The Foundation: Understanding Engineered timber Flooring

Timber flooring has become the preferred choice for interior spaces, replacing tiles in kitchens and powder rooms, and carpets in bedrooms. Its rise in popularity is due to its luxurious and premium appeal, setting a new standard for contemporary interiors. Today I am discussing engineered wood flooring to help you navigate the many options available in the market.

Wood : Ply

Engineered Wood Flooring is a made of natural timber applied to a ply substrate, merging the innate beauty of wood with the durability of engineered construction. The magic lies in striking the right balance between hardwood and ply, where the ply provides stability against timbers’ movement - as it naturally does change, especially in varying climates. The thicker hardwood is of a higher quality, where the ability to sand and refinish over time increases with each mm; this entails higher cost however a longer life cycle.

Lengths, Lines and Patterns

One of the most intriguing aspects of wood flooring is its ability to influence the perception of space. By running timber lengths along the length of a room, we can accentuate its dimensions, creating an illusion of spaciousness.

Linear slats celebrate this materiality most economonially. With the increase in width, the depth of your pocket increases proportionally! Wider slats exude luxury, while narrow ones lend themselves beautifully to intricate patterns such as chevron and herringbone. The thinner the slats for these patterns are less cost in supply, however more cost for the labour at installation. Each pattern carries its own aesthetic, with chevron more modern and herringbone most traditional. To futher detail these patterns, you can design in a timber border to the space, include inlays and threshold borders; tip: be sure to run any timber borders around fixed joinery and meticulously draw this in plan before installation.

Knot so many options

The advantage of engineered wood flooring lies in its customisability. From random widths to selective grading, the options are endless - just enough to confuse any client. You can celebrate the natural knots of the wood for a rustic charm or opt for a refined, knot-free minimalist aesthetic. The choice is yours, and each decision contributes to the budget and overall character of the space, all of which an interior designer will have in mind durin the selections for your material propsoal.

Colour Play

Unlike natural timber, engineered wood flooring offers an extensive range of colours, opening doors to contemporary design possibilities. Lighter hues amplify the sense of space, perfect for small rooms or dark cabinetry. Conversely, dark rich tones exude elegance, demand more upkeep, and are ideal for spaces with high ceilings and are successful in modern and traditional architecture.

 Engineered wood flooring is adaptable, durable and aesthetically versatile - making it a timeless choice for any space. Whether you seek to create a sense of expansiveness or infuse your interior with elegance, engineered wood flooring stands ready to fulfil your design vision.