Engineered Wood Flooring FAQ's
What Is Engineered Wood Flooring?
Engineered wood flooring is a composite wood floor, made up of a solid hardwood top layer and a base of between 3-12 layers of structural sublayers, usually plywood.
This construction offers a floor that’s identical in looks to solid wood flooring, as well as enhanced strength, stability, and durability, as well as being extremely good value for money.
Engineered wood flooring is available in a wide range of finishes and colours, as well as different styles such as Parquet and Herringbone Flooring.
How Is Engineered Wood Flooring Made?
Engineered wood flooring is made by taking 3 to 12 layers of plywood (although other wood types are used) and gluing them together, finished with a top layer of real wood (also known as the ‘Wear Layer). This hybrid construction gives an identical finish to solid wood flooring, whilst being incredibly stable and cost-effective.
Is Engineered Wood Flooring Waterproof?
Although engineered wood flooring can withstand small spillages, it’s not 100% waterproof, which is why we don’t recommend it for bathrooms, where lasting water damage could occur. It can be used in kitchens, with care.
Spillages should be cleaned within 2-3 hours to reduce staining and keep your floor looking its best.
Is Engineered Wood Flooring Suitable For Kitchens?
Although it's not 100% waterproof, engineered flooring can work well in kitchens, withstanding most daily spillages and general wear and tear.
We recommend using a lacquered floor in kitchens, which provides an impermeable top layer (usually providing up to 7 extra layers) and offers greater protection. Be sure to clean up small spillages as soon as possible and your engineered wood flooring 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 high water areas such as bathrooms and wetrooms.
If you’re looking for flooring that is suitable for bathrooms, we recommend LVT or some waterproof laminate options, which offer a wood effect, whilst still being able to withstand higher levels of moisture and humidity.
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 peak 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, ensuring your floor has maximum protection
Does Engineered Wood Flooring Need Underlay?
Technically, 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 will help level your subfloor, which is key, as well as providing extra cushioning and comfort underfoot. As well as this, underlay can improve sound absorption and insulation, making rooms warmer, improving efficiency, and reducing noise levels (especially important when your engineered floor is laid in a room that sits above another, such as bedrooms, or in apartments).
Is Engineered Wood Flooring Suitable For Underfloor Heating?
Thanks to its composition, with structural sub-layers allowing for expanding and contracting without warping, engineered wood flooring is well suited for use with water-based underfloor heating. Keep in mind that electric underfloor heating isn’t recommended for use with most wood floors, including engineered as it creates ‘heat spikes’ which can damage your flooring.
At Flooring365 we recommend using Underfloor Heating Underlay, which allows for greater heat dissipation and more efficient heating.
If you’re considering engineered wood flooring with an underfloor heating system but are still unsure which option to choose, contact our team for help and advice.
Can Engineered Wood Flooring Be Installed Over Ceramic Tile?
Yes, it can be installed over ceramic tile and other flat floors using a ‘floating floor’ installation method. However, you need to ensure that the tile is level and in good condition before installing your new floor. If the tile is damaged or uneven it could cause problems 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.
The solid wood top layer, or wear layer, can be sanded and refinished if it does become heavily scratched, meaning your engineered wood floor can look stunning for years without worry.
What’s more, finishing such as oiling or lacquering can further protect your floor from scratches, spillages, and staining, for ultimate peace of mind.
Can Engineered Wood Floors Be Sanded And Refinished?
Yes, engineered 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.
Is Engineered Wood Flooring Hard Wearing?
Yes, engineered wood flooring is incredibly hard-wearing and suitable for most rooms in the house, regardless of footfall.
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.
Remember, engineered wood flooring top layers, or ‘Wear Layers’ mean they can also be sanded and refinished, offering a floor as beautiful as the day it’s first laid.
Visit our maintenance centre for more information on how to properly care for and refinish your engineered wood floors.
Does Engineered Wood Need To Acclimate?
We recommend acclimating engineered hardwood floors so that they 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.