However, it can also be installed directly onto the existing subfloor. One of the best things about engineered wood floors is how easy it is to... For areas with significant moisture exposure - bathrooms, basements, or direct outdoor connection - SPC vinyl is the more appropriate choice. Our guide on the best flooring for every space covers where each material belongs. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) Phase 2 standard limits formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products.
That’s a solid lifespan, but it’s still shorter than solid hardwood, which can last generations if maintained well. The gap in longevity cheap timber flooring comes down to that wear layer – once it’s gone, the floor is done. Engineered timber flooring is one of the best alternatives to solid hardwood as it carries all its hallmark qualities at a fraction of the cost. But like any flooring product, it comes with a set of advantages and disadvantages worth knowing. Read on to explore the pros and cons of engineered hardwood and see if it’s the right call for your build. Authentic natural timber flooring meets modern technology in our range of engineered timber.
All engineered timber needs to acclimatise to the temperature and humidity of its installation environment before being laid. Store the boards in the room where they will be installed — flat, not on end — for a minimum of 48 hours (72 hours in climates with significant humidity variation). Boards installed without acclimatisation will expand or contract post-installation, causing gaps, buckling, or failed adhesive bonds. Choose based on your maintenance willingness, not just appearance.
Add these together to come to your final quantity (example 2).
Laundries carry significant flood and ongoing moisture risk. We recommend tile, luxury vinyl plank, or hybrid flooring for these rooms — the moisture risk simply outweighs the aesthetic benefit. Chair casters are the primary concern — standard castors rolling daily on medium or high pile will flatten and eventually tear fibres within months. A premium species like Walnut or fumed Oak creates an impressive, focused atmosphere suited to work. If you prefer a softer bedroom rug, use a clear chair mat over it. Boards are clicked or glued together at the edges but are not fixed to the subfloor — the entire floor “floats” on an underlay.
The two most important factors in picking a wood species are strength and aesthetic. If your flooring is going to be installed in a high-traffic area, it makes sense to look into selections known for their durability. The Janka Hardness Scale is the industry standard; it's readily available for consultation and offers a concise, easy to understand measurement. Floors To Your Home features a great selection of discounted domestic and exotic hardwoods.
The SimpleFLOORS Engineered Hardwood Flooring is an excellent choice for those who appreciate the natural beauty of wood while seeking the benefits of engineered materials. The Birch Hand Scraped finish provides a unique texture that can complement a variety of interior styles, from rustic to modern. This flooring is not only aesthetically pleasing but is designed to withstand the rigors of everyday life, making it a practical choice for busy households. Engineered wood consists of a real hardwood top layer bonded to layers of plywood or high-density fiberboard (HDF), creating strength and stability across all subfloor types. Bamboo floors typically last 20 to 25 years with proper care, and high-quality strand-woven bamboo can exceed that lifespan. Factors like manufacturing quality, installation method, and maintenance affect longevity.
The Lakeview collection of vinyl flooring is ideal for homes with kids, pets, high-traffic areas, and lively households. Durable and stylish flooring designed to resist moisture, perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. This makes it suitable for all areas of the house that might be exposed to moisture on the floor, including the bathroom, laundry and kitchen. However, this also means it attracts a slightly higher price tag than laminate.
Built in layers for added strength, it’s ideal for wider planks, changing climates, and multiple installation methods. The Fantastic Floor web site is designed to provide the user with all the necessary technical information and photographs to make an educated decision on which product best suits their needs. We are also able to ship out samples of any of the species we offer to anywhere in the United States for a flat rate of $15. We have efficiently run warehouses located throughout the United States in order to decrease shipping distances and further reduce shipping costs to the consumer. Another potential concern about discount hardwood flooring is that it will be sold “as is” or with no warranty or consumer protection.
The hardness of the wood species directly affects scratch and dent resistance. This is measured on the Janka scale, which rates the force required to embed a steel ball halfway into a wood plank. From concept to execution, their experience in creating functional, aesthetic, and cost-effective spaces ensures that every design element—including flooring—adds value to your home. To start, the price of flooring per square meter is a favorable one. However, it is important to also consider the cost of installation.
These products are 3/4″ thick with possible widths ranging from 3″ to 5″. Engineered hardwood flooring typically ranges from 7mm to 20mm in total thickness. The top wear layer is usually 2mm to 6mm thick, determining how many times the floor can be refinished. Thicker wear layers offer greater durability and more refinishing potential. Overall thickness also affects sound insulation and comfort underfoot.
Engineered timber, with its layered construction, holds its shape far better. It works well in buildings with underfloor heating, coastal environments, or any space where conditions shift seasonally. Solid hardwood in the same situation would gap, cup, or warp. We want to see your engineered timber flooring have a long happy and healthy life. Firstly, check that your room has no direct sunlight hitting your timber flooring throughout the day. It does come with a certain amount of UV protection, but you’ll also need to use curtains or blinds, just like you or I putting on a hat to go out into the sunshine.
Talk to the team or browse our project gallery to get started. The NHLA maintains a grading system most consumers never see on retail packaging, but it governs what you’re actually buying. FAS grade hardwood requires 83.3% clear wood on both faces. No. 1 Common drops to 66.7% clear surface, and No. 2 Common allows as little as 50%. Likely No. 2 Common is perfectly fine, as long as you are not paying a premium for it. The real issue starts when manufacturers charge premium prices for lower-grade material.