Engineered Wood Flooring

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What is Engineered Flooring?

Engineered wood flooring is an excellent alternative to solid wood flooring and looks just as good. It is made up of a variety of layers, including wood as its core layer, beneath a hardwood veneer. The hardwood veneer is the most important part, as it is what we look at every day once the flooring has been laid.

The top layer will have a coating on that has been treated using various methods to give it a unique finish, such as:

The brushed finish, which exposes the natural grain of the wood so that the knots and lines are prominent
The fumed finish, which can highlight the knots by darkening the wood.
The varnish finish, which protects the surfaces, ensuring that it is durable.
A matt finish, which means that the flooring has no natural shine.
Whitewashing, a lightening of the wood whilst still highlighting the natural grain.
Staining the wood, which ultimately emphasises the grain.
Tumble edge, a distinct technique that is used to distress a new floor, to give the appearance of a floor that has been worn down by age.

Whilst most types of engineering flooring will be fitted in straight planks for a more traditional look, you might also choose to purchase one in a pattern, including: 3-strip and herringbone, which ultimately create a patchwork style of flooring to create a distinctive pattern. One of the most popular choices we offer at Howarth is engineered oak wood flooring, which is the most popular type of real wood as it is the most stable, all whilst still delivering an authentic wood warm and texture.

Engineered wood flooring is manufactured from 100% natural wood and is suitable for sanding and refinishing as necessary. It is ideal for home, office, and high-traffic commercial applications. It combines the natural beauty of wood with a flooring that is strong, secure, and reliable. It can also be offered in a range of different colours, with grey engineered wood flooring being the most popular option.

For further information and expert advice on engineering wood flooring, please contact your friendly local Howarth branch.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an engineered wood floor last?

Engineered wood flooring can last up to 20 to 100 years.

What is the difference between engineered and solid wood flooring?

There are many differences between engineered and solid wood flooring, with both differing in longevity, durability, and wear and tear. Engineered wood floors are usually made from several layers of wood which are tightly pressed together. This will help give the floor some ‘give,’ and make it a lot more comfortable underfoot. Solid wood flooring on the other hand is cut from a single piece of timber which is then treated and sized before installation, meaning it will last a lot longer than engineered wood. As for durability, engineered wood is a lot more resilient due to the fact that it is able to deal with moisture better than solid wood flooring, which can shrink in hot, dry environments, or will contain moisture and expand in cold environments. Wear and tear can exist in any kind of flooring, including engineered and solid wood flooring. Engineered wood can have more ‘bounce’ and comfort, but surface scratches can be difficult to deal with due to its ‘layering’ formation, as it can’t be repeatedly sanded down. Solid wood, on the other hand, can be sanded down and resurfaced multiple times over the course of a lifetime.

Can you glue engineered wood flooring?

Engineered hardwood floors can be glued or nailed into position.

How to treat engineered wood flooring.

To treat engineered wood flooring, clean it regularly, deal with spillages quickly and efficiently, and repair if need be.

What thickness underlay for engineered wood flooring?

You will need an underlay with a thickness of 2-3mm for engineered wood flooring.

Why choose engineered wood flooring?

Engineered wood flooring is cost-efficient, easier to install than solid wood flooring, and has increased moisture resistance.

Can I paint engineered wood flooring?

Yes, you can paint engineered wood flooring.

Can you polish engineered wood flooring?

Yes, you can use polish on engineered wood flooring.

Can I use engineered wood floor in kitchens?

Yes, you can use engineered wood floors in kitchens. Engineered wood in kitchens is especially good due to how it is generally more receptive to changes in weather and is more resistant to moisture and humidity than regular wood flooring. It also comes in a wide variety of wood types and finishes. So therefore, having engineered wood flooring in kitchens will mean that it can withstand pretty much anything that your busy kitchen throws at it.

How much does engineered wood flooring cost?

On average, the cost of engineered wood flooring in the UK for a 5m x 5m room could cost anywhere between £500-£2750 depending on the grade of the wood itself. A square metre of wood flooring itself costs between £35-£60 per square, with labour being around £250 per day.