Picture this: you are shopping online and come across a store that sells heavy varieties of timber supplies. Your purpose is to buy beautiful and long-lasting flooring for your home. With an abundance of traditional hardwood flooring available there, you want something better that can resist humidity issues while enhancing the aesthetics of your home.
That is when looking for engineered timber flooring is favourable for your needs as it boasts the durability of plywood and the natural look of hardwood. But how to find the right engineered timber for your needs is still a relevant question.
In this blog, you’ll learn about the key factors like thickness, wood type, finish, and installation methods that will help you select the right one for your needs and budget. So, let’s dive in and simplify the ways to choose the right flooring for your home.
Understanding Engineered Flooring
Engineered flooring is one of the most prominent and attractive timber supplies for your home. It consists of three layers: The top layer, the core layer, and the backing layer.
The top layer is a layer of natural wood known as veneer. This layer makes this flooring attractive as it resembles a natural wood appearance.
Beneath this layer, the core layer consists of multiple layers of plywood, high-density fibreboard, and softwood in a cross-sectional way to provide strength and resistance to the flooring. The thickness of this layer allows better stability to the overall engineered timber flooring.
At the very bottom of this flooring is the backing layer that combines plywood, fibreboard, and hardwood layers. As a result, the bottom layer gives a structure to the flooring and allows it to be installed on the subfloors easily.
Factors to Consider Before Choosing Engineered Flooring
1. Learn About Different Wood Species
Deciding on the appearance of the veneer in flooring can transform the look and feel of any room. Consider the below wood species.
- Oil for strong grain patterns and warm colours
- Maple for uniform grain pattern and lighter colours
- Walnut for smooth grains and rich dark colours
- Hickory for a rustic look
2. Take Note of Plank Size and Colour:
Wider planks have fewer seams but make a small room appear larger, while narrow ones have a more traditional look. Similarly, a lighter plank colour can make the space seem airy and bold colours can make an area look intimate and cosy.
3. Durability Needs
Apart from looking at the appearance of the veneer and planks, consider the durability of the wood in terms of its Janka rating. As per our recommendation, Oak and Hickory are a few of the great durable options, as both can sustain wear and tear in high-traffic areas.
4. Budget Considerations
Decide on a particular budget you have in mind. Generally, engineered flooring is less expensive than solid hardwood flooring. This is because engineered timber uses core materials that are easily available during the making process. This also paves the way for a reduction in installation costs.
Choosing the Right Type of Engineered Wood
Now that you are sure about the colour, durability needs, and budget, let’s proceed with choosing the right flooring for your home.
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Thickness of Veneer:
Beyond the appearance of the veneer, consider the thickness of it. A thicker veneer is a deal breaker as it mimics more authentic wood. Besides this, the veneer thickness of at least ⅜ to ¾ allows professionals to refinish and sand the floor multiple times, enhancing the durability of the flooring.
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Type of Finish
The next step is to look at the flooring finishing and its implications. Some common and popular finishing types are Lacquered, Oiled, and UV-oiled finish.
1. Lacquered finish:
It is a hard but protective layer and is also easy to clean. However, fewer scratches on the flooring can show up easily under high-traffic conditions when you opt for this one over other finishes.
2. Oiled Finish:
This type of finish uses natural oil solutions and penetrates well into the top layer. This is advantageous if you want a natural wood-like appearance and do not want the floor to feel like it has a high-gloss finish. Although it requires more maintenance, it is the best alternative to other finishes.
3. UV Oiled Finish:
It is a modern, innovative finish in engineered flooring where oil is cured with UV light technology. It has a natural oiled finish and durability of lacquer finish that doesn’t require frequent maintenance.
3. Subfloor Requirements
Different installation methods may require specific types of subflooring. Generally, a clean, dry, and level subfloor is critical for all installation types to prevent uneven wear and potential damage.
Final Considerations for Engineered Flooring
Before finalising your decision on which engineered flooring to buy, there are two critical areas you should pay attention to: the Warranty and After-Sales Service. Here’s what you need to consider.
What to Look for in a Warranty?
Length of Warranty:
Generally, a longer warranty period indicates a higher confidence in product durability from the manufacturer. Look for warranties that cover 15, 25 years, or even a lifetime. However, always read the fine print to understand what is actually covered.
Coverage Details:
Structural Integrity: This includes protection against defects in materials and workmanship that might affect the performance and stability of the flooring.
Finish Warranty: This covers the top layer of your flooring—the part that is exposed to wear and tear. It should protect against premature dulling, peeling, or flaking of the finish.
Moisture Resistance: Some warranties might include coverage against damage from normal household spills, provided they are cleaned up promptly.
Exclusions and Limitations:
Pay attention to what is not covered. Common exclusions include damage from improper installation, water damage from flooding or persistent leaks, and general misuse. Check whether the warranty is transferable if you sell your home. This can be a selling point later on.
Claim Process:
Ensure that the process for filing a claim is straightforward and customer-friendly. A complicated claims process makes it difficult to utilise the warranty when needed.
Final Words
As you move closer to making your final choice, it’s essential to consider all these factors comprehensively. Engineered flooring offers a beautiful, durable, and cost-effective alternative to solid hardwood. Still, the best results come from matching the specific characteristics of the flooring to the needs of your household and the conditions of your home.
Choose GreenHill Timbers as your online store selling high-quality timber supplies in Melbourne. The best part? The company has a fully-equipped team to handle all types of installations.