Your choice of flooring can greatly affect your home’s appearance and ambience — it’s a design cue that can make or break your space and serves as a foundation for the rest of your interior decor.
One popular option is engineered timber flooring. From aesthetics and durability to sustainability and easy maintenance, there are many benefits of engineered timber flooring. However, if you’re still on the fence about using this type of material for your flooring, we’re here to convince you why engineered hardwood flooring is a smart choice for your home and finally help settle the debate between engineered timber flooring vs. solid timber.
Danish White Oak Floorboards
What is engineered timber flooring?
If you’re wondering what engineered timber flooring is, it’s a premium alternative to solid timber, made from a genuine hardwood surface layered over a stable, multi-ply core for strength and durability.
Why use engineered timber flooring?
- Superior durability — One of the key benefits of engineered timber flooring is its remarkable durability. Because engineered wood flooring is made of several cross-laminated layers, it is less prone to expansion and contraction. The grain strength of the boards is distributed in various directions because the grain of each layer is perpendicular to the layer behind it. This increases the structural strength of each board while minimising the warping and shrinking problems that can occur with solid wood flooring.
- Versatility — The availability of engineered wood flooring in various designs and finishes is another strong reason why you should go with engineered timber flooring. Whether you like the classic elegance of oak or the exotic charm of cherry, you’re sure to find one that can accommodate your preferred interior aesthetics.
- Ease of maintenance — Engineered wood flooring requires less upkeep. Unlike solid wood, engineered timber flooring boasts a smooth, sealed surface that repels stains, dirt and dust, making regular sweeping and occasional mopping the only cleaning methods required.
- An environmentally friendly choice — Engineered timber comes from fast-growing plantation timbers that are sustainably harvested. Additionally, the manufacturing process generates less waste and consumes fewer resources compared to solid wood flooring production.
Overall, when comparing engineered timber flooring vs. solid wood flooring, the former represents a good investment in longevity and beauty. Engineered hardwood flooring is a smart choice for those looking for a stylish option that offers the same beautiful, natural look and feel of solid hardwood floors without the time-consuming maintenance and care.
Tanned Oak Timber Flooring
Engineered timber flooring pros and cons
Engineered timber flooring is a sophisticated choice that blends the timeless appeal of real timber with modern performance. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros
- Natural beauty — Features a real hardwood surface for an authentic timber look and feel.
- Superior stability — Multi-layered construction reduces warping, cupping and movement.
- Versatile design — Available in a range of colours, finishes and board sizes to suit any interior.
- Compatible with underfloor heating — Suitable for modern homes with advanced heating systems.
- Easier installation — More flexible to install than solid timber, with multiple installation methods.
Cons
- Limited refinishing — Depending on the thickness of the wear layer, sanding and refinishing may be limited.
- Variation in quality — Not all engineered floors are made to the same standard — selecting a reputable brand is essential for longevity and performance.
Engineered timber flooring installation
Installing engineered timber flooring is a flexible and efficient process that delivers a seamless, high-end finish. Here’s how it typically works:
- Choose your flooring style
Selecting the right style is a key part of creating a beautiful space. From light, natural tones to rich, dark hues, our engineered timber flooring is available in a wide range of colours.
- Prepare the space
Clear the room, remove existing flooring and ensure the subfloor is clean, dry and level. Planks should be acclimatised on-site for at least 48 hours before installation.
- Lay the underlay
Install an underlay to act as a moisture barrier and improve sound insulation. Roll it out, trim it to fit and tape the seams securely.
- Start with the first row
Place spacers along the walls for expansion and align the first plank with the tongue side facing the wall. Trim as needed for a perfect fit.
- Lay and join planks
Connect each plank using the tongue-and-groove system, securing them gently with a tapping block. Stagger the joins between rows to create a stable, natural look.
- Finish the last row
Trim the final planks lengthwise if needed, leaving space for expansion and use a pull bar to lock them in place.
With the right preparation and technique, installing engineered timber flooring is a straightforward process that results in a durable, stylish and high-quality finish. If you are unsure what to choose, this guide will help you find the best options based on your aesthetic, lifestyle and project needs.
How to clean engineered timber floors
Knowing how to clean engineered timber floors will help maintain their beauty and extend their lifespan. Thanks to their durable, sealed surface, engineered timber floors are low-maintenance. They only need regular sweeping or vacuuming, with occasional damp mopping using specialist timber floor cleaners.
Royal Oak Floors — specialists in luxury engineered oak and timber flooring
For high-quality engineered timber flooring, look no further than Royal Oak Floors. If you’re exploring engineered timber flooring options, including engineered timber flooring cost, our expert team can guide you. We manufacture premium quality engineered floorboards that can match any aesthetic and showcase the unique colours and features of oak to elevate any interior space.
We also offer a wide range of cleaning products that make maintaining engineered timber flooring a breeze.
Discover the difference in our collection of engineered timber flooring today. Get in touch to discuss your project or visit one of our flooring showrooms in Sydney and Melbourne, where you can see and feel our engineered timber flooring in person and receive personalised guidance from our friendly and knowledgeable staff.
