Why should you buy an engineered floor for your home? When shopping for a new floor for your home there are many questions you will need the answers to in order to make an informed decision on what best suits your needs. In this blog we will try to address the issues regarding an engineered floor.
What is an engineered floor ?
An engineered floor put simply is a combination of the old solid and semi-solid floors. It is a veneered piece of solid timber that is pressed onto a plywood base. Because an engineered floor can come in different thicknesses, the depth of solid timber can vary between floors. As with solid floors there are a variety of different styles and finishes available.
Does it look and feel natural ?
The short answer here to both is yes ! Because the top layer is genuine timber, it will look and feel exactly like a solid floor does. You will still maintain the warmth associated with real timber. Again, with such a large variety of styles, you can get everything from a smooth satin finish to a brushed textured floor. With regular cleaning/maintenance, your floor will retain its natural look. Because the overall thickness doesn’t vary much from solid floors, the feel will remain the same.
Can I sand and varnish an engineered floor ?
Again because the surface is natural timber it will scuff and mark over time like a solid floor will. However, also like solid timber when you need to bring it back to its original state it can easily be sanded back with a clear varnish/stain applied.
Do I have a large selection to choose from ?
Absolutely ! Pretty much every natural wood is available in an engineered floor. Whether you want walnut/ash/oak/acacia these are all available. In fact, with an oak floor you have different options such as smoked/lacquered/brushed/oiled/stained. You have at least as much options if not more than solid floors.
Do I have to acclimatise my floor ?
This is one of the big differences between engineered and solid floors. You do not have to leave your floor for weeks before fitting because its plywood base gives you a much more stable floor. You will not have quite the same worries when it comes to moisture or heat affecting the floor either.
How do I fit an engineered floor ?
Most engineered floors can be fitted in three ways:
- If you have previously had a solid floor and have batons in place, your new floor can be easily nailed to the existing batons.
- With an adhesive it can be stuck directly to a smooth sub floor.
- It can be floated over an underlay.
Is it suitable for underfloor heating ?
Your engineered floor is perfect for underfloor heating. In fact the increase in underfloor heating systems is partly what led to the development of engineered flooring. Again, because of the plywood base it provides a stability not associated with solid floors. Because of this stability you can be safe in the knowledge your floor will last.
How much do engineered floors cost ?
That really depends on the type of floor you want. Different timbers will always cost a different amount. Also, because there are more treatments to some floors than others, the price can vary greatly. We do try to maintain a range of floors to suit every pocket.
Does it come in herringbone patterns ?
You can get an engineered floor in pretty much any style. This includes herringbone and chevron patterns as well as both narrow and wide straight plank boards.
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