Benefits of Engineered Flooring
If you're looking for a flooring option for your home rather than solid timber, you could consider engineered flooring. Here are several benefits.
Stable and Resilient
Engineered planks use a plywood core that's comprised of thin layers of timber. Because each layer of wood is glued at right angles to the last, these boards are more stable than solid wood, which tends to shrink and expand as temperatures fluctuate. Thus, engineered flooring is more stable than solid wood planks.
Additionally, some engineered planks are water-resistant, so you can lay them in kitchens and laundries. Water resistance means that the floor can handle some moisture. But don't leave pools of water lying on the surface as it will eventually cause damage.
Attractive
Because engineered planks are covered with a beautiful layer of hardwood, you can enjoy the warmth of natural timber in your house. For instance, different hardwood species are used for the top layer, including blackbutt, Tasmanian oak and Victorian ash. On the other hand, faux wood laminate and vinyl planks use a photo of wood rather than the real thing. So they're not as authentic as engineered floors.
Economical
Engineered planks are more economical than solid wood. Plus, the installation is often cheaper as engineered planks can be installed as a floating floor. This means that they can be clicked or locked together and placed on top of the subfloor. On the other hand, hardwood boards typically need to be nailed or glued to a subfloor, increasing installation costs. Additionally, laying solid hardwood floorboards is frequently not allowed in apartments as it's too noisy.
Can Be Re-Sanded
A benefit of solid timber is that it can be re-sanded several times to smooth out scratches and dents and reveal fresh wood underneath. You can also enjoy this benefit with engineered planks, which can also be re-sanded. However, they can't be sanded endlessly like solid timber. Engineered planks can be sanded as many times as allowed by the thickness of the top veneer layer. You can sand a thicker veneer more times than a thinner one.
Thus, engineered flooring provides a range of benefits. Its plywood structure makes it stable and water-resistant. Plus, you have a wide range of timber species and colours to pick from, just like you do with solid planks. Additionally, engineered flooring is economical as it can be installed as a floating floor. And you won't have to worry about finishing the flooring after it's been laid, as this is done beforehand.
Contact a local flooring contractor to learn more about engineered flooring.
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