In the spirit of Batman vs Superman we thought it would be an opportune time to pit the superheroes of wooden flooring against one another, Engineered Timber Flooring vs Solid Timber Flooring. So who wins, who is the baddie and, more to the point, how can we fit in a Lois Lane connection?
Back in the day it used to be that the structure of our home floors were made from timber. Solid wood laid down installed on top of joists. Over time the wooden flooring was carpeted over and then structurally it gave way to concrete flooring. This is now the standard with new housing – at least here in Perth.
In the immortal words of Justin Timberlake, what goes around comes back around, and we’re now seeing a huge swing back to beautiful, classic wooden flooring but with a twist and variety that only comes with the improvement of technology and manufacturing equipment. In fact, there are so many options for timber floors that it’s difficult to know what the best solution is. It’s fair to say that they all have their advantages but some types are better suited than others to different environments.
So, let’s dip our toe in the water and get a quick overview of two of the most popular types of timber floor currently on the market. In good old fashioned superhero style, let’s pit solid timber flooring against engineered timber flooring. Game on!
What is a solid timber floor?
Much like the planks originally used for structural purposes, solid timber flooring is good, old fashioned hardwood planks – just like the ones Grandpa used to have!
Solid timber is thicker than engineered and, as such, can be sanded and treated many more times than an engineered timber floor. Solid timber is made only of timber utilizing a tongue and groove method. The boards come Raw and are sanded and polished after they are installed. They can be sanded and polished numerous times depending on the thickness.
During manufacture it’s important to control the amount of moisture to ensure the wood doesn’t expand and warp at a later date. Our solid timber flooring is Kiln dried during manufacturing to ensure it is at the correct moisture content to prevent the wood expanding or warping at a later date.
What's an engineered wooden floor?
The main difference from solid timber is that engineered floorboards are composed of two or more layers of wood bonded together under heat and pressure. The top layer is the one that’s visible and generally comes prefinished but can come Raw as well. Underneath this are layers of cheaper ply wood which actually increases the stability of the board. The way in which it’s Engineered flooring is made and structured prevents much of the humidity related issues that typically affect solid timber.
When pitting one against the other, it’s as much about aesthetic preference as it is about functionality. In our experience solid timber gives a more classic look and feel. There really is something unique and warm about a home with solid timber flooring.
Engineered flooring looks incredible (we have it in our house!). It’s perfect for families with young kids, pets and a tighter budget. Whilst it can lack the warmth of the solid timber it more than makes up for it with how durable and long lasting it is. Aesthetically, Engineered boards almost always come in a wider board at a fraction of the cost of solid timber. Whilst the lengths of the boards are not quite as long as solid timber, it more than makes up for it with how durable and long lasting it is.
No need for sanding back – just a broom and a mop and someone to use them!
As suppliers and installers of timber flooring in Perth it would be silly of us to pick any one floor. It all comes back to personal preference and functionality. Something that’s unique to each and every house and family. If you have any questions, be sure to call by or drop us a line. Floors of Distinction have the widest range of both engineered and solid timber flooring in Perth. Oh and we’ve got laminate flooring and bamboo flooring as well.
Incidentally, we don’t stock or install carpet. That would be the baddie in this epic story of Engineered Timber Flooring vs Solid Timber Flooring…
Oh, and in case you’ve got this far and you’re wondering where Lois Lane is in this story, she’s the one walking all over them.
I’ve been trying to decide what method I should have my timber floors made. I’ve heard about engineered wooden flooring, but I didn’t know that that really meant. I think it’s so interesting that it’s multiple layers of wood bonded together! It makes sense that it would be stronger! I’ll have to give it a shot. Thanks for sharing.
This is some really good information about what the difference is between timber and engineered flooring. It seems like it would be nice to have solid timber flooring in you home. It appears like it would be an add a lot of value to your home. My fiance and I looking at flooring for our home’s remodel and it seems like timber is the best way to go for us.
This is some great information, and I appreciate your point that solid timber can be sanded and treated more than engineered can. My husband and I are renovating our dining room, and I’d like to put hardwood flooring in there. We’d like it to be something that will last a long time, so we’ll definitely look into installing solid timber so we can refinish it many times. Thanks for the great post!
This information was very helpful. I know a lot of different things are made with timber and that you need to take special care of it. I did not know that you could get engineered wood for your floors. I might have to go that for my next house.
Great info well written with a touch of levity.
TImber flooring is real natural wood in our home. If we want warmth and grace in our home, nothing surpasses the appeal of a wood floor.