Engineered wood flooring has been a true game changer in the flooring industry. It has steadily become one of the most popular flooring options and it’s easy to see why. The benefits of engineered wood flooring vs solid wood flooring are most definitely worth knowing about if you’re considering purchasing a wood floor. Engineered wood flooring looks and feels just like luxurious solid wood but is more versatile – it can withstand rapid changes in temperatures and its intelligent locking system makes it very easy to install, whether floating or completely glued.

Engineered wood flooring vs solid wood flooring

Once installed, it’s almost impossible to tell the difference between solid and engineered wood flooring, but the difference for your long-term living experience, floor lifespan and budget are revolutionary. Engineered wood floors are also a far more environmentally friendly option over solid wood floors. Solid wood requires a significant amount of wood – the majority of which is not necessary since it remains below the surface. Engineered wood is therefore a much more sustainable option.

Engineered wood floors remain one of the most misunderstood flooring materials. If it looks the same as solid wood flooring, why not opt for that? The reason why engineered wood flooring is, in many ways, a better option lies beneath the surface. You know what they say – it's what underneath that counts!

How is engineered wood flooring made?

The creative construction behind engineered wood flooring is where the magic happens. The top layer is a beautiful plank of solid wood and is the most important point of consideration when choosing your new floor. In the same way solid wood celebrates the natural earthiness of wood and transforms a room, an engineered wood floor is a timeless classic that brings elegance to any interior, both modern and traditional.

The second layer is what makes engineered wood flooring so durable: a strong layer of plywood or fibreboard is glued to the solid wood plank. When this second layer is glued to the final stabilising back layer, the tensions within the wood are balanced out, which in turn prevents the wood from bending in areas of changing moisture.

How does it work?

The layering technology is the reason why engineered wood flooring is compatible with underfloor heating, as it stops the wood swelling and shrinking as temperatures change. In an environment where temperature and moisture levels fluctuate, such as in kitchens and bathrooms, solid wood expands and contracts significantly, but engineered wood is less affected. This is a huge benefit of engineered wood flooring because the movement you can find in solid wood can create gaps and bends, damaging the aesthetic and quality of your floor. This is a key point to consider when considering the advantages of engineered wood flooring vs. solid wood flooring.

Choosing your engineered wood floor

At Carpet and Flooring Online, you can choose planks from world leading brands Panaget and Parador in a variety of colours, styles and wood species. Whatever interior style you want to create, you will be sure to find your dream floor in our collections.

In the same way every tree is unique, so is every plank. You can choose from light shades to dramatic darks, from contemporary aesthetics to beautiful rustics. Although the colour of your plank plays a key role in your creative vision, it’s important to think about what grade of engineered wood you are looking for, which refers to the appearance of the planks and their surface markings. Learn more about grading here. 

When taken care of, an engineered wood floor will last for generations and continue to bring elegance and natural beauty to your home. Its durability makes it excellent value for money and due to being consciously sourced, is also an environmentally friendly option.

If you’d like to learn more about our engineered wood flooring collection, or have any questions you need answering, then get in touch! A member of our friendly team can guide you through the research process and help you find the perfect floor for your home.