When it comes to choosing wood flooring for your home, you may be wondering whether to go with solid wood or engineered timber. Both options have their pros and cons, and the right choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Here are some factors to consider when deciding between engineered timber flooring and solid wood:
- Stability: Engineered timber flooring is made from layers of wood that are fused together, making it more stable than solid wood. This means it is less prone to expanding and contracting with changes in temperature and humidity, making it a good choice for homes in areas with fluctuating weather conditions. This is especially beneficial for homes based in Auckland where the temperatures and humidity levels can fluctuate greatly.
- Durability: Solid wood is a durable flooring option, but it can be prone to scratches, dents, and other types of damage. Engineered timber flooring is also durable, but it is typically more resistant to wear and tear than solid wood.
- Installation: Solid wood flooring must be nailed or glued to a subfloor, which can be a more labor-intensive and time-consuming process. Engineered timber flooring can often be installed using a floating method, which means it can be laid on top of an existing floor without the need for glue or nails.
- Cost: Solid wood flooring can be more expensive than engineered timber flooring, especially if you choose a high-quality wood species. However, the lifespan of solid wood flooring is generally longer than that of engineered timber, which means it may be a more cost-effective choice in the long run.
- Appearance: Both solid wood and engineered timber flooring can have a beautiful, natural appearance.
In summary, both solid wood and engineered timber flooring have their own unique benefits and drawbacks. To determine which is the right choice for you, consider factors such as stability, durability, installation, cost, and appearance.
Many New Zealand homes have native timber floors. They are known to be reasonably hard-wearing (although many species do often show dents from wear). In many cases this flooring needs to be extended or refurbished and often the cost to do so can be prohibitive.
Alternative options are to introduce an overlay timber flooring to the home. As such, we are often asked about the hardness of European Oak compared to New Zealand native timber floors.
The Janka scale is used to measure the hardness of wood and compare the relative hardness of different species. It is determined by pressing a small steel ball into the wood with a set amount of force and measuring the depth of the indentation. This measure is expressed as an lbf value (pounds of force).
European oak has a high rating on the Janka scale, making it a durable choice for flooring. In comparison to other types of timber, such as pine and fir, European oak ranks relatively high on the scale. Some New Zealand native timbers, such as totara and rimu, also rank relatively high on the Janka scale. Other native timbers, such as kauri and matai, rank lower on the scale and may be less resistant to wear and tear.
The following shows a comparison of New Zealand Natives and other popular species:
• Maple: 1,450 lbf
• Brazilian cherry: 2,820 lbf
• Jarrah: 2,020 lbf
• Teak: 1,155 lbf
• Totara: 2,040 lbf
• Rimu: 1,010 lbf
• Kauri: 890 lbf
• Matai: 940 lbf
• European Oak: 1,350 lbf
Compared to most New Zealand natives, European timber rates much higher on the Janka hardness scale.
The Janka scale is just one factor to consider when choosing timber flooring, as other factors such as appearance, price, and availability may also be important. However, the Janka scale can help you choose a durable and suitable type of flooring.
Engineered oak timber flooring is a popular choice for homeowners and businesses due to its durability and versatility. When choosing engineered oak flooring, one important decision is whether to opt for an oiled finish or a lacquered finish. Here are the pros and cons of each option:
Oiled Oak Flooring Pros:
- Natural look: Oiled oak flooring has the most natural and organic appearance.
- Easy maintenance: Oiled oak flooring is relatively easy to maintain, as it only requires occasional re-oiling to keep it looking its best. This can be done using a special oil and a soft cloth, and the process is generally quick and straightforward.
- Better timber experience: Oiled oak flooring has a softer and more comfortable feel underfoot than a lacquered floor because you are in direct contact with the timber. An oiled floor will never crack, blister or flake off, because there is no coating to sit on top.
- Pore expression: The open-pored wood regulates humidity levels for a heathy indoor climate. As the room increases and decreases in humidity, the flooring will take on more or less moisture.
- Environmental benefits: Oiled oak flooring is considered to be more environmentally friendly than lacquered flooring, as it does not contain any harmful chemicals or solvents.
- Spot repairs: Many oiled finishes can be spot-repaired, eliminating the need for future sanding and refinishing.
Oiled Oak Flooring Cons:
- Susceptible to water damage: Although it can be largely managed, oiled oak flooring is more prone to water damage than lacquered flooring. It may not be the best choice for areas of the home or business that are prone to moisture, or are not likely to maintain the floor.
- Requires frequent maintenance: While oiled oak flooring is relatively easy to maintain, it does require more frequent attention than lacquered flooring in order to keep it looking its best. Without maintenance, an oiled floor will be more susceptible to staining. A typical maintenance program for a residential home would mean oiling the floor every 24 months.
- Can’t use standard cleaners: Standard cleaning products will lift oils. An oiled floor requires specific cleaning products to ensure effective care.
Lacquered Oak Flooring Pros:
- Durability: Lacquered oak flooring is more durable and resistant to wear and tear than oiled flooring, making it a good choice for high-traffic areas.
- Easy maintenance: Lacquered oak flooring is relatively easy to maintain, as it only requires occasional dusting and sweeping to keep it looking its best.
- Resistant to water damage: Lacquered oak flooring is more resistant to water damage than oiled flooring, making it a good choice for areas of the home or business that are prone to moisture.
- Can be natural looking: The latest matt lacquer floor coatings can look extremely natural.
Lacquered Oak Flooring Cons:
- Artificial appearance: Lacquered oak flooring can have a more artificial or synthetic appearance than oiled flooring, which may not be appealing to those who prefer a more natural look.
- Hard feel: Lacquered oak flooring can have a harder and more unforgiving feel underfoot than oiled. When touching a lacquered floor, you are in contact with the lacquer, rather than the timber.
- Repairs are more difficult: Spot repairs and minor scratches are not as easy to repair as with oiled floors.
- Refurbishment is costly: Most lacquered floors eventually require refurbishing which can be a disruptive and costly exercise. Refurbishing a lacquered floor requires removing all furniture, sanding and refinishing. (A lacquered finish should last 10 to 15 years).
- Environmental impact: Contains chemicals: Lacquered oak flooring is made with chemicals and solvents, which can be harmful to the environment
Ultimately, the choice between oiled and lacquered oak flooring comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of your space. Consider the look and feel you want for your floor, as well as the level of maintenance you are willing to commit to and the environmental impacts of your choice.
