Solid Wood vs. Engineered Wood Flooring Comparison Guide

Solid timber flooring Sydney consists of solid wood all the way through. It is generally made of hardwood like maple, oak, or walnut, and its main benefit is that it can refinish itself numerous times. It has a similar appearance, but it is built of a thin coating of hardwood bonded to a high-quality plywood foundation.

Engineered flooring is less affordable than solid hardwood, but the covering hardwood layer is delicate and can only be polished and refinished once. There is no evident advantage to one type of wood flooring over another; your choice is based on your personal preferences.

Which is the Best Flooring?

Durability

Water damage is a major issue with both solid and engineered wood flooring. While varnish and polyurethane treatments effectively prevent the hardwood from watering on the surface, dampness beneath the boards can cause gaps and a bow. Extreme humidity is not ideal for solid timber.

Solid wood flooring is excellent in humid climates because it has an aluminum oxide finish that is robust and water-resistant. Even so, engineered hardwood only can take so much water. Porcelain tiles may be a better choice for often or highly damp places, such as a restroom or laundry room.

Appearance and Comfort

Solid flooring boards range in width from 8 to 12 inches. Solid flooring has tighter gaps between boards once placed. It comes in various hues and species in both prefinished and unpainted panels.

Engineered wood flooring, while resembling hardwood, is more versatile in width. With the top layer, engineered hardwood looks like real wood when laid. engineered wood comes prefinished and has fewer color and style possibilities than hardwood.

Care and Maintenance

Clean-up is simple with solid hardwood. Sweep and vacuum most floors, with occasional cleaning with a wood cleaner to treat stains. Don't use hot steam to clean wood. Hardwood, on the other hand, is great for long-term maintenance since it can be polished and varnished multiple times.

Cleaning engineered wood flooring is as simple as sweeping and vacuuming. Use wood cleaning to avoid stains and rejuvenate the top layer. Most engineered timber floors can't be cleaned and refinished over time. They can usually be refinished twice, even before the hardwood layer wears out and the planks need to be repaired.

Cost

Engineered wood flooring typically costs $8-$15 per square foot. Homeowners should also buy additional materials (5-10%) to cover mistakes and future repairs. Install plywood flooring and vapor barrier paper.

Thin solid wood costs $3-$5 per square foot. However, the thin wear/veneer layer makes it not particularly durable. The most expensive engineered wood, which is as thick and strong as solid wood and usually has many hardwood layers, can cost up to $14 per square foot.

Conclusion

Solid timber flooring Sydney may be utilized alternately in most homes. This selection is based on personal preference. The only exception is water damage. Therefore, it's better for kitchens, bedrooms, and underground than solid wood. When it comes to whole installations, both flooring alternatives provide a variety of styles. Engineered wood flooring is more expensive, so it comes down to personal taste. Speak to a professional today like Antique Timber Flooring Sydney, 67 John St, Leichhardt NSW 2040 on (02) 9810 8838.