Choosing either solid wood or engineered wood flooring is a question we get asked quite often. In this article we will explain the differences between the 2 to help you when making a choice on the type of flooring. Due to it being made of 100% real wood, Solid wood flooring has many more limitations which affect where it can be fitted i.e. it can not be fitted in high moisture areas like bathrooms as the wood can absorb water and expand. It is also not recommended to be fitted over under floor heating as the added heat can also affect the wood.
Solid Wood
Offered in 100’s of styles and sizes, each plank is made up of 100% real wood from a single piece of timber. Historically, it was used to offer a more structure floor when fitted over a floating floor of beams and bearers. Solid wood is generally available in limited plank widths and is more prone to crowning and cupping, whilst also producing gaps in the boards due to humidity. Plank cupping is where the wood curves and raises at the edges. Crowning is where the planks curve upwards. When flooring has not been professionally installed and the guidelines not followed, these issues are more apparent.
