Engineered wood flooring has become a popular flooring option for homeowners in Australia due to its durability, affordability, and attractive appearance. However, like any other flooring option, engineered wood flooring also has its disadvantages. In this post, we will discuss the disadvantages of engineered wood flooring to help you make an informed decision about whether it is the right choice for your home.
- Limited Sanding:
One of the main disadvantages of engineered wood flooring is that it has a limited ability to be sanded down and refinished. This is because engineered wood flooring only has a thin layer of hardwood on top of the plywood or high-density fiberboard (HDF) core. Therefore, if your engineered wood flooring is deeply scratched or damaged, it may not be possible to sand it down and refinish it.
- Moisture Sensitivity:
Another disadvantage of engineered wood flooring is that it is sensitive to moisture. Although engineered wood flooring is more resistant to moisture than solid hardwood flooring, it can still be damaged by moisture if it is not properly installed or maintained. For instance, if water spills on the flooring and is not immediately cleaned up, it can cause the flooring to warp or buckle.
- Shorter Lifespan:
Compared to solid hardwood flooring, engineered wood flooring has a shorter lifespan. While solid hardwood flooring can last for generations, engineered wood flooring typically lasts for around 20-30 years. This is because the thin layer of hardwood on top of the core can wear down over time, especially if the flooring is in a high-traffic area.
- Prone to Scratches:
Although engineered wood flooring is more durable than solid hardwood flooring, it is still prone to scratches and dents. The top layer of hardwood is typically around 1/16 to 1/8 inches thick, which is thinner than solid hardwood flooring. Therefore, heavy foot traffic or moving furniture can cause scratches and dents on the flooring.
In conclusion, engineered wood flooring has its disadvantages, including limited sanding ability, moisture sensitivity, a shorter lifespan, and being prone to scratches. However, these disadvantages can be mitigated by properly installing and maintaining the flooring. If you are considering engineered wood flooring for your home, it is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages to make an informed decision.