Hardwood vs. Engineered Wood: Which One Should I Choose for Flooring?

On a solid timber floor plank, there is solid hardwood. Engineered timber flooring, on the other hand, consists of an engineered core with a hardwood veneer glued and compressed onto it. The flooring plank’s core is the subflooring that lies beneath the veneer. Depending on the brand, the core could be constructed of hardwood or soft plywood; the best-engineered wood floors have 6 – 12 layers of multi-ply plywood that are pressed and attached crosswise.

For what reasons is engineered timber flooring a good choice?

Superior to solid wood flooring in terms of stability

Engineered wood flooring has a number of advantages over solid wood flooring, the most notable of which is its resistance to shrinkage, warping, and cupping, as well as its enhanced tolerance to both high and low moisture levels. This makes it an ideal choice for the rainy, tropical environment of New Zealand!

Engineered Wood is attachable with adhesive

Most engineered wood floors, similar to solid wood floors, can be adhered directly to dry concrete slabs or wood subfloors using adhesive.

It will make your floor seem and feel like real wood

Once laid down in the same manner as a solid floor, the floor will mimic the feel of real wood. After installation, the subfloor conceals the foundation layer, making it undetectable as an engineered wood floor. The increase in your home’s worth will be identical.

You get a lot of choices

You may get engineered wood flooring in a variety of widths, lengths, and thicknesses, just like solid wood flooring. It can also be purchased in a pre-finished state, saving you time and effort by removing the requirement to sand and finish the floor before installation.

Reduces the demand for rare hardwoods

When compared to solid wooden flooring, engineered flooring typically consumes around a third of the resources required by solid hardwood flooring. As a result, engineered flooring is a great way to preserve our limited supply of hardwood.

Affordable products for all budgets

These days, the cost of engineered flooring is about the same as that of solid wood flooring of the same thickness. Engineered flooring is available in a variety of thicknesses, each with its own pricing point; for individuals on a tighter budget, there are thinner possibilities.

Installs more quickly

In most cases, the machining quality of engineered flooring is superior to that of solid timber flooring, and the joint profiles are uniform throughout. In addition to generally straight boards, engineered tongues and grooves don’t swell with moisture, so they keep their size well. As a result, designed boards typically have a fantastic fit.

However, variations in joint shapes caused by lesser machining tolerances make solid timber notoriously difficult to install. In addition, when boards absorb moisture, it can lead to swelling at the joints and overall bowing or cupping of the board. Even while this doesn’t happen very often, it can really complicate the floor installation process when it occurs.

Reduced waste

Every single piece of engineered flooring you purchase should be perfectly usable, as they are all meticulously evaluated to ensure that they do not have any structural flaws or features that do not correspond to the grade you specified. Unfortunately, a portion of solid timber flooring is never useful because of flaws like loose knots, cracks, or other structural issues.

Conclusion

We hope you have a wonderful experience selecting your new engineered wood floor. You have the option to choose engineered flooring in a range of pre-finished colors or go with the unfinished option and apply your own finish.

FAQs About Engineered Wood Flooring

1. What is the difference between hardwood and engineered wood flooring?

Hardwood flooring is made from a single piece of solid wood, while engineered wood flooring consists of a hardwood veneer layer on top of a core of high-quality plywood or fiberboard.

2. Is engineered wood flooring suitable for New Zealand’s climate?

Yes, engineered wood flooring is highly suitable for New Zealand’s climate due to its resistance to moisture and temperature fluctuations, reducing the risks of warping and cupping.

3. Can engineered wood flooring be installed over concrete?

Yes, engineered wood flooring can be adhered directly to dry concrete slabs using appropriate adhesives. However, it is crucial to install a moisture barrier first to prevent any moisture from affecting the flooring.

4. How durable is engineered wood flooring?

Engineered wood flooring is very durable and can last 20 years or more with proper care and maintenance. The quality of the core layers and the thickness of the veneer play significant roles in its longevity.

5. Does engineered wood flooring add value to my home?

Yes, high-quality engineered wood flooring can add significant value to your home, much like solid hardwood flooring, especially when it mimics the look and feel of real wood.

6. What are the environmental benefits of engineered wood flooring?

Engineered wood flooring uses less hardwood than solid wood flooring, making it a more resource-efficient and environmentally friendly option.

7. How does engineered wood flooring compare in cost to solid wood flooring?

Engineered wood flooring is generally more affordable than solid wood flooring of the same thickness. It offers various pricing points to fit different budgets.

8. Can I refinish engineered wood flooring?

Yes, engineered wood flooring can be refinished, but the number of times it can be refinished depends on the thickness of the hardwood veneer layer.

9. Is engineered wood flooring easy to install?

Yes, engineered wood flooring is relatively easy to install. The planks are designed with uniform joint profiles, and many options feature a click-lock system that simplifies installation.

10. Can engineered wood flooring be used with underfloor heating?

Yes, engineered wood flooring is compatible with underfloor heating systems, making it a versatile option for modern homes.

11. Can I install engineered wood flooring myself?

Yes, engineered wood flooring is designed for easy DIY installation, especially the click-lock varieties. However, professional installation is recommended for the best results.

12. Should I install stair treads and risers before or after engineered wood flooring?

It’s generally best to install stair treads and risers before the engineered wood flooring to ensure a precise and secure fit.