What is engineered wood flooring?

Unlike solid wood flooring, engineered timber flooring is comprised of a series of layers with a layer of real wood on top. In the lower layers you have a stable base and a click fitting system, making it much easier to lay than solid wood flooring

Thanks to its construction, engineered wood is more likely to resist warping and bowing in humid environments, particularly if it has a water-resistant finish. This makes it more kitchen and bathroom friendly when compared to a solid wood floor.

It’s more expensive than laminate flooring however, if maintained properly, it’s likely to last twice as long as cheaper laminate making it a better investment for you and the environment. Another plus to engineered flooring over solid wood flooring is that it is compatible with both water based and electric underfloor heating systems so you can have a cosy floor all year round.

Compared to the likes of luxury vinyl flooring and laminate flooring, engineered wood scratches easier as the top layer is a veneered wood. However, it tends to be more durable than the solid wood alternative thanks to its veneer finish. And, like real wood flooring, the type of wood used will also have an impact. For example, a harder wood like hickory or maple will be more hardy than softer woods like walnut and cherry.

Something to also keep in mind when choosing your flooring is that most engineered wood flooring cannot be sanded down due to its veneer finish. There are some that can but check with the manufacturer before purchase to be 100% sure of this.

You can learn more about the differences between LVT vs engineered wood in our guide.

Firstly, make sure it’s the ideal flooring for your space by checking the room suitability, not all engineered wood has a water-resistant coating and could therefore be unsuitable for a humid room. All our engineered wood flooring ranges can be used in hallways and living areas (lounge, dining room, bedroom and office) but only a selected few ranges are also suitable for bathrooms and kitchens.

An additional benefit to consider is the backing or underlay, is it integrated and what is it made from? Most of our engineered wood ranges have a 1mm cork underlay which provides good sound absorption, added comfort and is better for the environment. If it doesn’t have an underlay attached, then this will need to be purchased separately.

Finally, choose a lacquered finish, particularly one with a UV finish as this will protect against fading. A lacquered finish will provide greater protection against spills and marks, and they’re better suited to high traffic environments over an oiled finish. As it is a tougher finish, it won’t need as much maintenance as an oiled floor, which needs to be reoiled regularly to stop the wood from drying out.

If you’re wanting to DIY your new floor, check out our engineered flooring fitting guides. You can also learn how to maintain your new engineered flooring with our helpful cleaning and maintenance guide.