Engineered wooden flooring has become a popular choice among luxury homeowners in India, Bhutan, Nepal, and the UAE due to its durability, aesthetic appeal, and versatility. However, specifying the right type of wood flooring can be a daunting task given the various options available. This comprehensive guide will help you list the key points that you should consider during discussions with vendors so that you can arrive at a good decision.
Understanding Engineered Wooden Flooring
What is Engineered Wooden Flooring?
Engineered wood flooring is composed of multiple layers of wood, with a top layer of hardwood veneer and core layers of plywood, softwood, hardwood or high-density fiberboard (HDF). This construction offers stability and resistance to environmental humidity changes, making it more suitable than solid wood floors. Each material combination though has its own properties and impact on durability, stability and price.
Benefits of Engineered Wood Flooring
Durability:
Engineered wood is more resistant to moisture and temperature changes compared to solid wood. This means that a good quality engineered wood floor can tolerate a wider band of humidity fluctuations and hence look better for longer. Check out this video.
Aesthetic Appeal:
Available in various finishes and styles, Being real wood, it looks exactly like traditional Solid Wood floors.
A solid wood flooring!
Versatility:Suitable for installation over concrete, tiled surfaces, marble, radiant heating systems, and even in basements.
Eco-Friendly:Uses less hardwood per plank compared to solid wood flooring.
Key Considerations When Specifying Engineered Wood Flooring
Thickness and Layers
The thickness of the top hardwood layer and the overall thickness of the plank are crucial factors. A thicker top layer allows for refinishing, extending the floor’s lifespan. Generally, the top layer ranges from 2mm to 6mm, and the total thickness varies from 12mm to 20mm.
Photo credit – © Coswick
Wood Species and Grades
Different wood species offer varied hardness, grain patterns, and colors. Common species include oak, walnut, and teak. The grade of wood (e.g., select, prime, rustic) determines the visual consistency, the presence of knots, imperfections and the price.
Photo credit – © Coswick
Photo credit – © Coswick
Photo credit – © Champaca
Finish and Surface Treatments
Engineered wood flooring comes pre-finished with options like matte, satin, or gloss finishes. Surface treatments such as open grain brushing, hand-scraping, or distressed finishes add texture and character to the flooring.
A silk finish flooring!
Photo credit – © Coswick
Photo credit – © Coswick
Installation Methods
Engineered wood flooring can be installed using several methods:
Floating:Planks are attached to each other and rest on an underlayment. Not fixed permanently so can be easily removed. There are different options in this system as well.
A floating installation method!
Photo credit – © Coswick
Glue-Down:Planks are glued directly to the subfloor, ideal for hard sub floors such as commercial tiles etc.
Photo credit – © Coswick
Nail-Down/Staple:Planks are nailed or stapled to a wooden or plywood sub floor.
Steps to Specify Engineered Wood Flooring
Assess the Environment
Consider the room’s moisture levels, temperature fluctuations, and the type of subfloor. For example, areas prone to humidity like basements require moisture-resistant options and a suitable installation method to go with it.
Checking subfloor moisture content through the Moisture Meter!
Photo credit – © Prometer
Determine the Style and Aesthetic
Match the flooring style with the interior design. Modern homes may prefer sleek, uniform finishes, while rustic or traditional design theme may benefit from distressed or hand-scraped textures.
Measure and Calculate
Accurate measurement of the space is essential to determine the quantity of flooring needed. Always budget 5-15% extra for waste and future repairs. Patterned floors such as Herringbone or Chevrons generally have a higher wastage than straight planks.
Choose the Right Underlayment
Underlayment provides cushioning, sound absorption, and moisture barrier. The type of underlayment depends on the subfloor and the installation method chosen. High quality underlays such as Elastilon also provide an VOC. free alternative to glue down installations and can have a considerable impact on the finished floor.
Photo credit – © Elastilon
Evaluate Cost and Budget
Engineered wood flooring varies in price based on thickness, wood species, and finish. Balance your budget with the desired quality and longevity of the flooring. Do not forget to check the impact of the floor on indoor air quality.
Installation Tips for Engineered Wood Flooring
Quality Subfloor
A good quality, flat, dry and firm sub floor is an absolute necessity to achieve a good result. Inappropriate sub floors can cause long term damage to your engineered wooden flooring.
Acclimation
Allow the engineered wood flooring to acclimate to the room’s environment for at least 48 hours before installation to prevent expansion or contraction post-installation. Budget for timelines accordingly.
Laying the Planks
Decide on the direction of the planks based on the light source and/or furniture layout. You may want to put a few planks loose to see how they look in that particular area.
Finishing Touches
High quality junction profiles such as transition or reducers made of anodized aluminum can often be the best solution. They come in various color tones and being aluminum, they are sturdy and long term solutions. In addition they can be very thin which works great with modern contemporary design themes.
Maintenance and Care
An ounce of prevention is better than a ton of cure! This proverb is highly apt for the timing of installation. Wood floors are the last item to be laid. Do not install them while other trades are still working. Despite the protection, fine dust has a way to get in the open grain which may need intensive cleaning later.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between solid wood and engineered wood flooring?
Solid wood is a single piece of hardwood throughout, while engineered wood has a top layer of hardwood and multiple core layers. Engineered wood is more stable and resistant to environmental changes.
Photo credit – © National Hardwood
2. Can engineered wood flooring be installed over radiant heating?
Yes, engineered wood is suitable for installation over radiant heating systems due to its stability.
3. How long does engineered wood flooring last?
With proper care, engineered wood flooring can last 20-30 years or more, depending on the thickness of the top layer and the quality of the flooring.
4. Is engineered wood flooring suitable for kitchens and bathrooms?
Engineered wood is more resistant to moisture than solid wood, making it suitable for kitchens and powder rooms. However, it’s not recommended for full bathrooms with high moisture levels.
5. Can engineered wood flooring be sanded and refinished?
Yes, if the top hardwood layer is thick enough (at least 2-3mm), it can be sanded and refinished a few times.
6. How do I repair scratches on engineered wood flooring?
Minor scratches can be fixed using touch-up kits available from the manufacturer. For deeper scratches, sanding and refinishing might be necessary.
Conclusion:
Specifying engineered wooden flooring for luxury homes requires a thorough understanding of the product’s attributes and installation requirements. By considering factors such as thickness, wood species, finish, and installation method, you can help your clients make an informed decision that enhances the beauty and functionality of your projects. Engineered wood flooring offers a perfect blend of durability, aesthetic appeal, and versatility, making it an excellent choice for discerning homeowners in India, Bhutan, Nepal, and the UAE
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Until Next Time!
Satinder Chawla
Founder