Three Differences Between Solid Wood And Engineered Wood Flooring
Wood flooring is a popular choice for Australian homes. This popularity is because wood floors are durable, easy to clean, and low maintenance. However, when choosing which type of wood flooring suits you best, you must know the differences between each type. For example, knowing the contrasts between solid wood and engineered wood flooring means you make an informed choice about what works best for your home. Here are three differences you must know between these wood flooring types.
Environmentally Friendly
Being environmentally friendly is an important lifestyle choice many homeowners keep in mind when renovating their homes. Sometimes, solid woods floors are a poorer choice for the environment than engineering flooring. Solid wood floor planks are, as their name suggests, made of a solid piece of wood. If this wood plank is not taken from a replanted forest or already fallen timber, then the plank is constructed from a tree specifically cut down to make flooring. Cutting down a tree is not an environmentally-friendly ethos. Engineered wood flooring, by comparison, has a plywood centre bonded to a thin hardwood exterior. The construction of engineered flooring means using less wood to make each plank. Therefore, engineered wood flooring is kinder to the planet.
Water Resistance
Some states, like Queensland, are humid, particularly during the summer. High humidity is not a friend of solid wood floors because of its potential to absorb water and warp. Warping happens when water gets past the outer barrier and leaks into wood fibres. When water seeps into one part of the wood and then dries, the fibres shrink. The stress of this shrinking changes the shape of the solid wood flooring board, also known as warping. While engineered wood flooring may also bend if exposed to excess water or humidity, it will not warp to the same extent as solid wood floors.
Installation And Cleaning
When it comes to installing and then cleaning wood floors, the good news is there is minimal difference between solid wood and engineered flooring. Both types of flooring are nailed to the base of your home. However, some engineered floorboards come as a click-together floating floor system. This option is superior to solid wood in that do-it-yourselfers can install this system themselves, saving on installation costs. However, there is no difference between these flooring types regarding cleaning. You can easily clean both with a broom or dust mop. Remove surface spills and stains with a damp rag.
This knowledge of the differences between solid wood and engineered flooring means you can make an informed choice during your flooring renovation.
