There’s a good reason for the popularity of traditional wood flooring. Since the 17th century, solid woods have improved the dynamic of domestic residences across the globe; from humble country cottages, to affluent stately homes.
There are a number of benefits that are intrinsic to wood flooring, including unfaltering wear resistance, affordability, and outstanding longevity. Alongside functionality, solid wood offers a bespoke appearance, and is widely considered a signifying element of the archetypal idyllic homestead by interior experts and design specialist alike.
It really is no surprise that wood flooring has remained in vogue for hundreds of years. But, there is one area where 100% real wood has its drawbacks…
Whilst hardwood flooring is an excellent solution for living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways, it is limited in its versatility. This is because the structural integrity of wooden boards is easily compromised by fluctuations in moisture and humidity, ultimately restricting its application.
Consequently, wood flooring is not recommended for kitchens, where changes in temperature and accidental spillages are more frequent.
Until recently, there were only two choices for homeowners who wanted to achieve the bespoke aesthetic of wood in their kitchens: Either install wood flooring and risk potential damages, or opt for a synthetic material that replicates the appearance of real wood. Unfortunately, the latter almost always lacks character, warmth, and personality.
That’s where engineered wood flooring comes in…
Utilising the latest flooring technologies, engineered boards are indistinguishable from their solid wood counterparts, with the added benefit of reinforced dimensional stability. Each plank is composed of a specially designed core of compressed timber, and a surface wear layer of solid wood. There result is a perfect balance of practicality and style.
There are countless advantages to engineered wood flooring, making it an ideal candidate for your kitchen. But if you’re new to the term, you may need pointing in the right direction. Don’t worry, we’re here to help!
Here are just a few reasons why we think engineered flooring is a remarkable choice:
Humidity and Moisture Resistance
As mentioned above, engineered wood flooring delivers superior results to traditional hardwood in the kitchen environment. One of the salient reasons for this is its resilience to humidity and moisture.
The compressed core is crafted from multiple layers of wood veneer, such as plywood or high density fibreboard (HDF). Each piece is bonded together with a highly secure adhesive, and placed under intense pressure to prevent delamination. Additionally, the grains of each veneer run perpendicular to the neighbouring wood, creating an internal cross-cross structure.
This prevents warping and shrinkages from within the engineered plank, reducing the impact of heat and moisture.
As a result, temperature changes from cooking appliances, spillages from water sources, and accidentally discarded food will prove no threat to your flooring, giving you peace of mind for years to come.
Low Maintenance
Although damages from excess moisture are pacified by the unique composition of the engineered board, it’s still important to dry any spillages as soon as possible. Thankfully, this is incredibly easy to do.
Engineered wood flooring is naturally low maintenance, making cleaning with even minimal equipment quick and effortless.
Unlike soft flooring solutions such as carpet, the hardwood lamella allows debris and spillages to rest above the surface. Consequently, mess can be remedied with light sweeping, vacuuming, or with a damp cloth.
Whilst damages are unlikely to appear on the surface of your boards, the event in which harm is sustained doesn’t have to be feared.
Just like 100% real wood, engineered flooring can be sanded and refinished multiple times over the course of its lifespan. This simple task restores your floors to their former glory, removing the need for reinstallation.
Ultimately, this saves labour, costs, and hassle, helping your life at home run as smoothly as possible.
High Durability
Kitchens are a central hub for nourishment, comfort, and togetherness. Whether you live alone, with a partner, or as part of a family, frequent visits to the kitchen are a common occurrence. As a result, kitchens experience some of the heaviest foot traffic of any room in the house.
Consequently, you need flooring that’s up to the challenge. This makes engineered wood an ideal choice.
No matter which hardwood and finish you choose, you’re guaranteed to receive scratch and scuff resistance, protection against impact, and enduring performance.
In fact, engineered boards have the same incredible lifespan as classic solid wood, which has been known to last over a lifetime.
Improved Air Quality
Homeowners often overlook air quality when it comes to flooring. But the truth is, your flooring has a large part to play when it comes to circulating clean air.
This is especially important in kitchens where steam, smells, and particulates from cooking are made airborne every mealtime.
Engineered wood actually improves the overall air quality of your home for several reasons.
As a thermal conductor, engineered boards help to move heat around your home, creating proper circulation and reducing humidity. Additionally, the hardwood surface reduces the risk of allergies, as it does not harbour dust and other undesirable allergens.
Alongside this, engineered wood does not absorb unpleasant odours from food and drink, and boats zero-to-low levels of chemical emissions. This keeps the air in your kitchen naturally fresh, so you can breathe a sigh of relief.
Timeless Look
It’s impossible to discuss wood flooring and not talk about its decorative flair.
Engineered boards exhibit the same unparalleled style and variation as traditional solid wood, lifting the aesthetic of any interior space to a higher dimension. Whether you opt for the classic neutrality of oak, the rich sophistication of walnut, or the exotic distinction of acacia, your kitchen will become a truly unique focal point.
With engineered boards, you’ll never have to worry about your home appearing dated or off-trend. Hardwood is set to remain a fashionable interior statement for the foreseeable future, and is still one of the most desired flooring solutions amongst modern homeowners.
The natural intricacies of engineered flooring express a range of complex textures, adding visual depth and allowing for stylistic continuity between furniture, ornaments, and appliances.
With a plethora of timeless styles available, you’ll always find a complimentary match for your existing interior décor.