Engineered Wood Flooring Description Simplified

If you are looking to fit wood flooring in your home or business, you will come across two types of wood flooring. Understanding the technology behind each type will ensure that you are making the right decision as to the right type of floor most suitable for your circumstances. Quality flooring can last from 15 years to 100 years and can carry a significant financial cost depending on the size of the surface, which is why it makes sense to fit the right flooring. In this article we will cover engineered wood flooring which is the only alternative to traditional wood floors.

What Are Engineered Wood Flooring?

One of the more popular types and an alternative to solid flooring are engineered wood flooring or semi solid wood flooring as they are sometimes refereed to. Engineered flooring differ from other types of wood floors as they are made from a number of materials including wood. The core of the floor is made from real wood, together with Plywood and MDF, hence the use of the term engineered. The wood which is the core of the floor is made from any number of species such as Oak and Walnut. Which ever species is used, it has to contain a number of features such as durability and affordability. Plywood and MDF are added to the flooring panel to overcome a number of weaknesses found in other types of wood flooring. Normal wood may shrink in cold conditions or expand in hot conditions which can lead to gaps in the floor.

Therefore, it may pause a problem in some places from visual imperfections to practical problems. Engineered flooring which contains a mixture of technology and materials is immune to changes resulting from temperature changes, so in many locations it is the only type which will work. In the early years of engineered flooring, durability and strength were reasons for some consumers to shy away from the this type, however in recent years technology has moved forward and quality engineered wood is considered as strong as solid wood. This is why their price is very similar (and in some cases identical) to solid wood flooring. In terms of their visual look compared to other types of flooring, in particular solid flooring, they look precisely the same.

If you are looking to fit this type of floor or any other, take the time to research your best options. Consider your budget, the ease of fitting and the practicality of the floor based on the levels of foot traffic. Good flooring which has been suited to the right foot traffic, will last for many years.

The writer works for a wood flooring company offering a wide range of products from real wood flooring to engineered oak flooring and other wood products such as decking.