Engineered Timber Vs. Hardwood Solid Timber Floor
When choosing the right type of timber for your flooring, you may be faced with a decision between engineered wood and solid hardwood timber. Both options offer unique benefits, but it’s essential to understand the differences before making a final decision. This article will explore each type of timber, why they are used, and where they come from.
What is Engineered Timber?
Engineered timber is a type of flooring comprising multiple layers of wood veneer glued together in a cross-grain pattern. The engineered timber’s top layer is solid wood, while the layers beneath are made from plywood or high-density fiberboard (HDF). The layers are bonded using heat and pressure to create a stable and durable product.
Why do we use Engineered Timber?
Engineered timber is a popular choice for flooring due to its durability, stability, and moisture resistance. The cross-grain construction of the flooring makes it less susceptible to expansion and contraction from changes in temperature and humidity, making it an ideal choice for areas with high moisture levels, such as basements or kitchens. Additionally, engineered timber is more cost-effective than solid hardwood timber and can be installed over various subfloor types.
Where does Engineered Timber come from?
Engineered timber has been around for over 50 years and was initially developed to solve solid hardwood timber’s high cost and limited availability. The process of engineering timber involves using wood unsuitable for solid timber flooring, such as small or damaged pieces, and combining them to create a more stable and durable product.
What is Hardwood Solid Timber?
Hardwood solid timber is a type of flooring made from a single piece of wood that is typically 18mm-22mm in thickness. The timber is harvested from various hardwood trees, including oak, maple, and walnut, and is milled to create planks that are then sanded and finished.
Why do we use Hardwood Solid Timber?
Hardwood solid timber is a popular choice for flooring due to its natural beauty, durability, and longevity. The solid construction of the timber makes it highly resistant to wear and tear, and it can be refinished multiple times over its lifespan to restore its original beauty. Hardwood timber flooring can add significant value to a home and is a timeless choice that always stays in style.
Where does Hardwood Solid Timber come from?
Hardwood timber is harvested from forests worldwide, including North America, Europe, and Asia. The process of harvesting and milling hardwood timber is a highly specialized process that requires skilled workers and specialized equipment. Due to the limited availability of hardwood timber and the high cost of harvesting and processing it, solid hardwood timber flooring is typically more expensive than engineered timber.
Conclusion
When choosing between engineered timber and hardwood solid timber flooring, each has pros and cons. Engineered timber is a more cost-effective option that is highly resistant to moisture and can be installed over various subfloor types. Hardwood solid timber, on the other hand, offers natural beauty and durability that can add significant value to a home. Choosing between the two will ultimately depend on your budget, lifestyle, and personal preferences.
