Signs You Should Use Engineered Wood Flooring Instead of Genuine Timber

The flooring is obviously one of the key parts of any room, and one area that you should always devote plenty of thought to when you’re renovating all or part of your home. Plenty of people are attracted to wood flooring, but that leads to the inevitable question: should you use genuine timber or engineered wood?

There are strong points on both sides, but most people assume that genuine timber is the best option. This isn’t always the case – here are just a few signs you should use engineered wood instead.

Your Subfloor Contains High Moisture Levels

There’s one thing that’s very important to do when you’re planning on adding a wood floor to your home, but it’s something that not many people think about. Basically, you need to measure your subfloor’s moisture levels. If the moisture levels are high – which only means exceeding around 2-3% – you should really use engineered wood instead of solid wood.

Solid wood is notoriously bad at coping with moisture and can attract pests like termites that can cause damage to the wood and the structure of your home. Unfortunately, controlling termites can be difficult, as they can easily find their way into even the smallest cracks and crevices in the wood. Preventing such a situation from occurring in the first place is the best thing you can do.

You’re Renovating the Kitchen or Bathroom

Speaking of moisture, let’s say that you have contacted Amiano and Son home remodeling, or a similar agency for the renovation of your kitchen and bathroom. These are both rooms likely to encounter plenty of moisture. The bathroom can have water slopped onto the floor after a bath or shower, and condensation will build up whenever you have a particularly hot or long soak.

Kitchens have their own sinks, and it’s relatively easy for liquids to get on the floor. Solid wood will expand and contract when it encounters water, and any gaps between planks will let water seep through. If you’re renovating the kitchen or bathroom, engineered wood is a no-brainer.

You’re Keeping to a Strict Budget

One of the main downsides of genuine timber is its price. Even if it isn’t quite as expensive as you might think, genuine timber is still one of the most expensive flooring options. Engineered wood is significantly cheaper, so it’s the ideal option when you need to keep to a strict budget.