Hardwood Flooring vs Engineered Timber Floors

Hardwood Flooring vs Engineered Timber Flooring

‍
 
The flooring you choose in your new home build or renovation can really make or break a space!  It might seem like a simple enough choice, there’s actually a lot to consider when selecting your flooring, such as your budget, room utility, style of the room/home and more.  We’ve discussed the pros and cons of natural stone versus ceramic stone in a previous article  , so our focus in this article is on hardwood timber floors versus engineered flooring. 

‍
 
HARDWOOD
 
Hardwood has always been very popular, not only because it looks gorgeous and suits a variety of different interior design schemes but also because it’s resilient and durable when looked after properly! Let’s look at the pros and cons of hardwood below:

‍
 
PROS
 
It’s real wood. Authentic and traditional, many people love timber because it’s straight from nature.
 
With proper care and maintenance, it can last a very long time! In fact, it can stand up to 5 refinishes to remove surface scratches.
 
Immediately gives a natural warmth to your home.
 
 
CONS
 
It is one of the most expensive flooring types and requires professional installation to ensure a good finish.
 
It’s not suitable for wet areas such as a laundry or bathroom, as when it’s exposed to moisture over a period of time, it can cause the timber to warp.
 
Requires a lot of maintenance every few years to get rid of scratches and marks as well as fading, which can happen in areas exposed to UV rays throughout the day.

‍
 
 
ENGINEERED
 
Engineered wood floors are becoming very popular as a replacement for hardwood timber flooring. In essence, engineered floors feature a real wood veneer over a middle core of plywood and then a supporting base layer.   Engineered timber combine the benefits of real timber floors with the versatility of a floating floor design. Read on about the pros and cons of engineered timber below:

‍
PROS
 
As mentioned previously, engineered timber has a real timber look and feel.
 
They also have greater stability and are more durable compared to solid timber floors, so a great option for high traffic areas of the home.
 
They are much easier to install as they have already been finished, prior to installation.
 
 
CONS
 
While it’s a much simpler installation, it still requires a professional to install (so no DIY with these, please!)
 
The cost can be just as high as real timber floors in some cases and can also have a shorter lifespan.
 
Can also be susceptible to water damage, so not idea for wet areas.
 
 
There you have it! The pros and cons of both real timber and engineered timber flooring. Both are great options, it’s just a matter of working out which is going to best suit your home and your lifestyle.
 

‍