Engineered Quality and Floor Care

Engineered Flooring Quality
Below are a few points to help you access the quality of engineered flooring

• The top layer of solid wood should not be less than 2mm and preferebly not less than 3mm in thickness in a quality engineered floor, the thickness of this layer can clearly be seen from the side of the plank. The thickness will determine the amount of times it can be sanded which in turn will determine the life span of your new floor. Engineered floors with a top layer as thin as 0.6mm is available and is usually much cheaper and although this floor can not be sanded it can be used in residential application, the maintenance and recoating can be done by abrading the floor with a polisher and then recoating it. By using the abrading system on a normal thickness engineered floor the floor will probably outlive you.
• Inspect the sample for any holes or cracks to make sure it is not lower grade wood which used in the construction of the floor.
• Ask your retailer about the finish on the floor, usually a few layers of varnish or aluminium oxide coating is applied at the factory and check that this coating is UV resistant
• Find out what the guarantee is on the structure of the floor as well as the walking surface of your floor

Things to keep in mind about Engineered Flooring
Nothing can compare to the beauty and luxury of Natural Wood but there is a few things to be aware of and take into consideration before purchasing your new floor

• Wood as a natural product is more receptive to wear and tear and scratches than the synthetic types such as laminated flooring. So take care not to allow high heel shoes and sharp edged objects on a wooden floor. Wood species differ in hardness, on the next page is a comparison called the Janka hardness rating.
• As a natural product it will slightly change colour over the years but this can be compared to a good red wine which just gets better with time.
• The advantage of Engineered and Solid wood flooring is that it can be sanded and re-varnished should it get damaged, but take into consideration that this can be done twice to three times maximum depending on the wear surface and each time a maximum of 1mm can be taken off. If you are down to your last sanding then you can extend the lifetime of your floor by applying an oiled finish after the last sanding as this finish can be maintained for longer.
• Sanding and Varnishing: If you are planning on sanding and varnishing your floor then we would strongly recommend getting a professional with a proven track record as this is a crucial exercise to the long lasting quality of your floor.

Engineered Wood Floor Care

• Prevention: Prevent your new floor from damage by using felt pads under furniture and using entrance mats at outside doors. Prevent extended periods of direct sunlight on your floor as this might cause it to fade in that area
• Spills and Water: Make sure spills get cleaned up immediately and do not use excessive water on your engineered floor.
• Daily Care: Engineered floors comes pre-finished and are easy to maintain. Daily sweeping with a soft broom or the use of a vacuum will extend the live span of your floor
• Mopping: Traditional Mopping is not recommended, rather use a slightly damp micro fibre mop for cleaning.
• Pets: Bigger dogs should not be allowed on your engineered floor as their nails can damage or scratch the floor surface, keep animals nails short to avoid scratching.
• It is important to ask your retailer about cleaning and maintenance instructions on your new floor as different finishes and types of wood might require special handling, also your guarantee will depend on the cleaning materials used on your floor.