Peter Oak floorboards have a tendency to expand and contract with changing temperatures which can lead to warping, while engineered wood is made from multiple layers of plywood that are designed not to warp. The benefit of solid oak flooring is that it will last a lifetime if properly maintained. Oak boards are very hard-wearing and can be sanded down, again and again, should they become damaged over time. However, this does require additional expense when compared with engineered wood floors, because you would need to purchase new floorboards each time the old ones were worn away by general wear and tear or damage from pets or children.
Engineered wood has been around for 20 years now so many brands offer different colours in their laminate collection so they look just like real wood flooring. The glues used in engineered wood are highly advanced, meaning it’s possible to be more selective with the timber species that are chosen. On top of this, the boards will not expand or contract as drastically as solid hardwood floors would do if there were any temperature changes around them
Because engineered wood is made up of various layers than many people actually think they are more likely to fall apart than oak floorboards. But before you write off laminate for good consider some other factors which could ultimately influence your decision. Engineered Wood Flooring can be very strong and durable depending on the manufacturer and quality of the product so it may last just as long as a solid hardwood floor. However, beware of buying cheap engineered wood flooring as this is where problems can occur and you could end up with a product that doesn’t hold its looks or quality.
Do Engineered Floor Boards Really Matter?
When it comes to deciding on whether solid hardwood floors are better than engineered, or vice versa, one should always bear in mind that it all boils down to personal preferences and individual needs and expectations. Yes, both oak floorboards and engineered wood will give you an elegant look but if you want that ‘Wow’ factor, then the oak floorboards is what you might need. Oak floorboards are not just extremely hardwearing and durable but they can also offer stunning looks to your home especially if you go for the rustic look.
While it’s true that engineered wood floors can last a long time, even longer than solid hardwood floors, one thing that most people often overlook is the quality of the product so it may last just as long as a solid hardwood floor. However, beware of buying cheap engineered wood flooring as this is where problems can occur and you could end up with a product that doesn’t hold its looks or quality. Oak floorboards come in a number of different types including solid oak, rustic oak and even whitewashed oak floors depending on your personal tastes along with your current interior design style, so you’ll find a medley of options when you browse online.