The floor is an integral part of your home — the surface on which all life within a home takes place. That’s why in terms of style, durability and ease of maintenance, the floor of your home needs to check all the boxes. This is where engineered timber flooring comes in as a solution that’s growing in popularity. But what is engineered timber flooring? What are the benefits of timber flooring and what’s the difference between engineered timber flooring vs. solid timber flooring?
All this and more will be answered with the short yet comprehensive guide below.
Engineered timber flooring vs. solid timber flooring — what are they and what’s the difference?
If you’re planning a flooring project, you might be wondering about what engineered timber flooring is as well as what is the difference between engineered timber flooring and solid timber flooring.
Both engineered timber flooring and solid timber flooring have the look and feel of traditional hardwood flooring, with some differences in how they’re manufactured.
Engineered timber flooring is manufactured with a thin layer of timber (usually ranging from 3-6mm) known as a ‘veneer’ coated with a protective finish on top of a thicker base known as a ‘substrate’.
Solid timber flooring, on the other hand, uses a single piece of hardwood timber for each floorboard. Because thicker pieces of wood are needed to make solid timber flooring, it tends to be more expensive than engineered timber flooring.
On top of being more cost-effective than solid timber flooring, engineered timber flooring offers a number of advantages. Read on as we cover everything you need to know about engineered timber flooring.
Benefits of timber flooring
Now that you know what engineered timber flooring is and what sets it apart from solid timber flooring, is engineered timber flooring a good option for your home? The short answer is yes! The reason is the many benefits that timber flooring can provide:
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It’s Affordable
Engineered timber flooring gives you the premium look and feel of hardwood flooring at a typically lower cost than what you’d pay for solid timber flooring.
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It’s Resistant To Weather Changes
Changes in humidity and temperature can cause solid timber flooring to expand and contract, which can lead to buckling, creaking and gaps in flooring over time. Engineered timber flooring is less susceptible to expansion and contraction because it’s constructed on multiple cross-laminated layers. The grain of each layer is perpendicular to the adjacent layer, which distributes the grain strength of the boards in multiple directions. This gives each board superior structural strength while reducing the shrinkage and warping issues that can happen with solid timber flooring.
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It’s Quick And Easy To Install
Engineered timber is simple to install, which can significantly cut down the time and cost involved in installation. In addition, engineered timber flooring is usually pre-finished with a protective sealant, meaning there’s no need to finish the floor after installation.
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It’s Long-Lasting
While solid timber flooring has a reputation for being the most durable type of flooring, well-made engineered timber can last for decades when properly maintained and offers superior scratch resistance.
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It’s Better For The Environment
Engineered timber uses fast-growing plantation timbers that are sustainably harvested. The plantation timbers are used as the engineered substrate layers which are not seen, saving the precious slower-growing species for the top 3-6mm wear layer.
Choosing engineered timber flooring is more than a safe bet when you’re looking for the right type of flooring for your home. With a wide range of styles and finishes to choose from, easy installation, a long lifespan and simple maintenance, engineered timber flooring is an investment in long-lasting comfort and visual appeal.
And if you’re looking for a provider that ticks all the boxes, turn to Royal Oak Floors.
Browse engineered timber flooring products
Royal Oak Floors manufactures the highest quality engineered floorboards to match any style, taste or aesthetic. Our premium engineered oak floorboards showcase the unique colours and features of oak to elevate any interior space. As one of the leaders in delivering high-quality, sustainably made engineered timber flooring, Royal Oak Floors is committed to providing the foundation on which life’s most cherished memories are created.
Discover our collection of engineered timber flooring today. Get in touch to discuss your project or visit us in person at one of our flooring showrooms in Sydney and Melbourne, where you can see and feel the distinction of our engineered timber flooring firsthand and benefit from the expertise of our friendly and knowledgeable staff.
Browse engineered timber flooring products
Royal Oak Floors manufactures the highest quality engineered floorboards to match any style, taste or aesthetic. Our premium engineered oak floorboards showcase the unique colours and features of oak to elevate any interior space.
Discover our collection of engineered timber flooring and get in touch to discuss your project or visit us in person at one of our flooring showrooms.
