No one can deny the luxury and timeless beauty of engineered wood floors. However, opting for such floors is difficult and expensive, they look classic anywhere. These floors are basically a variant of hardwood flooring. The only difference is that wood is not 100% solid in engineered wood floors. Are you considering such floors over laminate or solid hardwood? Read on and by the end of this blog, you’ll be able to decide whether it is good to have engineered wood floors.
Advantages And Drawbacks Of Engineered Wood Floors
Advantages
- Durability
When it comes to durability, none of the flooring types can beat engineered wood floors. Moreover, your manufacturer can refinish these floors whenever needed to make them long-lasting.
- Versatility
From antique to modern, these floors are available in lots of variety to choose from. That is the reason why this flooring type is a popular choice.
- Aesthetics
Engineered wood floors give a feel of natural wood which is why it is widely used in kitchens. Don’t you think this real look is the icing on the cake? Definitely, it is!
- A Perfect Partner For Under-floor Heating
Unlike solid wood, engineered wood floors are perfect to install over under-floor heating. The only restriction is to keep in mind the thickness of the board as it should not be more than 14mm.
Disadvantages
Despite offering the above advantages, engineered wood floors have various drawbacks too. Let’s move on to the ride we’re trying to take you on to let you know the detailed downsides of having such floors;
- Susceptible to Fading
These floors become susceptible to fading upon prolonged exposure to sunlight. You can, however, overcome the problem by using blinds or drapes to protect your floors.
- Least Resistant To Scratches And Dents
No matter how much you keep care of these floors, the material is still susceptible to scratches and dents, reducing the overall aesthetic appeal of your home.
- Maintenance
You have to regularly clean or vacuum engineered wood floors to get rid of visible debris and dust. You can do this with water but make sure to use a limited amount of water otherwise higher moisture content can lead to wood decay. Ideally, cleaning with a damp cloth is preferred.
- Poor Moisture Resistance
Another major drawback to these floors is they will soak significant content of moisture with time. It can be hazardous for your health because it encourages the growth of mould fungi and other microbes. So, if you are an asthma patient, you can’t opt for engineered wood floors.
- Cost
Another main reason why people can’t opt for these floors is they are an expensive option. The average cost is usually between 4-7 dollars per square foot, depending upon the brand manufacturer.
Despite engineered wood floors offering a lot of advantages, it offers lots of disadvantages too. If you are getting confused between engineered wood floors and solid hardwood, you may have to go with the latter one because its benefits are incredibly great. But, if you are opting for engineered wood floors, you may have to keep in mind their detailed pros and cons!