique construction, engineered wood won’t become damaged after expanding and contracting when exposed to moisture.
3. Easy to Clean and Maintain
Keeping a solid wood floor looking its best takes considerable effort. Because engineered wood can cope with limited exposure to moisture, you’re a little more flexible when it comes to cleaning.
However, to ensure your engineered wood floor maintains its pristine finish, take steps to prevent superficial damage. Use damp mops and rags rather than soaking wet ones and always stick to soft-bristled brooms and brushes.
4. Installation is a Breeze
It’s not just material costs you need to factor in when budgeting for a hardwood floor. The cost of installing a hardwood floor can be considerable. By contrast, engineered wood flooring couldn’t be easier to lay.
Most engineered wood flooring features a tongue and groove design, allowing you to place individual boards and tiles together with ease. In many cases, engineered wood flooring installation can be undertaken as a DIY project. However, if you’re looking for the best possible results, it’s worth stretching your budget to cover the costs of a professional fitter.
5. Engineered Wood Flooring is Built to Last
Even the most robust hardwoods will start to fade over time. As woods become faded and worn, the natural grain and organic aesthetics of the material become compromised. Eventually, you’ll need to perform some restoration work to revive the appearance of your floor.
Restoring a hardwood floor is a serious undertaking. Not only is the process exhausting, but it also requires specific tools and treatments. If you’re searching for a long-lasting material that can be more easily restored, choose engineered wood flooring.
As with solid wood flooring, you can tackle surface blemishes and scuffs by sanding down the veneer layer. If you’re looking for something that will serve you well for decades, make sure you’re choosing engineered wood flooring with a relatively thick veneer layer. Once you’ve sanded away the surface damage, you can refinish your flooring to restore it to its former glory.
6. Diverse Design Options
Some people assume that design options are limited when it comes to engineered wood flooring. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Nowadays, you won’t struggle to find a complete range of veneer materials and design options when shopping for engineered wood flooring.
If you’re willing to spend a premium, you can select engineered flooring with veneers made from robust woods like teak. However, there are plenty of budget-friendly alternatives for those looking to resurface an interior for less.
You can also take advantage of a diverse array of color options. You can keep things neutral and stick to natural hues or opt for more daring grays and whites for a contemporary flourish.
There are also no limits to style options as far as engineered wood is concerned. Standard long planks are readily available in a range of widths and lengths. If you prefer something with more character, herringbone flooring and chevron flooring products are also easy to find.
Make the Switch to Engineered Wood Flooring
If you’re planning on renovating your home or office space, engineered wood is a clear winner when it comes to flooring material. Not only is it relatively affordable, but it’s also far more durable than solid wood and will maintain its aesthetics for longer.
Furthermore, it couldn’t be simpler to clean and maintain an engineered wood floor. Finally, there’s a huge variety of colors and veneers available, along with a complete line-up of design options, ranging from timeless long planks to luxurious Versailles panels.
