4 Great Reasons to Choose Engineered Wood Flooring

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If you like the look of solid wood flooring but your budget won’t stretch that far, then it is well worth considering engineered wood flooring.

Engineered wood flooring is a versatile and practical solution and offers the appearance of solid wood, while being more affordable and easier to install.

It’s durable, sustainable, needs little maintenance and is compatible with underfloor heating.

Here are four reasons you should consider engineered wood flooring for your home.

1. Design Options are Varied

With engineered wood flooring, you can choose from a range of timbers, effects and finishes to find an option that is perfect for your home’s aesthetic.

Available timbers include:

• Oak – provides a timeless natural effect
• Ash – light and chic, looks great in hand scraped finishes
• Beech – hardy and difficult to stain
• Walnut – highly resistant to light damage, boasts a deep warm colour
• Maple – a distinctive hardwood, known for its unique grain pattern

You can also choose from numerous finishes, including:

• Brushed – this effect gives the wood an aged appearance, and offers a natural look.
• Distressed – distressed finish floors have a rustic, antique feel. 
• Hand Scraped – with this technique, every plank is different, offering unique character
• Lacquered – this finish gives the floor a smooth, shiny appearance suitable for more contemporary homes. The lacquer stays on the surface, protecting against scuffs and scratches. 
• Oiled – the oil seeps through the wood, providing more thorough protection. Some floors are UV oiled to also protect against fading.

2. Installation is Simple

You can lay engineered wood flooring over many types of existing floor and can be installed on a DIY basis which is great if you are looking to keep costs under control. It’s also ready to walk on as soon as it has been laid.

Most engineered wood flooring comes pre-finished so you don’t need to wax it or oil it yourself. 

3. It’s a Low Maintenance Option

Unlike solid wood floors, engineered wood flooring simply requires a daily sweep, vacuum or dry mop to remove dirt and debris, with a flat-bottomed mop needed once a week. Always use a wood-safe cleaner and use a protector product every six months to keep the floor looking new.

Engineered wood floors can be sanded down and refinished when needed. The depth of the wood surface will determine how many times it can be sanded.

4. It’s Sustainable

Engineered wood floors are more sustainable than real wood. They require fewer raw materials, resulting in less waste and fewer trees being cut down. 

Look for options where the materials are from sustainable forests and are constructed using eco-friendly techniques.

For more information on choosing engineered wood flooring, contact Stories Flooring.