Engineered Timber Flooring: A Guide to Construction, Installation and Maintenance

What is Engineered Timber Flooring?

To understand engineered timber flooring, it?s important to learn about its construction, durability, installation and cost.

Over the past few decades, the technology used in engineered timber has significantly advanced, leading to the development of flooring materials that perform similar to solid timber flooring. These materials are characterised by high levels of stability and durability, as well as enhanced resistance to temperature and moisture.

The manufacturing process of engineered flooring involves bonding multiple layers of wood together to create a solid floorboard. Each board features a unique natural timber veneer finish, which provides a traditional and authentic look of timber floorboards that are sure to impress and last for decades to come.

What are the Benefits of Engineered Timber Flooring?

Engineered timber flooring offers several benefits over other types of flooring options. Here are some of the key advantages of engineered timber flooring:

1. Durability
   Engineered timber flooring is manufactured from multiple layers of wood, including a plywood base and a solid timber veneer for the face. Its solid construction makes it more durable than other flooring materials like laminate or vinyl, enabling it to withstand heavy foot traffic, scratches, and stains. This makes it a great option for high-traffic areas such as hallways and living rooms.
   
   
2. Refinishing
   Engineered timber flooring can be sanded back multiple times to bring the boards back like new. The solid veneer on the face of the boards is generally around 3mm to 4mm thick and can be sanded back multiple times.
   
   
3. Stability
   Engineered timber flooring is designed to be more stable and less prone to warping or shrinking. It's also less susceptible to moisture damage, which makes it a great choice for areas with high humidity or moisture, like bathrooms and kitchens.
   
   
4. Appearance
   Engineered timber flooring offers the same warm and natural look of hardwood flooring. It's available in a range of colours, textures, and finishes, so you can choose a style that complements your home's decor.
   
   
5. Easy installation
   Engineered timber flooring is designed for easy installation. It features a tongue and groove system and can be easily glued down to the underfloor. Alternatively, it can also be installed as a floating floor on a foam or cork underlay.
   
   
6. Eco-friendly
   Engineered timber flooring is made from sustainable materials, including real timber veneers and recycled wood fibres. It's also more energy-efficient to produce than solid hardwood, which makes it a greener choice for the environment.

Overall, engineered timber flooring offers a durable, stable, and attractive flooring option that's easy to install and eco-friendly.

What Kinds of Engineered Timber Flooring?are Available?

At Barwon Timber, we understand the importance of finding the perfect flooring for your home or commercial space. That's why we offer a wide selection of engineered timber flooring options that cater to any style and colour scheme.

Barwon Timber supplies the following brands of engineered timber flooring:

• Bosk
• Hurfords
• Pentarch
• Preference Flooring

The available colours and species of timber include:

• Blackbutt
• Brushbox
• Blue Gum
• Ironbark
• Spotted Gum
• European Oak

Our Bosk engineered flooring is crafted from European Oak and is available in two colour options; Ryrie, a light-coloured oak, and Malop which is a rich warm brown colour. Both colours showcase the unique grain pattern of European oak.

If you?re looking for a unique classic finish, our supplier Pentarch provides a parquetry finish that can be laid in countless patterns limited only by the imagination. Whether you're looking for a classic herringbone pattern or a standard board lay, our extensive range has something to suit every installation and d?cor.

At Barwon Timber, we take great pride in our strong partnerships with suppliers. Our commitment to sourcing only the highest quality products from reputable manufacturers ensures that we offer our customers an excellent selection of engineered flooring options. Additionally, our flooring team can provide expert advice to help you make an informed decision.

To experience the full range of colours and species we offer, we highly recommend visiting our showroom. Seeing and feeling the materials in person will provide the assurance that you're selecting the ideal product for your space.

Installation of Engineered Timber Flooring

Engineered Timber floorboards are precision engineered making them easy to lay over a range of? substrates. The most popular form of installation is to glue them directly to the subfloor. This option is more stable than using nails, as the adhesive provides additional support and stability to the floorboards.

Substrates that can be used for engineered timber flooring installation include:

• Timber joists
• Concrete slab
• Timber and Sheet subfloors

Each installation type requires its specific set of guidelines, which is determined by the subfloor type and environmental conditions. For instance, when installing engineered flooring over concrete, it is crucial to consider the moisture content of the concrete. To ensure proper installation, it is necessary to consult the installation guidelines provided by the supplier.

Thanks to recent advancements in the manufacturing process, each board now features a unique tongue and groove profile and end-match design, resulting in a precise and secure fit during installation. Additionally, each board is available in a range of exact sizes, enabling you to minimise offcuts and achieve a cost-effective and efficient setup.

If you?re just getting started with a flooring installation, Barwon Timber can help. Our comprehensive Flooring Installation Service takes care of delivery, installation, and finish. Our experienced showroom team will also coordinate with builders on timing based on your preferences. For a quick estimate, you can fill out our online Flooring Installation Estimate Form. Simply upload accurately scaled plans and let us work out the cost estimate.

