4 Things to Know About Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered wood flooring has increasingly become a popular choice for homeowners in Singapore over the years. Offering comparable warmth and elegance of natural hardwood alternatives with added durability and versatility, this flooring option leverages advanced manufacturing techniques to pose as a solution that meets the demands of modern living. 

As such, if you are planning to elevate the aesthetics of your home while ensuring long-term resilience and ease of maintenance, engineered wood flooring could very well be a perfect choice. 

However, as you look through the options available in the market, it’s essential to understand what sets engineered wood apart. From knowing exactly what engineered wood flooring is to learning about its various grades, styles and finishes, there are a few crucial aspects of this flooring option that every homeowner should know before getting them installed. 

Understanding Engineered Wood Flooring

As mentioned, engineered wood flooring blends the charm of natural wood with modern durability for a stylish and long-lasting option. Plus, its layered construction ensures stability and resistance to environmental changes, providing long-lasting beauty and reliability for homeowners.

Some of the additional features that make this type of flooring an option worth considering include: 

Features of Engineered Wood Flooring

1. Moisture Resistant

Unlike solid hardwood flooring, which can be susceptible to warping, cupping, and other damage when exposed to moisture, one of the standout features of engineered wood flooring is its moisture resistance. 

Due to the structural integrity offered by its multi-layered construction, this type of flooring is capable of withstanding fluctuating humidity levels, making it less prone to the damaging effects of changes in humidity and spills. 

In addition, the combination of materials like plywood or fibreboard base layers and construction techniques create a stable foundation that makes this flooring less prone to expansion and contraction. This stability makes engineered wood an ideal, price-efficient choice for areas in the home that may experience higher moisture levels, such as kitchens, where flooring with high dimensional stability is a must. Moreover, this moisture resistance extends the life of your flooring, ensuring it maintains its beauty and integrity over time.

2. Resistance to Temperature Changes

Engineered wood flooring offers homeowners more than just moisture resistance; it also exhibits impressive resistance to temperature changes.

This resilience lies in its construction: a top layer of real hardwood veneer paired bonded to a core of high-density plywood or fibreboard. 

Unlike solid hardwood flooring, which can expand and contract significantly in response to temperature changes, dimensionally stable engineered wood flooring, with its multiple layers, mitigates the effects of temperature variations by distributing stress more evenly across the flooring surface. This enhanced stability minimises the risk of warping, buckling, or gaps forming between planks, even in environments with extreme temperature fluctuations. 

Recognising the importance of such qualities in flooring, The Floor Gallery offers engineered wood flooring that boasts these qualities. Each of our Savannah-engineered wood planks is meticulously crafted to not only elevate its visual allure but also to ensure long-lasting durability and structural integrity. For example, the hardwood layer thickness, which ranges from 1.2 mm to 3 mm, contributes to the flooring’s robustness and overall resilience, enhancing its ability to withstand temperature changes without compromising its integrity.

3. Eco-Friendly

One of the most appealing benefits of engineered wood flooring is its eco-friendly nature. The production process of engineered wood efficiently utilises wood as a resource, often employing less valuable or smaller pieces of wood for the base layers that would otherwise be discarded. 

Additionally, the veneer surface layer, which showcases the wood’s natural beauty, is much thinner than the solid wood used in standard hardwood flooring, reducing the demand for hardwood forests. This sustainable approach to manufacturing conserves precious wood resources and aligns with modern environmental consciousness, offering homeowners a guilt-free luxury.

4. Various Grades, Styles And Finishes

Engineered wood flooring comes in an array of grades, styles, and finishes, offering unparalleled versatility to match any interior design scheme. From the rustic charm of hand-scraped oak to the sleek polish of maple, there is a style to suit every aesthetic preference. Additionally, engineered wood is available in various grades, which indicate the quality and appearance of the wood, including the presence of knots and grain patterns. Finishes also range from matte to glossy, providing different levels of protection and sheen.

At The Floor Gallery, we showcase the beauty and adaptability of this flooring with various options that cater to various tastes and preferences. For instance, our Grey Dove variant brings a light, modern feel to any room, while the Warm Walnut option offers a rich, inviting warmth, perfect for creating a cosy atmosphere. Then, there is also the Oak Natural selection that stands out for its classic elegance, effortlessly complementing both contemporary and traditional spaces.

Beyond that, each plank is available at random lengths with widths of 150/168 mm and thicknesses of 12/15 mm, accommodating a variety of design preferences and spatial requirements. 

Engineered Wood Flooring Care and Maintenance

Despite its resilience to moisture and temperature changes, regular upkeep of engineered wood flooring is crucial to maintaining its beauty and extending its lifespan.

Here’s a list of recommended maintenance practices to ensure your engineered wood flooring remains in top condition:

• Regular sweeping: For engineered wood flooring, regular sweeping, at least twice a week with a soft broom or microfiber cloth, is essential. These tools collect dust, dirt, and pet hair without scratching the surface. For vacuuming, opt for a soft brush attachment specifically designed for hard floors to minimise the risk of scratches.

• Mopping: When it comes to mopping, a damp cloth is preferable to a soaking wet mop to avoid excess water seeping into the wood, which could lead to swelling over time. Make sure to use cleaning products labelled as safe for engineered wood flooring and mop once a week.

• Have a deep cleaning routine: For deep cleaning, you can use a wood-safe disinfectant cleaner once a month, sufficient for maintaining cleanliness without exposing the flooring to harmful moisture. 

• Polishing and oiling: Besides cleaning, polishing and oiling can enhance the natural beauty of the wood, but ensure there is no lacquered finish before application. Also, use polish carefully to avoid creating a slippery surface and allow it to dry thoroughly.

• Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaning methods: Additionally, to maintain your engineered wood flooring, avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaning methods that can damage the finish. Quick action on spills and careful drying after mopping will help prevent water damage, preserving the integrity and appearance of your engineered wood floors.

Transform Your Home With Engineered Wood Flooring by The Floor Gallery