Available in many different types, wooden flooring options have long been a popular choice amongst New Zealand homeowners. They provide durability, versatility and are easy to maintain over their years of use. Starting with laminate flooring which is a cheaper wood-look alternative to real wood and more modern engineered wood floors, we are going to take a look at the similarities and differences between these flooring types, as well as pointing to which we believe is best for your home.
Laminate flooring is a synthetic flooring product made up of multiple layers, fused together. A photographic applique layer is used under a clear protective layer to make it appear like real wood. This is a cheap flooring option, however, it is less durable than alternative options and cannot be refinished, meaning it doesn’t last anywhere near as long.
Real wood flooring is any species of timber that has been manufactured into floorboards. It can come in a mix of colours, formats and styles in hardwood or softwood varieties. Real wood floors can be refinished multiple times meaning the product has longevity and each floor is as unique as the tree it was cut from.
Engineered wood flooring has all the same characteristics as real wood; the authentic aesthetic, the range of stains and styles and the option to refinish several times, but with the added benefits of being engineered into an even more durable and stable product than real wood. Designed specifically for New Zealand’s diverse climates, engineered wood is made with sustainability in mind, lasting generations. It also doesn’t have a detrimental environmental impact as it uses far less natural resources than real timber flooring.
As laminate has a printed pattern, it will not be a unique design and it is quite obvious the floor isn’t made of real timber products. As for real wood and engineered wood, these two are almost identical when installed. Both consist of the natural wood look which adds warmth to a home. The only way to tell them apart is by seeing the side of the plank of wood. Real wooden floors are solid pieces of wood and engineered wood consists of a real wood veneer with a constructed core and backing, both of which are designed to provide the premium properties outlined above.
Our range of engineered wood flooring at Forte offers a premium product that endures strict quality control processes and expert installation to guarantee a consistent flooring option for New Zealand homes. Get in touch today to find out more about introducing Forte Flooring to your property.