How to Clean and Maintain Engineered Timber Flooring

Maintenance for engineered timber flooring is similar to that of solid timber flooring. Regular cleaning and maintenance are crucial to ensure its longevity and aesthetic appeal. Here are some tips on how to clean and maintain your engineered timber flooring:

1. Regular cleaning: Sweep or vacuum your engineered timber flooring regularly to remove dirt and debris. Avoid using a vacuum nozzle that has a metal base plate as it can scratch the flooring. There are many vacuum attachments available that have a natural bristle or microfibre base plate.
   
   
2. Only use a damp mop with warm water and a cleaning agent that is recommended by the flooring manufacturer. Avoid using excessive water, as it can damage the flooring. When mopping the floor, it is advisable to open a window to let a breeze flow through allowing the floors to dry faster.
   
   
3. Prevention is key: Place doormats at entrances to prevent dirt and grit from being tracked onto the flooring. Use furniture pads to prevent scratches caused by furniture movement. Avoid wearing high heels on the flooring, as they can dent the surface.
   
   
4. Refinishing: Over time, the flooring may show signs of wear and tear. It can be refinished by sanding and applying a new coat of finish. However, it is important to consult a professional before attempting to refinish the flooring.

Here are additional tips for protecting your new floor from damage caused by sand and grit, which can scratch or mark the surface. It's also important to consider other environmental conditions that can impact the durability of your floorboards:

• Keep your dog's claws clipped regularly.
• Ensure the furniture has protective leg cups or felt coverings.
• Place door mats outside all entrances.
• Protect floorboards from direct sunlight to avoid UV damage.

Pets' claws, shoes with old or damaged heels, and dragging furniture are some of the leading causes of scratches and damage to engineered timber flooring. It's also important to ensure that the sun is not making regular contact with the flooring, as the UV rays can change the colour of the timber and dry out its natural oils, potentially causing cracks to appear in the boards. Regular cleaning, preventative measures, and timely refinishing can all help to maintain the durability and aesthetic appeal of engineered timber flooring.

Cost of Engineered Timber Flooring vs Solid Timber Flooring

When it comes to quality timber flooring, there are two main types available on the market: engineered timber flooring and solid timber flooring. Both types of flooring have their own unique characteristics and benefits, but they also come with different price tags. Here's a breakdown of the cost differences between engineered and solid timber flooring:

Engineered Timber Flooring:

Engineered timber flooring is a cost-effective option compared to solid timber flooring. The price range varies, depending on the thickness of the top layer and quality of the materials used. It requires less wood compared to solid timber flooring, which makes it more environmentally friendly. Installation cost is usually lower due to its easy-to-install locking system and the ability to be installed over various subfloors.

Solid Timber Flooring:

Solid timber flooring is typically more expensive than engineered timber flooring. It is made of a single piece of wood, which means it is more durable and can last for decades with proper care and maintenance. Solid timber flooring is a long-term investment that has a timeless appeal and can add character and warmth to any space.

The choice between engineered timber flooring and solid timber flooring will depend on your budget, personal preferences, and the specific requirements of your project. While engineered timber flooring offers a more affordable and eco-friendly option, solid timber flooring provides long-term durability and adds value to your property. Consider your priorities and consult with our Showroom team to help you make an informed decision.

Environmental Benefits of Engineered Timber Flooring

Engineered flooring is an excellent choice for eco-conscious homeowners, as it is made from timber sourced from responsibly managed forests that are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

Australian forestry organizations have set a high benchmark for sustainability by seeking Forest Management Certification under the FSC, Responsible Wood (formerly Australian Forestry Standard), and PEFC. These certification schemes are recognised as world-class standards, and inspecting bodies have officially endorsed them, providing much-needed assurance of responsible and sustainable management practices in Australia's forests.

Another added benefit of engineered flooring is that it requires less wood than traditional hardwood flooring. This is because it is made up of several layers of wood that are glued together, with a thin layer of hardwood on top. This means that less hardwood is needed to cover the same area, reducing the amount of wood that needs to be harvested. Furthermore, the manufacturing process for engineered flooring produces less waste than traditional hardwood flooring, as smaller pieces of wood can be used to make up the entire construction of the floorboard.

Choosing engineered flooring is a great way to create a beautiful and durable atmosphere in your home or commercial property, while also making a positive impact on the environment. Not only will it provide long-lasting satisfaction for years to come, but you can take pride in knowing that you are helping to preserve the environment for future generations. With timber's natural beauty and warmth, you'll also enjoy a comforting connection with nature.

Final Thoughts

Engineered timber flooring is an excellent option for those looking to add both beauty and value to their home or commercial property. Not only does it provide a natural hardwood finish, but its easy and precise installation process makes it much more cost-efficient than other materials. Additionally, with its fast refinishing capabilities, you can quickly update the look of your space without having to do any major renovations.

Barwon Timber offers a wide variety of beautiful, high-quality options that are sure to suit your d?cor and provide a lifetime of enjoyment. We recommend visiting our Geelong showroom to see our large range of engineered flooring on display.