
Is Engineered Wood Flooring Worth It?
Engineered wood flooring is sought after because it emphasises the beauty and durability of hardwood floors, without the drawback of a high price tag. It holds appeal for those seeking a more cost-friendly alternative to hardwood, without compromising on high performance and luxurious aesthetics. High-quality flooring can be on the pricey side, so homeowners want to know that the products they choose are worth their investment. At Top Carpets and Floors, we believe that engineered wood flooring is a stellar option, ideally suited to homeowners scouring the market for floors that mimic hardwood. Our range, therefore, includes products in this category that are carefully selected from brands renowned for outstanding designs and manufacturing processes. Below, we demonstrate why this product is so popular and assist you in determining whether it is suited to your needs.

The Origins and Evolution of Engineered Wood Flooring
The most important thing to understand about engineered wood flooring is that it is a man-made product. The reason it emulates hardwood so reliably is that it has a top veneer made of real hardwood board. The core layers beneath this, however, are made from bonded plywood. These layers are laid out in crisscrossed directions, which add to the strength and stability of every plank. A durable topcoat is what minimises scratches, stains and scuffs.
The product was first created in the 1960s because homeowners sought hardwood in places like basements and ground floors above concrete. Unfortunately, high-moisture areas like these are not suitable environments for hardwood installations, but engineered wood suits the purpose well. Back then, there were not many options on the market, but these days, engineered wood flooring can be installed in various areas of the home with countless design options available that offer plenty of benefits.
Engineered Wood Flooring Versus Hardwood Planks
When compared, engineered wood flooring offers many of the same benefits as hardwood, such as natural beauty and durability. There are a few downsides to hardwood floors, unfortunately. Solid planks are on the expensive side, face water damage easily, and installation is a long and arduous process. Engineered wood is significantly lighter on the pocket because it is cheaper, and the installation is less complicated. It also offers more moisture resistance when installed.

Easy Installation and Beautiful Results
Hardwood planks are often unfinished, which is what makes their installation so tedious, time-consuming and expensive. Engineered wood flooring is pre-finished, which cuts down on the labour needed to install it. It is already coated, so no sanding or finish is required. The planks can be installed as a floating click system or glued down, unlike hardwood planks that have to be nailed down. DIY fans with the right tools and know-how will manage to install these planks on their own. Professional installations almost always look better, however, and hiring expert installers such as our team means you will receive product guarantees too.
Enjoy Greater Durability
Engineered wood flooring is exceptionally resilient due to how it is manufactured. Factory finishes on high-quality planks are usually very resistant to abrasion, performing well in heavy-duty settings with high foot traffic. Many prefinished floors within our range can last for decades when cared for correctly. Busy areas of the home such as living rooms, walkways, hallways, and stairs are great places to install engineered wood flooring. The best part about these floors is that individual planks can be easily replaced if damaged, without the need to remove the entire floor.

Choosing Between Multi-ply and Three-ply Options
Both three-ply and multi-ply engineered wood flooring are popular, but there is no technical evidence that one is better than the other. As the name suggests, three-ply planks are made using three, bonded layers of the board. Multi-ply products contain between four and 12 layers and take longer to manufacture, which means they are more expensive. Both feature a solid wood veneer, highly stable construction and are created with a tongue-and-groove or click-lock system for easy installation. Other important factors should inform your decision rather than the number of layers in a plank. Consider aspects such as the top layer’s thickness, the type of wood used in the planks, and the locking system it features. We at Top Carpets and Floors sell a range of three-ply products, as three-ply products are more rigid. Less adhesive is also used during the manufacturing process of three-ply engineered wood flooring, which is better for the air quality within your home.
Caring and Maintenance Required
Caring for and maintaining your installation will be easy. Engineered wood flooring does not absorb dust and dirt, so vacuuming or sweeping your floors is enough to keep them looking great. While engineered wood flooring is resistant to water damage, you can keep your floors looking great for years to come by avoiding wet mopping. Rather wipe away any spots or stains with a semi-damp cloth or micro-fibre mop and if you must use a product, ensure that it is wood-friendly. You can also help your floors age evenly by keeping curtains and blinds closed to prevent UV damage that may fade some of the planks. It is recommended that you have your installation professionally cleaned annually to maintain a beautiful appearance.
With countless style choices and options ideally suited to any budget, the Top Carpets and Floors range of engineered wood flooring is sure to impress you.
Related posts
Wood Flooring
How to Achieve Exquisite Wood Flooring Finishes Without the Drawbacks of Hardwood Floors The elegant look of hardwood is easy to embrace, and thanks to our range of wood flooring alternatives, you can enjoy the …
Eco-friendly Flooring: The Designer Collection Legacy
Take a read if you are keen on more eco-friendly flooring options, or if you would like to find out more about non-toxic products that keep your household safe.
How Rigid Board Compares to Genuine Hardwood Floors
Looking at flooring trends, there is no doubt that wood has ruled in the contest over the last decade and the fascination with this beautiful natural look is still only increasing in popularity. This fascination …