Written By HomeRenoGuru
In Singapore, more homeowners are opting for engineered wood flooring as it gives a natural yet elegant look to their house interior. The flooring can serve as an ideal alternative to solid wood flooring. Read the FAQs below to get a clearer picture of what engineered wood flooring is and how it works.
1. What is engineered wood flooring?
Engineered wood flooring is a type of flooring composed of a thin hardwood top layer, known as a veneer or wear layer, as well as core layers of strengthened composite plywood. This type of flooring looks like solid wood flooring but it comes with a plywood base construction underneath. Under some circumstances, oriented strand boards (OSB) may be used to replace the plywood.
2. Where can engineered wood flooring be used?
If you are looking to build a new property or renovate a current one, engineered wood flooring will be an ideal flooring choice as it can be easily installed in any living space like the living room, and more.
Bedroom/living room
It is recommended to attach engineered wood flooring in your bedroom or living room. The flooring is timeless and beautiful. With the wide variety of engineered wood flooring patterns and designs available in the market these days, any home decorations or theme will complement it.
Underfloor heating
Compared to solid timber, engineered wood flooring is more resistant to expansion and contraction due to temperature changes. However, it is still not immune to moisture and may be damaged when being exposed to moisture constantly. Being heat-resistant, engineered wood flooring is a great option for installation above underfloor heating systems.
3. What are the advantages of engineered wood flooring?
Today, engineered wood flooring has become a popular alternative to solid wood flooring. Listed below are the 10 advantages of installing engineered wood flooring at your residential or commercial space:
Uniqueness
Durable
Stylish
Eco-friendly
Moisture-resistant
Versatile
Easy to install
Affordable
Easy to maintain
Stable
4. How long can it last?
Engineered wood flooring usually lasts from 20 to 80 years. However, the surface layers and how well it is handled also determines its lifespan.
5. How do I clean it?
Compared to wet cleaning, dry cleaning works better for engineered wood flooring. Vacuum and brush the flooring on a regular basis. Occasionally, you should use a damp, well-wrung-out cloth/mop to clean it.
6. What should I avoid using when cleaning?
There are many wooden floorings that you can choose from in Singapore, including engineered wood flooring. Despite its durability and stability, engineered wood flooring should still be well taken care of. Avoid using vinegar, soap-based cleaners, wax or other strong cleaning products as they may damage or erode the veneer surface on the upper layer of hardwood.
7. How long after installation can I walk on it?
You should wait 6 hours before walking on your new floors in socks. You can walk on them with shoes on, after 24 hours. If you want to place furniture and accommodate pets, it is advisable to wait at least 48 hours after installation.
8. Can engineered wood flooring be installed in bathrooms?
Engineered wood flooring is more resistant to temperature changes than solid wood flooring but it can still be damaged by water. Therefore, it may not be an ideal flooring option for bathrooms. Engineered wood flooring comes with 2 or 3-layer construction, ensuring strength and stability. The top layer is solid hardwood, while the underneath contains a layer of plywood. In the case of 3-layer, there is a further bottom layer of softwood or hardwood. If you are still in doubt, seek professional advice and assistance from flooring contractors in Singapore.
Selecting a suitable flooring can be challenging but an engineered wood flooring is often the safest choice. The curated list of FAQs above should be able to help justify why you should use engineered wood flooring.
Floorrich is one of the leading, one-stop flooring providers in Singapore. We have been offering professional flooring services for more than a decade. Contact us now to find out more!