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| The images are all of the newly installed engineered wood floors at Ashburnham Place where I live |
{This is a collaborative post}
Growing up as a child in the seventies and eighties everyone I knew had a carpeted house, in fact, most had a shagpile in at least one room. As I grew older trends started to change, carpets got cheaper but the quality also seriously declined and it seems that due to that, and the worries about keeping them clean, as well as the rise of allergies that many people moved to a hardwood floor, more in line with what our European and American brothers were doing.
Vinyl flooring or lino was a cost-effective and easy choice for quite a while, especially in bathrooms and kitchens were traditional wood flooring was unsuitable due to the amount of moisture and potential water spills. However, as home design moved on and houses became more slick and modern, a vinyl-covered floor didn't really cut it. Thankfully we've seen the rise of the engineered wood floor over the last few decades and today it is accepted as a really good choice for flooring that looks fantastic and just like real wood (as of course, it is real wood) and is long-lasting and durable.
What is engineered wood flooring?
It is a number of layers of veneers, which are thin slices of different real woods put together and sandwiched under pressure with a high-quality glue. The top layer is the highest quality wood, giving the beautiful final appearance. Make sure you do your homework when choosing your engineered wood floor as not all engineered wood flooring is the same, it can come in a range of thicknesses from 14mm - 20mm and depending on the footfall and where the floor is placed will help you decide what is best. Ask for boards that have at least a 4-6mm top layer, to help protect from damage over time. |
Will it look authentic?
100% yes, when friends come to your house for the first time and see your new floor, they will have no idea if you have a solid hardwood floor or engineered wood floor, as you can still get all the same options. Different hardwoods can be used, you can choose your colour, the finish might be brushed or natural and then oiled or lacquered. There are so many options to choose from and each will look stunning.
Is it better for the environment?
The simple answer is yes. We're all aware that we have to become more sustainable and help slow down deforestation. The good news is that engineered wood floors use about 75% less of the slow-growing hardwoods like oak, as well as using more of the faster-growing ones like birch, eucalyptus and poplar. As well as this engineered wood flooring is often considered a better choice as the veneers that are sandwiched together are sliced rather than sawn and this there is no sawdust created and wasted.How will my engineered wood floor wear over time?
As your engineered floor is made from multi-layers of wood it has far better stability than a traditional hardwood floor and this will mean that it won't warp or bow, and it is able to withstand changes in temperature, humidity and moisture far better than solid wood flooring, Many floorboards will come finished and ready to lay but it is a good idea to seal the floor after laying it, so it has extra protection, particularly if it will be in a well-used area.Depending on the quality of the one you choose you can expect your floor to last 20 - 100 years and engineered floorboards can be sanded and resurfaced just like hardwood boards. of course, the number of times you can do this will depend on the thickness of the top hardwood veneer. This is why it is important to choose a thick top veneer if you want your floor to last for a very long time.
Caring for your engineered wood floor
Good Housekeeping recommends that the best way to care for your hardwood floor is to take your shoes off at the door, to vacuum regularly, to mop up spills straight away and your pet's nails well-trimmed. If you do these things, in the main, your floor will only need minimal care, as it is durable and strong. Of course, sometimes you'll want to wash your floor and it is important to use a hardwood specific product to ensure it cleans and protects, whilst maintaining the beautiful finish of the wood.Something like the Bona hardwood floor spray mop has a microfibre head for a good clean, but it is gentle and doesn't get the floor too wet. Work in a small area at a time and then move onto the next, allowing the floor to dry naturally.
Benefits of choosing engineered wood flooring
- they look beautiful, just like a traditional hardwood floor
- the cost is often lower than that of solid wood
- they can be used with underfloor heating
- they are moisture, temperature and humidity resistant
- there are a variety of installation methods and even an accomplished DIYer can use the tongue and groove variety
- generally, the maintenance needs are low
- it can be sanded and refinished in years to come
- it will last a very long time
- it's the more sustainable choice than solid hardwood
- when you sell your home, it is a popular addition which can push the sale price up
So, what do you think? Would you consider an engineered wood floor in the future? or have you already switched over? We've just had the whole conference centre done, where I live and it has lifted the place and made it look so bright and modern.
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