When it comes to choosing the right flooring for your home or business, there are many options to consider. Two popular choices are engineered timber and solid timber flooring. But what’s the difference between the two, and which one is right for you? In this post, we’ll break down the key differences to help you make an informed decision, and why our company only deals with the engineered variety.
Composition:
Engineered timber flooring is made from multiple layers of wood, with a thin layer of real timber on top – usually between 2-6mm. The layers are typically made from plywood or high-density fibreboard (HDF).
Solid timber flooring is made from a single piece of wood, which is typically 12-20mm thick.
Stability:
Engineered timber flooring is more stable because of its layered construction, which helps it resist expansion and contraction. It’s a better option for areas with higher moisture levels or temperature fluctuations, giving you a perfect finish for many years to come.
Solid timber flooring can expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity, which can cause warping and cupping over time, hence leaving you with potential problems, such as refurbishment costs.
With the constant temperature fluctuations we have here in Australia, especially in southern parts of Victoria – Melbourne, Geelong and the surf coast being great examples, engineered timber would be a great choice for places like these.
Installation:
Engineered timber flooring can be installed using a floating floor system, which means the boards are not fixed to the subfloor. This can make installation faster and easier, and it can also be used over concrete slabs. Our company Does Not Recommend this method though, as mentioned above, the constant expansion and contraction of the flooring can lead to problems down the track.
It Is Highly Recommended that the engineered timber flooring be directly bonded to the substrate, which can be over particleboard, timber, or concrete. Installed by experienced professionals, this will guarantee less natural movement and provide you a flawless finish for many years.
Solid timber flooring is usually glued and nailed down to a subfloor, which can be a time-consuming process. It’s also a more expensive procedure to install over concrete slabs due to an underlayment needing be installed between the concrete and the flooring itself.
Cost:
Engineered timber flooring is more affordable because it uses less real timber and more man-made materials. It also comes pre-finished meaning once installed, you have a finished product, reducing the time involved in the installation process.
Solid timber flooring is generally more expensive because it’s made from a single piece of wood, and after installation it still needs to be sanded back and polished, maximising the time associated with the installation procedure.
Maintenance:
Both engineered timber and solid timber flooring can be sanded and refurbished, although solid timber can be refurbished more times because of the thickness of it.
In conclusion, Engineered timber flooring typically requires less maintenance because it’s more resistant to wear and tear and moisture damage. Choosing the right flooring for your home or business is an important decision, and there are many factors to consider. Engineered timber and solid timber flooring both have their pros and cons, so it’s important to think about your priorities and budget. If you want longevity rather than a traditional look, engineered timber flooring is hands-down the best option for you. Ultimately, the decision is up to you.