Endless Style Options with Engineered Wood
In the world of flooring, you will find few options that offer all what you seek – a combination of style, durability, versatility, ease of installation and sustainability. Engineered wood is a definite winner in this aspect. Considering the UK’s enduring love affair with wooden flooring, this flooring type is the modern homeowner’s dream come true.
Whether you’re renovating an old space or building a new one, engineered wood can elevate the aesthetic of any room. Read on as we explore the various design options and styles that make engineered wood flooring so desirable.
Understanding the Difference
Before delving into the design options, let’s understand what engineered wood flooring is and how it differs from traditional real wood. As you are aware, real wood is a high-maintenance floor, prone to warping, scratches and rotting. Engineered wood, on the other hand, is made up of several layers, where the core typically consists of plywood or a High Density Fibreboard (HDF) layer, while the top layer is a veneer of real wood.
This robust, layered construction makes engineered wood far more stable and less susceptible to moisture and climate changes compared to real wood. The result is a flooring option that provides the beauty of real wood, but with better resilience and versatility.
Now that we understand the basics, let’s explore the various design options available with engineered wood flooring.
Species and Grain
One of the most important decisions when selecting engineered wood flooring is the wood species. Different wood species offer distinct colours, grain patterns, and characteristics that offer dramatically different effects in a room. Whether you wish to make a bold statement or a minimalistic one and whatever your chosen decor, the wood species and grain type is what you need to consider first.
- Oak: One of the most popular choices for engineered wood flooring, Oak offers a timeless look, with prominent grain patterns that range from straight to pronounced swirls. It’s also available in a variety of finishes, from light to dark tones.
- Maple: On the other hand, Maple provides a more subtle grain and is often lighter in colour, ranging from creamy white to pale yellow. Perfect for sleek, modern spaces or those looking for a minimalistic style.
- Walnut: For a rich, luxurious look, walnut is a fantastic option. It has a darker, more dramatic appearance with unique colour variations, from deep browns to bluish and grey undertones.
- Cherry: Cherry has a smooth, fine grain and a reddish hue that darkens over time. It’s often used in classic or traditional interior designs.
- Hickory: Known for its distinctive grain, hickory offers a more rugged and natural look with varying shades of light and dark brown.
The grain pattern can vary significantly depending on the species and cut of the wood. Some engineered planks have a more uniform, straight grain, while others offer a more rustic, open grain that gives a floor a dynamic and textured appearance.
Finish Type
The finish of your engineered wood floor plays a major role in defining its overall style. Finish options not only impact the aesthetic but also the durability of the floor. There are three popular finish options to choose from:
- Matte: Matte finishes offer a modern, understated look and are perfect for creating a more natural or rustic aesthetic. They show less dirt and wear compared to shinier finishes, making them ideal for high-traffic areas.
- Satin: A satin finish provides a soft sheen that is subtle yet sophisticated. It strikes a balance between a matte and glossy appearance and is highly popular for both traditional and contemporary interiors.
- Gloss: For those who want a high-impact, polished look, a gloss finish can add a layer of shine that reflects light beautifully. Glossy finishes tend to highlight the grain and colour variations in the wood, making them a great choice for formal spaces.
Textures and Surface Treatments
Engineered wood floors are available in a variety of textures, which can further enhance their look and feel.
- Smooth: A smooth finish is often the most modern option and is ideal for those seeking a clean, sleek look. This finish highlights the natural beauty of the wood and its grain pattern.
- Wire Brushed: Wire-brushed textures create a tactile surface by brushing away the soft grains of the wood, leaving behind the harder grain patterns. This treatment gives the floor a more rustic, reclaimed look, making it perfect for a modern Industrial or farmhouse chic kind of feel.
- Hand-Scraped: For a truly antique, artisanal feel, hand-scraped engineered wood can add a distinct, worn-in look. The scraping process mimics the wear-and-tear of older flooring, making it a great choice for rustic or Victorian-style interiors.
Plank Size and Layout
Engineered wood flooring comes in a wide range of plank sizes, from narrow strips to wide boards. The layout and size of the planks you select can help to create that certain vibe or atmosphere that you wish to evoke.
- Wide Planks: If you wish to create a more open, expansive feeling in a room, especially in large areas, wide planks are a great choice, Wide planks, typically 6 inches or more, are a popular choice for contemporary and rustic decors. They are also excellent at showcasing the natural grain and unique characteristics of the wood.
- Narrow Planks: Narrow planks, usually under 4 inches, can create a more traditional or formal appearance. They work well in smaller rooms or spaces where a more refined, intricate look is desired.
- Chevron and Herringbone Patterns: If you wish to add a dramatic flair with an eye-catching, high-end design, chevron and herringbone patterns are options you could consider. These patterns use angled cuts to create a V-shaped design, adding visual interest and sophistication to any space.
Colour and Stain
Colour is one of the most impactful design decisions when selecting engineered wood flooring. Whether you prefer light, dark, or medium tones, the colour of your floor can dictate the ambience of the entire room.
- Light Tones: Light-coloured woods like natural oak, ash, or maple can brighten a space and make it feel airy and open. These tones work well in smaller rooms or spaces that lack natural light. They also complement a wide range of decor styles, from coastal to Scandinavian to modern minimalist.
- Medium Tones: Medium-toned woods like honey oak, walnut, or hickory offer warmth and richness without feeling too overpowering. These colours are versatile and can work well in both traditional and contemporary settings.
- Dark Tones: Darker woods like espresso, ebony, or black walnut add sophistication and elegance to a room. They create a dramatic contrast with lighter walls and furniture, making them ideal for creating a more luxurious or moody atmosphere. However, dark floors may show dust and scratches more easily, so they require a bit more maintenance.
Many engineered wood options also come with the option of stains or smoked and oiled finishes, that give the wood an antique or weathered look, adding gorgeous depth, texture and intensity to the floor.
Eco-Friendly Options
In general, engineered wood is considered more eco-friendly than real wood because it uses less wood in its construction. Many manufacturers now offer sustainable options made from responsibly sourced timbre or reclaimed wood. Additionally, the durability and longer lifespan of engineered wood contribute to a lower environmental impact over time.
Design Versatility at its Best
It’s small wonder that engineered wood flooring has become a popular choice in the past few years, since it offers a wealth of design options and styles to suit any aesthetic. From the wood species you choose to the finish, plank size, colour, and texture, there are endless possibilities for customizing your flooring to match your vision.
When making your decision, consider factors such as the room size, amount of foot traffic, and desired ambience or vibe. With the right engineered wood flooring, you can create a space that is both functional and visually stunning for years to come.To choose one that’s just right for you and at the best outlet prices, talk to our experts on 020 3004 6630 or email at sales@flooringfactoryoutlet.co.uk
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