Both solid flooring and engineered flooring can add value and appeal to a home. However, they are not the same product. By understanding the differences between solid oak flooring and engineered flooring, consumers can understand what they are buying.
They can find quality flooring, whether solid oak or engineered, which fits their budget. Both types of flooring achieve a similar effect in a room, since visitors will see only wood when entering a room and certainly not a laminate type of floor. However, solid oak flooring is pure wood, from top to bottom. There is no laminated or plywood underside ..
So what are the other differences between solid oak floor and engineered floors? Solid oak flooring comes from natures slow growing oak trees. Because of this, it is a natural wood, with each board having a unique grain, achieved after years of slow growth.
With a dust-free finish, these floors reduce allergens in the home while adding natural appeal to any room. Each board is pure wood, through and through, which may be more desirable to some consumers. However, solid oak flooring is also often more costly than engineered flooring as it takes more time to lay. You will find many of the large companies selling an inferior Chinese Oak which in most peoples opinion is not as attractive as European Oak or English Oak
The wood for solid floors should always be grown and harvested in environmentally friendly ways, replacing old trees with new ones, following a set time line. Solid flooring is durable and can last for years, even generations, and still remain in excellent shape (with proper care, of course).
Wooden floors upgrade a room from plain to stunning, adding value and beauty. When it comes time to sell the house, buyers are inclined to offer top money for homes with solid oak flooring, especially since oak is considered desirable and top grade pruduct or material.
What about engineered flooring? For consumers on a budget, this can be an excellent alternative to solid flooring. When the look of an oak floor is desired but the budget will not stretch quite that far, it is a fine option. Engineered flooring has all the qualities found in solid oak floors and is not a laminate type floor. The top layer of each board is real wood, with all the natural features of real oak and the underside consisting of laminate or plywood. It looks very appealing in rooms. Only the buyer knows that the under layers of the boards are not oak wood – but the top layer is. Always try to purchase an engineered oak with the top layer 6 mm thick and with the underside of a multi laminate ply wood with ten laminate layers.
So which is better? There is no right or wrong answer, as each type of flooring has unique assets. Solid oak floors may be somewhat more vulnerable to seasonal changes. It can move or heave up because it came from a live oak tree and has not got the sability gained by the engineered material with the multi laminate ply wood on the underside that gives stability to the engineered flooring. However, many people still prefer solid oak flooring and take delight in knowing that the boards are pure wood. With care, any maintenance issues with either type can be kept to a minimum or completely eliminated with the correct advise.
Engineered flooring is often ideal for busy families who want a (nearly) maintenance free floor. Engineered floors are not as likely to be affected by the seasons and moisture changes. They also cost less than solid oak floors as they are far faster to lay but add the same shimmer and coziness to a room as solid flooring. When it comes to the final choice, potential buyers should consult with flooring experts. Be honest about your budgetary limitations and the environment that you intend to lay it in. Realize that either type of flooring can add value to your home.