In ancient times, floors weren’t anything close to what we know them to be today. They were just a patch of tamped down dirt that was sometimes strewn with unworked materials, such as hay and straw for people to walk on. While traditional dirt floors are still used in some parts of the world, there is a huge selection of flooring options available today. And, we understand that choosing the right flooring type for your home or other building can be confusing. That’s why we created this website. Although we’re not flooring specialists, we can provide you with some useful information about the different types of flooring. This information can guide you through the flooring selection process but also help you identify the right flooring contractor for your needs. Welcome aboard!
Oak floors give your house a touch of class and sophistication. They also increase the value of the property. Most homeowners would want an oak floor. However, traditional hardwood flooring can be expensive. Engineered oak flooring is an alternative for people who cannot afford a conventional oak floor. It consists of a thin layer of natural oak glued to plywood. It would be difficult to differentiate between an engineered and natural oak floor since both have a polished oak finish. In the excerpt below, you will learn the considerations to make when buying engineered oak flooring.
Manufacturer
Unknown to most buyers, product quality varies across various manufacturers. Below are a few tips to help you decide which manufacturer you should work with:
Top Layer
Check the thickness of the natural oak layer of the floor. Ideally, a thick layer will last for a long time. Additionally, the floor can be sanded severally without worrying that you will damage this top layer. Other than the thickness, you should also decide what type of finish you prefer. For instance, is the floor pre-treated or untreated? A pre-treated floor is stained at the factory to produce a specific colour. Besides, it contains additional treatments to protect it from various elements. In contrast, an untreated floor is stained at the site.
A pre-treated floor is a practical solution for people who need to install the floor in a few days. On the other hand, untreated floors give an even finish since the floor is stained at the same time. Besides, they give the homeowner more flexibility since they can decide whether to apply lacquers or oils.
Quality Of Plywood Base
The floor should have a high-quality plywood base. Typically, it should not be too thin. Additionally, it should be treated to protect it from humidity or moisture. Although most engineered oak floors can support floor heating, it would be wise to check the stability of the plywood base. Do not attempt to install the floor over radiant heating if the manufacturer prohibits such installations. Doing so will void the warranty.
You should now have an easy time buying an engineered oak floor. Choose a reputable manufacturer and assess the qualities of the top layer and plywood base.
Share