You are proud of your home, rightly so, and that very old timber flooring has seen much better days, and you are not looking forward to the huge bill for replacing the hardwood flooring. There are alternative options, however, and one of the best is engineered timber.
What is Engineered Timber?
Engineered timber has a composite core that is made up of multiple layers that are criss-crossed for added strength; an outer coating of real wood (3-5mm) gives the material the look of natural wood. When you compare the cost of engineered oak flooring with natural oak, it is a favorable alternative, and there are leading Australian timber merchants that offer engineered timber in plank form.
What are the Benefits of Engineered Timber For Flooring?
The following benefits can be enjoyed when you choose engineered timber flooring.
- Eco-friendly – Rather than using natural wood, engineered timber does not require felling trees.
- Easy to work with – Engineered timber can be cut in much the same way as natural wood.
- Cheaper price – When compared to natural wood, engineered timber is very affordable.
- Engineered timber can be sanded down – Of course, a lot depends on the thickness of the wood veneer; at 3mm thickness, you can only sand the floor once, while 5mm thickness can be sanded several times, and 7mm thick veneer can be sanded 3-4 times.
- Multiple finish options – There is a wide choice of finishes with engineered timber, oak, ash, and hardwood. Various colors and wood-grain patterns are available; check out the website of a leading Australian timber supplier to discover these options. Click here for the ultimate in floor finishes.
- Higher resistance to moisture – Thanks to numerous coatings of varnish, engineered timber is more resistant to moisture than regular timber.
- European and American oak is of higher quality than Australian oak – For the very best examples of fine wood grain, you should choose imported engineered timber, which comes in tongue and grooved form.
Once you have received a quote for natural oak or hardwood flooring, compare that with a quote for engineered flooring, and you will see why the latter is so popular with Australian homeowners.
Installing Engineered Timber Flooring
One big advantage of engineered flooring is that it can be installed in a ‘floating’ manner. This means it is not necessary to use nails or glue, therefore, installation is cheaper and installation is much quicker. If you were to ask a flooring contractor which they prefer, natural or engineered timber, most would choose engineered wood for the reasons above. If you live in an apartment, a floating floor does not need to be nailed down, so there is no loud noise.
Online Solutions
If you would like to explore the potential that engineered flooring offers, start with an online search to locate leading Australian timber merchants and contractors with extensive experience with engineered timber.
Home improvements add value to your property, and after you have the entire house fitted with engineered flooring, have a valuation done, and you will have a pleasant surprise.
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