Hardwood vs Engineered Wood Flooring

Wood flooring never goes out of fashion and it’s no surprise. What’s not to love about bringing a slice of nature inside your home?

If you’re seeking the rustic charm of hardwood flooring, it’s crucial to know that solid wood flooring – which can be very expensive – isn’t the only option available for achieving lasting appeal and timeless beauty.

These days engineered wood flooring is a more affordable solution that still delivers all of the best attributes of solid wood.

The difference explained

Hardwood flooring is often referred to as solid wood flooring because it’s a solid piece of wood – such as Jarrah, Blackbutt or Spotted Gum – all the way through the board. As it’s made of single pieces of durable timber, it’s a more expensive flooring choice. The wood can be cut in various ways and the planks sanded back and refinished numerous times, meaning it can last many decades.

Engineered wood flooring – also known as engineered timber flooring – is less costly because it comprises a number of layers. On top is a thin layer of natural hardwood – hence these floors have the same surface appearance as hardwood – but the middle and bottom layers are made of high-quality plywood. It also features a protective finish.

Upsides of engineered wood

Durable

It is possible to sand down and refinish engineered timber flooring to deal with scuffs and scratches. This means it’s also a long-lasting choice, often looking pristine for decades.They may not be entirely waterproof like some other flooring options, however, engineered wood floors are usually more water resistant than solid wood.

Size

When it comes to width and length, engineered wood planks tend to have more options than with hardwood flooring, and oversized planks are popular. Plank thickness varies but is usually between 10mm to 21mm, thinner than solid wood.

Installation

It is always best practice to have a professional install your flooring to ensure it fits correctly now, and no issues will arise over time. Parrys Flooring Solutions Specialists can help you from start to finish.

Cleaning

Engineered wood flooring is simple to clean with a soft broom or timber floor vacuum attachment. This will typically remove dust or dirt and mopping can be done less frequently with a small amount of water (water can’t be used on solid wood floors) to revitalise the top layer and prevent staining. Steam cleaning isn’t advised and sanding and refinishing is best done by an expert.

Cost

Traditional hardwood flooring is one of the costliest choices. Engineered wood flooring is far more budget conscious. The ultimate cost will come down to the thickness, materials and finishes and installation method selected. At Parrys, we frequently offer special deals, so that you can achieve your dream flooring sooner than you’d expected.

The take home

The allure of wooden flooring is understandable, but it doesn’t have to break the bank.

Parrys boasts an extensive and elegant range of budget-friendly engineered timber and oak timber floorboards in gorgeous contemporary colours, so talk to us today.

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