Engineered wood flooring remains one of the most popular choices for those who seek the beauty of real wood alongside everyday practicality. It looks like a traditional oak floor because it boasts a genuine hardwood surface, but beneath that swish top layer lurks careful science; a constructed core designed for strength and a more stable board that can handle the rampant footfall of modern homes.
Presenting the warmth and grain of real character wood, without the common issues presented by solid timber boards, engineered wood flooring strikes the perfect blend of elegance, versatility and durable brawn.
When installed correctly, the likes of our Artisan Herringbone Natural Champagne Oak can give your living room the ultimate glow-up, create a smarter hallway, and make open-plan space feel considered and designed. It’s quality that you can’t ignore.
Is engineered wood flooring real wood?
Yes, the top layer of engineered wood flooring is made from real wood. The surface is genuine oak, rather than a printed image or plastic effect.
That is why engineered wood flooring has such a premium appearance. Each board has its own character, and no two planks look exactly the same.
How is engineered wood flooring made?
Engineered wood flooring is crafted from several layers bonded together. The top layer – the part that you see and walk upon - is referred to as the wear layer. Cut from real hardwood, all the grains, colour variations, knots and texture are ultimately natural.
Beneath that hardwood surface rests the core, usually made from layers of plywood. These layers are positioned in different directions to help reduce movement and provide steady footing. Although unseen once installed, this layer provides several advantages over solid wood flooring.
The main claim to superiority involves the ability to cope with changes to temperature and humidity. Wood naturally expands and contracts when presented with fluctuating levels of humidity and heat, resulting in movement and – if it gets really serious - gaps between planks, not to mention warping and uneven surfaces. The latter is acceptable in a National Trust property from 1790, but not in your home.
Engineered wood flooring is designed to cope with all that - providing real-life practicality where it counts.
Engineered wood flooring vs laminate: what is the difference?
Laminate flooring is not real wood. It is typically made from a fibreboard core featuring a printed image of wood on top. A clear protective layer is then added over the printed surface for a sheen of completion.
Modern laminate can look very convincing, but the wood effect is still effectively a photograph. Once the top layer is scratched, chipped or worn, there is usually very little you can do to restore it. In most cases, damaged laminate flooring must be replaced.
Thanks to that real hardwood surface, engineered wood flooring offers more depth and natural character, alongside a higher premium feel. It can also last much longer, especially if you look after it properly.
Laminate may be cheaper at the start, but engineered wood flooring is usually the better long-term investment.
Engineered wood flooring vs LVT: which is better?
LVT - which stands for luxury vinyl tile - is a vinyl flooring product designed to mimic materials such as wood or stone. LVT’s popularity stems from its’ hardwearing practicality towards chaotic family life, ease of cleaning, and water-resistant properties.
A great choice for bathrooms and utility rooms, or any area that’s omits high levels of moisture, LVT handles splashes and spills with ease and remains generally very low maintenance. However, LVT is not real wood. It may copy the appearance of oak, but it does not have the same natural charm or design properties. Engineered wood flooring gives you a genuine oaks surface that ages beautifully over time.
Which option is better depends on the room and what you want from your floor. If water resistance is your main priority, LVT might be the safer option. If you want authentic wood, long-term value and a more natural finish, engineered wood flooring is hard to beat.
Where can engineered wood flooring be used?
Engineered wood flooring is suitable for many areas of the home. While perfect for creating a relaxed yet elegant backdrop, it also suits both traditional and modern interiors. It works beautifully with rugs (make sure you get some rug grips), soft furnishings and natural textures. That’s why living rooms benefit from the likes of Flooring Superstore’s Mayfair Golden Pecan Oak, with warm tones of caramel and honey – it lifts the mood of anything placed upon it.
This flooring is also ideal for bedrooms. Engineered wood flooring can make a bedroom feel calm and comfortable, with a dignified ambience minus any of those cold or clinical aesthetics.
In hallways, engineered wood flooring makes a strong first impression. The hallway is one of the hardest-working areas of the house, and choosing a durable finish is important. A well-chosen engineered wood floor can also cope easily with heavy use while still looking smart.
It is also a strong choice for dining rooms, home offices and open-plan living spaces. In larger areas, engineered wood flooring helps create flow and continuity. Rather than having different floors chopping up the space, engineered wood flooring can pull everything together.
Engineered wood flooring can also be used in some kitchens, provided it is properly finished and cared for. Everyday spills are usually fine if wiped up quickly, but standing water should be avoided.
For bathrooms and wet rooms, LVT or tiles are usually better choices. Wood is beautiful, but it does not enjoy dealing with constant moisture.
Can engineered wood flooring be sanded?
Yes, many types of engineered wood flooring can be sanded. However, it depends on the thickness of the top hardwood ‘wear’ layer.
The thicker the wear layer, the more scope you have for sanding and refinishing the floor in the future. A thin wear layer may only allow for very light refinishing, while a thicker wear layer may be sanded more than once.
This is one of the biggest advantages of engineered wood flooring. If the surface becomes scratched or dull or tired over time, you might not need to replace it. Instead, it can often be sanded back and refinished, giving the floor a fresh new look without the hassle of removing the old floor in favour of fresh hardwood boards.
Besides less wastage and disruption, there’s money to be saved. By sanding the wear layer back and effectively reviving your floor, there’s no need to purchase new planks just because age is starting to show through.
Engineered wood flooring is more of an investment than one-off purchase.
Is engineered wood flooring expensive?
Engineered wood flooring is usually more expensive than laminate, and often costs more than LVT. However, the higher price reflects the quality of product and the longer lifespan.
While cheaper flooring may need replacing sooner, good-quality engineered wood flooring can last for upwards of a decade when properly maintained (give it an oiling every so often) before needing sanded back for a regenerated vibe.
Is engineered wood flooring worth it?
For many homes, yes, engineered wood flooring is worth it. It offers the beauty of real wood, better stability than solid oak, and a much more authentic finish than laminate or LVT.
It costs more upfront, but it is built to last. And when the surface starts looking tired, it may be possible to sand and refinish it rather than replace it altogether.
If you want a floor that looks natural, feels warm, lasts well and adds genuine character to your home, engineered wood flooring is one of the best choices you can make.