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Looking for wood flooring options but are spoilt with choices? Here’s why we think engineered wood flooring is a good idea.
Engineered wood flooring is a great alternative for homeowners that want a rustic wooden vibe and don’t intend to go for hardwood flooring. Engineered wood products can be manufactured with precision to meet various design specifications, therefore ensuring uniformity in their production and performance. 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.
There are various types of engineered wood, the more popular types being plywood, particle board, blockboard and MDF board.
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 flooring, making shelves, cabinets, panels, partitions to larger pieces of furniture. However, engineered wood flooring has its own pros and cons. Here’s a quick comparison between engineered wood flooring and solid wood flooring.
Engineered Wood Flooring VS Solid Wood Flooring
Unlike engineered wood, solid wood flooring is made of solid hardwood. The basic difference between solid wood and engineered wood in terms of flooring is that solid wood flooring can be re-finished and sanded many times during its lifespan. However, a 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 make a decision between the two.
Variety of Engineered Wood Flooring
Engineered wood 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 have fewer variants in types and colours as compared to solid wood boards.
Engineered Wood Flooring For Water And Heat Resistance
While both varieties of floorboards are heat-resistant, engineered wood is a recommended 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 as well.
Care And Cleaning For Engineered Wood Flooring
Both types of wood flooring can be easily cleaned using routine sweeping and vacuuming methods. Engineered wood and solid wood flooring can also be occasionally cleaned by damp mopping using an approved wood cleaner. Neither of the two is supposed to be cleaned using steam or by throwing water.
Durability And Maintenance For Engineered Wood Flooring
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.
Flooring Cost For Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Although there is not too much of a difference in the cost, engineered wood flooring costs slightly less than solid wood flooring due to the nature and the type of material and finishes used.
Engineered Hardwood Flooring Lifespan
Due to its durability, solid wood flooring can last longer compared to engineered wood flooring, if maintained properly. The lifespan of engineered wood is significantly less, standing at 20-30 years.
Gauging from the pros and cons of each of these materials, it’s always advised that you seek guidance from a home interior expert as per your needs and requirements. 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 make it quite the versatile and go-to option for designers and clients alike.
And if you are seeking wood flooring options for your Indian home, you can connect with our top interior designers at DesignCafe to get a free quote and start designing the home of your dreams today!
In the meantime, check out our other blogs on flooring ideas below:
