Which is better – engineered or wood flooring in Chester rooms?

People love the look of natural wood flooring, and it comes it two main varieties – solid wood and engineered wood. Which is better for your Chester rooms?

What are they?

Engineered wood has layers – the top layer is a veneer of natural hardwood on top of plywood. There are different grades of engineered wood, and the best quality =is thicker than cheaper brands. Solid hardwood flooring, on the other hand, contains only wood. It is usually varnished to protect it.

Both engineered and solid wood usually come in planks.

Cost

Engineered wood in Chester will generally be cheaper than solid wood. It is also easier and quicker to install, which makes installation costs less.

Though solid wood is more expensive, it adds value to a home and can make a house case buyers’ eyes.

Durability

Both types of wood flooring are durable, though solid wood will usually last longer than engineered wood.

If solid wood becomes worn, it can be sanded to make it look like new again. Engineered wood can be sanded, but because the solid wood layer is thin, this can only be done once or twice.

If a heavy sharp object is dropped on engineered wood, it can chip or penetrate the surface. The same object dropped on solid wood can damage the floor, but the damage is much easier to repair.

Both types of wood are easy to care for with a vacuum and a microfibre cloth broom.

Moisture

Solid wood does not like moisture. Engineered wood will cope with some moisture, but is not recommended for high-moisture areas like bathrooms.

If your Chester home or business is flooded solid wood floors are likely to become warped. They may be salvaged but will not return to their former shape. Engineered wood has a better chance of survival after a flood, but could still become damaged beyond repair.

Both engineered and solid wood can be treated with water-resistant finishes. This will help repel normal moisture such as people coming in with muddy feet and dripping clothes, but may not provide flood protection.

Where to install engineered and solid wood flooring in Chester rooms

Apart from bathrooms, engineered wood can be installed in any room, including kitchens where some liquid spills are expected.

Solid wood flooring is best in dining rooms, lounges, hallways, landings and bedrooms, but not bathrooms. It is not recommended to install solid wood flooring in kitchens, but it can be OK as long as waterproof mats go down near dishwashers and sinks.

Solid wood flooring vs. engineered wood flooring in Chester

If you want the look of solid wood at a lesser cost, or if you are in one of Chester’s flood plain near to the River Dee, go for engineered wood.

If you want a natural product that will last a long time and add value to your home, then choose solid wood flooring for your Chester rooms. Though solid wood costs more initially, it lasts longer and this reduces the overall cost compared to engineered wood in the long term.