Should I go for solid wood or engineered flooring?
When choosing flooring for your home, it can be difficult to decide whether to go for solid wood or engineered flooring. Read our handy guide to choosing.
Whether to install solid wood flooring or engineered flooring is a dilemma that homeowners regularly face and it can be difficult to understand the difference between the two. In this article we’ll tell you the difference and help you decide which option is best for your needs. Read on to find out more.
What’s the difference between solid wood flooring and engineered flooring?
This is a common question and you are not alone in being confused between the two. In essence, solid wood flooring is, as the name suggests, solid, and it is available in a number of different types of wood to suit your needs, for example oak or beech. Engineered flooring is different in that it is made up of layers of ply that are firmly bonded together in order to make a hardwearing and durable flooring solution. Engineered flooring is so easily confused with solid wood flooring because the top layer is solid wood, so the two look very much the same and it’s very hard to tell the difference once it’s installed. It is important to note that engineered flooring is not the same thing as laminate flooring.
When to use engineered flooring
If the base that you are putting your floor on is susceptible to damp then engineered flooring is definitely the better solution. You should also lay a membrane down first to protect the floor from water damage. Equally, if you are looking for a floor for your bathroom or kitchen then engineered flooring is the way forward because it will stand up far better to water leaks and spills. This is because the layers are designed to expand and contract so it won’t warp over time.
When to use a solid wood flooring
If you are looking to floor a room that doesn’t get affected by water but does have a high footfall, the solid wood flooring is best. Equally, if your budget is a little tight then you will find that solid wood flooring is slightly cheaper than engineered flooring.
It’s worth doing your research before you make your final decision, and here at Flooring Village we offer a wide range of options to suit every budget. Give us a call today and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have, or browse our website to see our unrivalled choice of flooring options.