When choosing a new wooden floor, you will have to decide between solid or engineered wood. They both look exactly the same once installed but have some very significant differences that you will want to know about. The most obvious difference is how the planks of flooring have been made, which then affects how you can install and use them.
Should I choose solid hardwood flooring?
Firstly, you should know that solid wood flooring is made from one solid piece of wood. The actual flooring plank is cut straight from the tree trunk, then the fitting system is added. Solid wood flooring is still widely sought after as it is thought of as the most luxurious flooring for any home. If choosing solid wood flooring, you must fix it into position during installation, as it is not stable enough to be floated over an underlay. Here are some of the benefits of having a solid wood floor:
• You are getting a luxurious wooden floor.
• You are able to sand and re-finish the surface to refresh it.
• Planks of solid wood flooring are usually found in random lengths which give you an authentic appearance.
• There is a wide choice of wood species, plank sizes, colours, styles and finishes to choose from.
Should I choose engineered hardwood flooring?
Engineered hardwood flooring planks are much more versatile than solid wood. If you are thinking about having an engineered wooden flooring, you should know that each plank has a top layer of real wood. Underneath are multiple base layers of plywood to give the plank additional strength and stability. Once the flooring is installed, the only part that you will see is the top layer of real wood. Planks of engineered flooring can either have a tongue and groove fitting system or a click fitting system. Here are some of the benefits of having a solid wood floor:
• It is far cheaper that solid wooden flooring.
• You can use it with underfloor heating systems.
• You can float it over an underlay or fix it directly to the subfloor – the choice is yours.
• There is a wide choice of wood species, plank sizes, colours, styles and finishes to choose from.
