Understanding engineered real wood flooring

Engineered wood flooring is a floating wooden floor (not fixed to the subfloor) made from multiple layers of real wood. It has the same look and feel as a solid wood floor but is more dimensionally stable and suitable for a wider range of installations due to its layered method of construction.

How is engineered wood flooring constructed?

Engineered wood flooring is constructed from multiple layers of plywood, laid in alternating directions for extra strength and dimensional stability, topped with a real wood veneer layer in the species and finish of your choice. The layers are glued and pressed together to form an extremely strong and stable floor. The top veneer layer is usually of a thickness between 0.5mm and 6mm, with 3-4mm being a common thickness – this thickness of veneer would generally allow the floor to be sanded approximately 4 or 5 times throughout its life.

Why would I choose an engineered wooden floor?

Engineered wood flooring is generally easier to install than a solid wooden floor, and once installed, it is extremely difficult to tell the difference between solid and engineered floors. It comes in a huge range of styles and finishes, is strong and stable and suitable for use throughout the home including areas that may be unsuitable for solid wood. Depending on the thickness of the veneer top layer, an engineered wood floor can be sanded multiple times over its lifetime and refinished to look as good as new.

Where can I fit engineered flooring?

The stability that comes from the alternating plywood layers used in its construction means that engineered wood flooring is more suitable for areas of the home that may have greater variation in moisture levels and temperature such as kitchens, bathrooms, basements and conservatories. This extra tolerance of temperature variation means that in general, engineered wood flooring is also more suitable for use with underfloor heating systems.

How do I install engineered flooring?

Engineered wood flooring is generally installed as a floating floor with an underlay being used between the subfloor and the flooring. Boards are most commonly fixed together using the built in locking edges, or sometimes with the more traditional glued tongue and groove edges. Installation procedures may vary according to the particular engineered flooring in question – always check the instructions of the manufacturer.