Walnut Engineered Wood Flooring FAQ's
What Is Walnut Engineered Wood Flooring?
Walnut engineered wood flooring has been purposefully designed and built. It is made up of a solid hardwood top layer and a base of 3-12 layers of plywood. Due to its hardwood top layer, engineered wood flooring is a very convincing replica of solid wood. One of the defining characteristics of engineered wood flooring is that it is made up of different layers, these layers run in different directions which makes engineered wood flooring incredibly stable.
Walnut engineered wood flooring is naturally darker and richer than the natural oak species of engineered wood flooring and will give your home the warmth and coziness it deserves. Engineered wood flooring is available in a wide range of finishes and colors, as well as different styles such as parquet and herringbone flooring.
Is Walnut Engineered Wood Flooring Popular?
Our range of walnut engineered wood flooring has proven very popular with our customers. Walnut floors have a naturally rich, dark color tone that can be enhanced with a finish of your choice. A walnut floor will give your home a warm, rustic feel perfect for dark winter nights curled up next to the fire!
How Is Engineered Wood Flooring Made?
Engineered wood flooring is made by taking 3 to 12 layers of plywood and gluing them on top of each other, with a top layer of real wood. The construction of engineered wood flooring means that it is more stable and durable than solid wood flooring.
Is Engineered Wood Flooring Waterproof?
No, engineered wood flooring is not waterproof. Although it can withstand small amounts of spillages, it’s best to clean them straightaway or within 2-3 hours of the spillage occurring. If puddles are left for long periods of time, the liquid can seep into the cracks causing warping and discoloration.
Is Engineered Wood Flooring Suitable For Kitchens?
Due to its unique composition, engineered wood floors are durable enough to withstand high volumes of activity, as well as high levels of moisture and humidity. Although they’re not 100% waterproof, engineered wood flooring can work well in kitchens.
We recommend using a lacquer finish in kitchens, which provides an impermeable top layer and offers greater protection. As long as you clean up small spillages as soon as possible, your engineered wood floor will look great in your kitchen for years to come.
Is Engineered Wood Flooring Suitable For Bathrooms?
As engineered wood flooring isn’t waterproof, we don’t recommend it for use in bathrooms.
If you are looking for flooring that is 100% waterproof, check out our LVT flooring range which is ideal for bathrooms.
How Do I Keep My Engineered Wood Flooring In Top Condition?
Engineered wood flooring is highly durable and will withstand the pressures of any busy household. That said, there are a few things you can do to keep your flooring in excellent condition and looking as good as when it was first laid:
- A daily sweep or clean with a damp mop.
- Mopping up spillages as soon as possible to avoid staining.
- Reapplying oils on a regular basis to ensure your floor has maximum protection.
Does Engineered Wood Flooring Need Underlay?
Engineered wood flooring is dense enough to be laid without an underlay. However, for a professional finish and the best possible results, we always recommend using an underlay.
Underlay is a thin layer of cushioning material that is placed between the subfloor and the wood flooring. There are a couple of advantages to installing underlay under your engineered wood floor, for example, it will give you an even subfloor.
Installing underlay will smooth out your subfloor and make it even, so you’ll be able to lay your engineered wood floor on an even ground which will offer your home more stability. Underlay can also help with comfort. It will add an extra layer to your flooring making it softer and more comfortable beneath your feet. It will also help with insulation, making your rooms warmer and improving energy efficiency.
Can Engineered Wood Flooring Be Installed Over Ceramic Tile?
Engineered wood can be installed over ceramic tile however, you need to ensure that the tile is in good condition before installing your engineered wood flooring. If the tile is damaged or uneven then it will cause problems for your new floors such as creaking, hollowness, and uneven planks.
Does Engineered Wood Flooring Scratch Easily?
Like any wood floor, engineered wood flooring can be susceptible to scratches, but will withstand the usual pressures of daily use, even in busy family households.
However, the solid wood top layer can be sanded down and refinished if it does become heavily scratched, meaning your engineered wood floor can look brand new for years without you having to worry about any damage.
You can also choose from a selection of finishes that will not only add to your floors' appearance but also protect them from scratching. Two of the best options are oil and lacquer. Oils soak into the wood to strengthen it whereas, lacquer is a thicker finish that offers more protection.
Can Engineered Wood Floors Be Sanded And Refinished?
Yes, engineered wood floors can be sanded and refinished. The number of times you can sand and refinish your flooring depends on the thickness of the top layer.
How Long Does Engineered Wood Flooring Last?
Thanks to the durability and stability of engineered wood floors they can last for decades. If looked after properly, engineered wood floors can last up to 30 years.
Does Engineered Wood Need To Acclimate?
We recommend acclimatising your engineered wood floor so that it can become used to the conditions of your home before it is installed. Even though it is more stable than solid wood flooring, engineered wood floors will still move slightly so it’s best to let them acclimate before installation. We recommend a minimum of two days between receiving your floor and installing it.