Engineered Wood: A look below the surface 2020

Initially introduced as a cheaper option to solid wood floors. Engineered wood flooring has since come a long way to take over the wood flooring market. It cuts down on the usage of slow growing wood species. And is also the perfect option as a generally more stable floor. In regions like the Middle East, temperatures and humidity levels fluctuate often. Engineered floors make out to be largely low maintenance providing the excellent look and feel of a real wood floor.

Lovingly known as Semi Solid flooring, Engineered woods provide a Eco-friendly option. They use a very small amount of the hardwoods. Relying more on stabilizing the plank, using different layers of easily attained soft woods. When combined together, creating a viable and stable flooring board with all the perks or a solid plank flooring. The top layer is usually 4 mm thick but can go up to 6 mm for commercial installations.

Image defining the different layers of engineered woods

Whats the secret to Engineered wood?

The innovation lies in the construction. Soft woods at the bottom builds up to finish with a real wood top. Built up to have different layers of wood, with the grain opposing each other gives a testament to the engineering involved in this fantastic innovation.

Wood is a natural material. This leads it to react to the ambient environment, causing it to expand or contract in rising and falling temperatures. Whereas solid wood would experience a lot of movement, this type of construction means that your engineered floor layers move against each other cancelling out any major expansion or contraction leading to a long lasting headache free floor.

Cross grain construction image of the engineered plank

Further Innovations:

Engineered woods do not require much in terms of surface preparation and any type of floor can accommodate a semi solid floor without the need for an expensive re-fit or taking up the existing floor in your house. As long as you have a level floor, you are good to go!

All semi solid floors can go on top of existing floors with the use of an underlay that provides protection as well as dampens reflective sounds. With the introduction of the patented uni-click system, you can now opt for a glue less installation. For a more in-dept discussion on the different installation systems prevalent in the market, please read our blog on To click or not: An ode on installation.

Add a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *