1. THINK ABOUT TECHNICAL PRACTICALITIES AS WELL AS HOW THE FLOOR LOOKS
There are important questions to ask yourself before installing engineered wood flooring. These questions include: where will the floor be fitted, will it be installed over underfloor heating, will it be installed next to other floor coverings such as tile, and how will this impact the thickness that is needed?
2. BE AWARE OF THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF ENGINEERED WOOD AVAILABLE
There are a few different constructions available when it comes to engineered wood flooring, such as 2-ply (two layers of wood), or 3-ply (three layers of wood). The most important factor when looking into the construction of an engineered wood floor is what the layers are made from.
3. ENGINEERED WOOD FLOORING IS IDEAL FOR UNDERFLOOR HEATING.
Engineered wood flooring is the best type of wood flooring to use with an underfloor heating system because it copes well with changes in floor temperature, unlike natural wood flooring which can warp or be damaged.
4. CHOOSE ENGINEERED WOOD FLOORS THAT HAVE GOOD QUALITY THICKNESS TO ENSURE THEY LAST
Within the industry, 10mm/12mm-20mm thicknesses are pretty standard for engineered floors, but it’s the construction of the floor that you want to look into to make sure that every layer is made from good quality material. Some wood floor companies may use low-grade cores to save costs, or they may use a very thin wear layer. If you are after practical kitchen flooring ideas, this may not fare too well in a busy kitchen.
5. YOU CAN INSTALL ENGINEERED WOOD IN THE BATHROOM
Engineered wood is a good bathroom flooring idea because, unlike solid wood flooring, it is not prone to water damage and expanding or contracting in different temperatures.
6. THERE ARE A RANGE OF FINISHES AND STYLES AVAILABLE
The top layer of engineered wood is solid wood which gives you the same variety of styles and finishes as if you are opting for solid wood flooring ideas. You can choose from planks, herringbone, or chevron, all of which are extremely popular designs for wood flooring, or you can choose something that makes more of a statement like a geometric panel.
7. ENGINEERED WOOD FLOORING IS A SUSTAINABLE CHOICE
Engineered wood flooring is just as sustainable as a solid wood floor, as wood is a renewable material making it an eco-friendly flooring choice. When you’re looking to choose a wood floor, make sure you check the environmental credentials of the product as well as the credentials of the company selling it. 'Make sure that the floor is FSC or PEFC certified — these are both independent bodies who certify that wood comes from sustainably managed forests and that the chain of custody of the supply chain is sustainable all the way through,' says Robert.