Engineered Flooring Buying Guide

Whether you love hosting dinner parties or spending time with your family, there’s no doubt that your kitchen is the heart of your home. After all, we do more than cook and clean in these spaces.

As a social hub of domestic activity, kitchens are usually considered a high traffic area in the home. That’s why it is so important to choose the right kitchen flooring to make sure your space works for your lifestyle and your needs.

Engineered flooring is a popular choice for many homes, thanks to its durability and style versatility. If you’re wondering whether engineered flooring is right for your kitchen, this guide is here to help you understand your options.

What is engineered flooring?

Engineered flooring is an innovative product designed to combine the aesthetics of solid wood with the durability of a human-made material.

Engineered wood uses timber. It’s created by layering plywood or recycled wood in a cross-grained pattern for strength. The material is then heat-treated and bonded with pressure to create a very hard-wearing product. For a realistic finish, plywood layers receive with a real wood veneer on top (known as the wear layer).

High quality engineered wood flooring can withstand the demands of heavy traffic areas and many varieties can cope with high moisture rooms, like kitchens or bathrooms, too.

ELL40150_Interior01 Elka

Why choose engineered flooring?

The best engineered wood flooring looks just like the real thing. For those that want a durable alternative to solid wood, it’s the ultimate choice.

Engineered wood flooring is a particularly good option for kitchens. Some solid wood flooring options can warp when exposed to moisture, which means they’re not always suited to spaces that may get wet.

On the other hand, high-quality, engineered wood flooring is often able to cope well with additional moisture. However, be sure to check with your supplier before you purchase to ensure your chosen style is appropriate for kitchens.

How much does engineered wood flooring cost?

As any home renovator will know, it is always essential to plan your budget carefully when designing a new kitchen. If you want to include engineered flooring in your space, it’s worth bearing in mind that it can be quite expensive. It may even be more costly than solid wood flooring.

However, its durability often makes this flooring type a cost-effective choice, particularly as manufacturers usually include a quality guarantee.

Like with all types of flooring, engineered wood can vary in price depending on the style and thickness you choose. It’s worth doing your research to find an option that works for your lifestyle, aesthetics, and budget.

Elka 14mm Caramel Oak

Choosing style and colour

Another benefit of engineered wood flooring is its versatility. You’ll find a wide range of styles, colours, and finishes to choose from, giving you endless opportunities to get creative. Whether you want a natural finish or something unique, you’ll likely find an engineered wood style to suit your preferences.

Most engineered woods come in a variety of different timber types. You’ll find warm tones, pale tones, and dark woods available. You may also want to choose a different finish, such as oiled, varnished, or painted depending on your interior design preferences.

It’s worth asking for a sample or visiting a showroom to compare the different colours and finishes available. Bring along your paint swatches or take a length of flooring home with you to help make your choice easier.

Choosing your engineered flooring thickness

The best-engineered wood flooring offers a substantial wear layer to ensure a high-quality look and feel. Cheaper options tend to range from 3mm, whereas more expensive varieties can range up to 15mm or more.

Typically, your engineered floorboards will last longer the thicker the wear layer. Flooring with a thick wear layer will also allow you to sand and re-treat your flooring as required, which may also increase longevity.

Considering the finish of your floor

The finish of your engineered flooring is an important consideration, as it will add a distinct aesthetic to your overall interior design. There are a variety of options available to choose from, so it’s worth thinking carefully about your choice: Pre-treated, Untreated, Lacquered & Oiled.

Cleaning and maintaining engineered wood flooring

One of the real benefits of engineered wood flooring is that it’s so low maintenance. High-quality engineered flooring often does not need to be re-treated, and regular cleaning is all it needs to stay in good condition.

We recommend using a soft, damp mop to clean your floor. Avoid getting the surface too wet and mop up any spills immediately. It’s usually best to avoid using soaps, astringent cleaners, and harsh sponges to protect the finish of your engineered wood.

You may want to treat your flooring from time to time. Your supplier might recommend regular oiling or lacquering, so it’s worth finding out if this is a requirement before you buy.

Choosing kitchen flooring from Magnet

Whether you’re planning a full kitchen renovation or want to make small updates, the style of flooring you choose will have a significant impact on your aesthetics. Plan your flooring choice well in advance to make sure you make the right choice for your lifestyle, budget, and style requirements. We offer a range of flooring options through Magnet Trade, giving you plenty of opportunities to get creative with your interior design.

If you’re ready to choose your dream kitchen, get a guide price for your design to get the process started. Our team of designers will help turn your plans into reality. Not sure where to start? Try our innovative kitchen design tool to get inspiration for your space.

Elka 14mm Truffle Oak