This blog breaks down the basics of engineered wood, a material commonly used in the world of interior design, for you.
When it comes to wooden flooring, there is a lot to weigh in while making the right decision for your house. Here’s your guide to everything about engineered wood flooring.
What Is Engineered Wood And What Are Its Types?
Engineered wood, alternatively also known as mass-timber, composite wood, manmade wood or manufactured board, is essentially a term for a variety of derivative wood products. These panels are manufactured by binding or fixing strands, particles, fibres, veneers, boards of wood together into a composite material, with the use of adhesives or other methods of binding.
Engineered wood products can be manufactured with precision to meet various design specifications, and therefore ensure uniformity in their production and performance.
There are various types of engineered wood, the more popular types being plywood, particleboard, blockboard and MDF board.
Now let us take a look at them in detail along with their underlying benefits so you can make an informed decision once you decide to start your home interior project.
Where Is Engineered Wood Used In Interiors?
Engineered wood is extensively used in interior design in Indian homes. The different varieties of engineered wood are used in the flooring, making shelves, cabinets, panels, partitions to larger pieces of furniture. Here, we will be focusing on the use and pros and cons of engineered wood flooring as compared to solid wood flooring.
Engineered Wood Flooring VS Solid Wood Flooring
True to its name, solid wood flooring is entirely made up of solid hardwood. The basic difference between solid and engineered wood in terms of flooring is that solid wood flooring can be re-finished and sanded many times during its lifespan. However, relatively thinner engineered wood flooring can be given this treatment only once. While both are good options to consider for flooring, here is a brief comparison between their features to help you take your pick.
The Look
Engineered hardwood floorboards are generally wider as compared to solid wood floorboards. Engineered wood boards are always available in a pre-finished state while solid wood ones are also available in unfinished state. Engineered wood boards come in less variety and colours as against solid wood boards.
Water And Heat Resistance
While both varieties of floorboards are quite heat resistant engineered wood is a better option for flooring since it fares better when it comes to being resistant to moisture or humidity. Generally, both types of floorboards can survive in extremely wet locations.
Care And Cleaning
Both types of wood flooring can be easily cleaned using routine sweeping and vacuuming methods. Both types can be occasionally cleaned by damp mopping using an approved wood cleaner. Neither of the two are supposed to be cleaned using steam or by throwing water.
Durability And Maintenance
Solid wood flooring has the upper hand when it comes to durability between solid and engineered wood flooring. As discussed previously, solid wood flooring can be sanded and refinished several times during the course of its life, while engineered wood flooring can be attended to just once or twice. For the purpose of maintenance, renewing the surface varnish coat every few years helps in keeping the wooden flooring looking as good as new.
The Cost
Although there is not too much of a difference in the costing, engineered wood flooring costs slightly less than solid wood flooring.
Lifespan Of Both Types Of Wood
Due to its durability, solid wood flooring can last for hundreds of years if maintained properly. The lifespan of engineered wood is somewhere around 20-30 years.
While there are several points of differences between solid wood and engineered wood flooring there is no clear winner as the decision can be solely based on what one needs out of the product. That being said, engineered wood definitely fares well in terms of quality and cost-effectiveness not just for flooring but also for furniture.
This is why it is one of the most sought after products used in interior design. Its precision and ability to customise as per design requirements makes it quite the versatile and go-to option for designers and clients alike.
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