Home renovation is an exciting time as it can dramatically change the look and feel of your home. Finding that perfect finish is an important decision. Many people are opting to lay wood flooring as an alternative to carpet as it gives a polished sleek look which is easy to maintain and keep clean.
However, it’s not just the look that you should be considering, you also need to think about whether or not you want your wood flooring to be engineered or solid as there are significant differences between the two. Below we offer some insight into engineered and solid hardwood flooring.
Solid wood flooring
Let us start with solid wood flooring which can offer many benefits for homeowners. It is strong, hardwearing, and durable and once laid it is unlikely that it will ever need to be replaced. The way solid wood flooring is structured it does not scratch or damage making it a highly cost-effective investment. It also does not attract dust or mold which only adds to its low maintenance.
Be warned, you should not use solid wood floorings if you are planning on using them in high-temperature areas of the home such as the bathroom or with underfloor heating. The reason is that solid wood floors have trouble expanding and contracting in a heated environment. It is unable to withstand the effects of moisture which means it is not suitable for bathrooms and conservatories.
Engineered wood flooring
On the flip side engineered wood flooring is perfect for underfloor heating as it can withstand high levels of moisture as well as changes in temperature. Engineered wood flooring also retains the heat making it a much better option than carpet, it also has energy-saving properties which will help with the heating bills.
Another plus point with engineered wood flooring is that it is much cheaper while delivering aesthetic similarities to that of solid wood flooring. This is mainly due to how it is manufactured making it an ideal choice for bathrooms and rooms with underfloor heating.
Verdict
Both solid and engineered wood flooring will offer their own pros and cons, so it is worth considering both options before you make your final decision. It will also depend on what home improvement project you are taking on. Either way both kinds of wood flooring will look fantastic once laid and will give your home a new look and feel.