What Is Engineered Wood Flooring?

Contents:

• Key takeaways
• Engineered wood vs other flooring
• Advantages & disadvantages
• What to look for when buying engineered wood flooring
• How to maintain & clean
• Common mistakes to avoid
• FAQs

Engineered wood flooring is high-quality flooring, made from a combination of either softwood, plywood or fibreboard layers with a solid wood veneer on top. It is designed to be more stable than traditional solid hardwood by resisting moisture and temperature changes better. It is also more affordable than solid wood, and is most commonly used in living rooms, kitchens and with underfloor heating systems.

In this guide we’ll talk you through the advantages of engineered wood flooring vs solid wood, potential costs and installation methods.

Advantage: Provides the look of solid hardwood with a more affordable cost. 

Compatibility: It’s suited for homes with an underfloor heating system.

Important: When choosing your flooring, the most important consideration is the wear layer thickness.

Top tip: The use of curtains, blinds or shutters will help prevent the wood fading by limiting sun and UV exposure. 

When choosing the most suitable flooring for your house, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons. 

Benefits

• Affordable - if you’re looking for budget-friendly flooring but still want a ‘solid wood look’, then this is a great option for a fraction of the price. 

• Easier installation - compared to solid wood, this flooring can be installed almost anywhere. It can also be fitted in several ways including, floating, glued or nailed, which can make it quicker and sometimes cheaper to fit.

• Underfloor heating - it’s much better suited for homes with underfloor heating compared to solid wood.

• Variety - engineered wood is available in a range of different colours, styles and finishes. 

• Long-lasting - due to its high-quality, it can last 30 years+ if maintained properly, and can be sanded and refinished if needed in the future.

Drawbacks

• Easily scratched - as the top layer is veneered wood, it’s more susceptible to scratches.

• Not waterproof - whilst it’s water-resistant, engineered wood flooring isn’t generally recommended for bathrooms or rooms where standing water can occur.

• Limited refining - as the top layer is thin, it may only be refinished a couple of times (max) before it needs replacing.

• Sound - it can sound hollow, compared to solid hardwood flooring.

When buying engineered wood flooring, it’s important to consider quality, durability and affordability broadly. This includes the wear layer thickness, core construction, board thickness, finish type and how easily it can be installed. These features can affect the lifespan, stability and how easy the flooring is to maintain.

 

1. Wear layer thickness - this is the top layer of real wood. You should aim for at least 3-4mm (or slightly higher for premium flooring). If you choose boards under 2mm, the lifespan may be shortened and you may not be able to refinish if needed. A thicker layer means it's more durable and usually has an overall longer lifespan.

2. Core construction - not all cores are equal, so it’s important to choose the best one. High quality core usually includes birch or hardwood plywood - high density. Lower quality core is usually softwood ply/HDF - which is less stable and can swell more with moisture. It’s important to choose wisely as it can determine whether your floor stays flat over time and if it develops gaps or creaks when walking.

3. Total thickness - the thickness can affect how the floor feels underfoot. Check the compatibility with your subfloor height and whether underlay is needed. 

12mm - can feel lighter and hollow.

15mm - can feel solid and balanced (usually recommended).

20mm+ - premium option, very sturdy.

4. Finish type - this determines not only the look but also the maintenance effort and repairability of the flooring. You could choose lacquered (varnished) or an oiled finish, both finishes have advantages to them, but always check the number of finish coats and if it has UV protection built in.

5. Installation - this can affect the cost and long-term stability of your flooring. Whether you’re installing yourself or with a professional, it’s vital that each method is carefully considered. 

6. Underfloor heating - if you’re intending to use an underfloor heating system, you should consider the maximum surface temperature, installation method and board thickness when choosing. For more information you can read our underfloor heating installation guide.

It’s important to preserve the appearance and lifespan of engineered wood flooring by keeping it clean and maintained. Essential habits include cleaning, moisture management and ensuring sunlight is minimal (to prevent fading). While it doesn’t require extensive upkeep, a combination approach to all the key points will help it look its best for many years.

 

Cleaning

Dust and debris can act like sandpaper and gradually wear the surface of the floor. You should always sweep, mop and vacuum a few times a week to help prevent this build up. Avoid damp mopping too often as excessive water can force moisture into the seams. Harsh chemicals (such as bleach or ammonia) should also be avoided as they can damage the finish. Minor surface imperfections can usually be repaired with touch ups pens or wax filler. Deeper damage may require sanding or replacement in some cases.

 

Moisture

Although engineered wood is more stable than solid hardwood, it’s vital that moisture is controlled. Spills should always be wiped up immediately and areas prone to water exposure should be protected. You should also look to maintain indoor humidity levels (especially through seasons) to prevent expansion or contraction of the wood.

 

Sunlight

Sunlight can affect the colour of the wood and cause it to fade over time. You can help to prevent this by using curtains, blinds or shutters to block the light. You could also opt for UV-cured lacquer if installing new flooring to help act as a protective barrier against sunlight.

Although engineered wood flooring is fairly forgiving (compared to solid hardwood), it’s important to prevent any chance of ruining its appearance and affecting its lifespan before it’s too late. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using engineered flooring.

• Ignoring moisture control - as engineered wood isn’t waterproof, it’s essential that any spills or damp are prevented. Standing water can easily seep into joints and cause swelling.

• Protecting the floor - scratches and dents can easily damage the floor finish. Always use felt pads on furniture and clean regularly to avoid the surface wearing. Never use harsh chemicals when cleaning too, as this can disrupt the fibres - causing discolouration, staining and ruining the protective seal.

• Skipping floor prep - when installing, it’s important that all necessary steps are taken to prepare the subfloor. If it’s damp or uneven, the boards may shift or creak prematurely.

• Sunlight exposure - UV rays can cause fading and uneven colour changes - always manage appropriately by protecting the floor from excessive exposure.