Your floor is one of the most used features in your home, so it makes sense to invest in it. The need for a solid-quality surface is just as important as good styling. But navigating the balancing act between practicality and aesthetics can be a confusing journey. That’s why you need to select a reliable flooring company to work with you.
There’s a level of trust that needs to be there for the job to go smoothly. Remember, you’ll be living with your floors – and their installation – for many years to come, so choose a retailer, such as Choices Flooring, that can be with you every step of the way.
Now, it’s time to rip out the lino and start laying the groundwork by learning everything you need to know about floorboards…
What is engineered timber flooring?
Engineered wooden flooring is a two-layered flooring type composed of a thin hardwood as a surface layer and a solid plywood core at the bottom. It was developed as a cost-efficient answer to the usual problems of solid wood flooring, all without sacrificing durability and appearance.
And because of the increase in materials and wood types available, it’s become a popular choice for wooden flooring in recent years. Engineered hardwood is versatile and easy to install, with most flooring companies offering tons of pre-finished choices for homeowners to choose from.
How to choose the right engineered timber flooring for you
There’s lots to consider when selecting your floor, as the material used throughout your home will alter its appearance and overall livability. When choosing what floor will work best for you, consider the following:
Durability
Engineered timber flooring is very durable at its base level, but different options vary in thickness and weight. Patterns like herringbone and the actual width of your timber can also affect your floor’s strength, even if it is on a minute level. When considering durability, it’s important to think about high-traffic areas, and how often your timber flooring will be subject to heavy weight, like large furniture items or a big party.
Size and width
The size and width of your timber flooring will change how your whole room will look. With this in mind, size must also be thought about when it comes to the actual size of your room. Choose larger slats for larger areas for seamless blending of home and floor. Herringbone and patterned flooring will work best as a statement piece, so if you want to stand out, choose a smaller. denser size.
Aesthetics and style
Of course, this is where colour, grain and again, sizing comes into play. If you’re renovating or even starting fresh with a new house, your flooring will act as the base of your overall home style. Although engineered timber flooring isn’t actually made of timber, it is the perfect imitation, so grain and colour are definitely a big consideration when making your choice.
Budget
There’s not much to think of when it comes to budget, as engineered flooring is one of the most affordable flooring options out there! With little to no maintenance, and installation costs on the lower end, those sneaky additions to your renovating budget definitely won’t break the bank!
How to maintain engineered timber flooring
Nothing showcases the natural beauty of timber than, well, timber. When sealed properly, timber floors require little upkeep other than the occasional brush, mop and vacuum. They rarely need replacing, too, because they can be sanded back and refinished to a near-new impeccable condition.
However, as wood, by nature, can change shape with moisture and temperature variations, it’s not as stable as more contemporary timber flooring options.
Our top picks for engineered timber flooring
Plantino engineered oak Regal in Sierra
Engineered timber flooring offers a modern, cost-effective alternative to solid hardwood floors. It comprises a decorative surface layer of timber, called a veneer or lamella, bonded over a timber substrate. Once installed, it looks just like the solid stuff, yet offers better resistance to temperature and humidity fluctuations. Engineered timber planks come pre-finished with a matt coat that reduces visible dust, and you can install them over heated subfloor.
Though they’re more water resistant than solid floors, engineered timber planks are not waterproof, so you can’t use a saturated mop when cleaning. The good news is if you damage your boards, they can be replaced individually. Choices Flooring offers a variety of wood species, styles and finishes.
The Plantino Engineered Oak Regal in Sierra or Denali, $115.94/sq metre, features a brushed, matt texture in a wide one-strip plank that visually enlarges your rooms.
Luxury vinyl Genero Longboard in Sawn Blackbutt
If your floors often look like Pro Hart’s been busy creating his masterpieces on them, your best pick is a low-maintenance, stain- resistant but super stylish vinyl ‘timber’ floor. This low-cost option can handle high-traffic areas and kitchen spills, as well as your office swivel chair on WFH days.
It’s quiet under foot, making it perfect for upper floors, and totally waterproof, so your mop and bucket are more than welcome.
Available at Choices Flooring in a range of native flora looks, including the Luxury Vinyl Genero Longboard in a rugged Sawn Blackbutt plank, $72.05/sq metre.
Abode Vibe in Timeless Oak
Love the look of real timber but not in love with its price tag, or the extra care needed when wet cleaning? The Rigid/ Hybrid timber flooring at Choices Flooring hits the sweet spot, offering you the beauty of engineered timber and the durability and affordability of vinyl planks.
Thanks to the hard topcoat and extra density, these floors are incredibly stable, sound absorbent and water resistant, so they’re easy to clean without the aid of special products or equipment. They’re also resistant to scratches, scuffs and stains – ideal for active kids and Rover!
The Abode collection features myriad designs – but for one that blends into both modern and classic interiors, try the Abode Vibe in Timeless Oak, $70.31/sq metre.
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