Engineered hardwood flooring offers the charm of hardwood and improved stability thanks to its plywood core.
Since the veneer of its planks is made of real hardwood, there are tons of options, from maple and hickory to white oak. However, we have noticed that people tend to question the durability of engineered white oak flooring.
At The Reno Superstore, we are passionate about all things home renovation, and flooring is a big part of it. To that end, we would like to share some insight into white oak engineered hardwood flooring and whether it is the right choice for your home.
Let’s take a look.
Understanding White Oak Engineered Hardwood Flooring
At The Reno Superstore, we recognize how crucial it is to pick the right flooring for your office or home. Here are three things to consider if you are unsure of which wood species to choose.
- What do you have in mind for the area?
- What is the purpose of the space?
- How much can you spend?
These three questions are very revealing and will help you to choose the right wood species.
The next step is to comprehend what white oak engineered hardwood offers.
What is white oak engineered flooring?
The next best alternative to real solid hardwood is engineered hardwood flooring. Engineered planks are constructed using a real hardwood veneer and a core made up of several layers of glued-together plywood. Learn how to choose engineered hardwood flooring right here.
White oak is a hardwood species found in North America and some parts of Europe. It is widely available, making it an affordable option. It is not only reasonably priced but a very versatile and durable option for flooring. White oak engineered flooring describes engineered hardwood planks with a white oak surface. This makes it incredibly adaptable and suitable for a variety of spaces.
Let’s look at the advantages of white oak engineered flooring now that you have a better understanding of what it is.
The Advantages of White Oak Engineered Flooring
If you are comparing solid hardwood to engineered hardwood flooring, there are many differences. When making your choice, be sure to take your lifestyle and budget into account. White oak engineered flooring is a wise choice for numerous reasons. Here are a couple of reasons to consider it for your space.
1. Aesthetically, It Is the Same As Solid White Oak Flooring
Engineered flooring planks are virtually identical to their solid hardwood counterparts because real white oak is used in their production.
From a distance, it exhibits all the qualities of wood flooring because the surface is made of genuine white oak. So, you won’t be missing out on the look of white oak.
2. It Can Be Installed Almost Everywhere
White oak engineered flooring can be installed almost everywhere in your home. However, real wood flooring cannot.
The flexibility and expandability of engineered planks make them better suited to withstanding moisture fluctuations, which prevents damage to them. Engineered hardwood is more moisture resistant than solid wood, although it is best not to install it in places where there may be a lot of moisture, such as bathrooms.
Engineered white oak flooring can be installed with confidence because it can withstand moisture much better than its solid hardwood counterparts.
3. It Is Suitable For Radiant Heating Systems
Don’t you just detest walking on cold floors in winter? There is a remedy for that, though. The most effective way to create a cozy and comfortable environment is to install a radiant heating system beneath your floors.
The problem is that many types of flooring, especially solid white oak, do not support radiant heating. The rapid change in temperature caused by this system makes the wood expand and crack, which can create serious problems with your flooring. This is because natural white oak wood is not flexible enough; on the other hand, engineered white oak offers substantial stability.
Thanks to the unique construction of engineered white oak flooring, the layers of plywood that constitute its core layer allow for more flexibility. This plywood core can expand more uniformly when heat is distributed across the floors thanks to minuscule gaps between the layers of wood panels which are invisible to the naked eye. In contrast to solid white oak flooring, this aids in preserving the structure of the planks.
4. It Is a More Budget-Friendly Option
Budget is an important factor when it comes to deciding which flooring you choose. White oak engineered flooring is a much more cost-effective alternative to its solid wood counterpart.
Since only a small portion of solid wood is used to make these floors, it is more cost-effective. Plus, other factors like the cost of storage, transportation, and production are far less compared to solid white oak wood floors.
Therefore, if budget is an important factor in your project, engineered white oak flooring is the more prudent choice.
5. It Is Available in a Number of Shades
White oak is a very adaptable species, and this is true of its engineered form as well. White oak is ideal for homeowners looking for variety because it can absorb a lot of colours and comes in a variety of shade options.
Additionally, engineered white oak floors can withstand refinishing better than solid white oak can. This is because the engineered white oak planks’ thinner top layer allows the stain to spread more evenly.
6. It Allows Multiple Refinishes
A common misconception is that engineered hardwood loses its structural integrity when repeatedly sanded and re-touched. However, this is not true. Engineered white oak flooring is not like laminate or vinyl, in that the top surface is made up of real hardwood and can be refinished.
However, it must be remembered to consider the thickness of engineered white oak flooring when refinishing it. If it is not thick then it can only be refinished once or twice. We highly recommend installing a thick wear layer in the busiest areas of your home or office.
7. It Is Easy to Install
If you are a DIY enthusiast with sufficient experience, then installing engineered white oak flooring will be a breeze. Engineered planks are usually available with tongues and grooves on their edges, which allows for faster installation.
If you are not familiar with how to install flooring, then we highly recommend hiring a professional to avoid subpar installation and future issues. It is also important to check the manufacturer’s guidelines for the installation process and follow them properly.
Now that you know the advantages, let us look at other concerns.
- What is the average lifespan of white oak engineered hardwood flooring?
The durability of your engineered hardwood flooring will depend on various factors. These include the quality of the product, the maintenance routine required, the quality of installation, and your lifestyle. On average, white oak engineered flooring can last anywhere between 40 and 80 years before it needs to be refinished.
The main component that determines the lifespan of your engineered white oak flooring is its plywood core. Poor quality plywood will deteriorate faster, so it is important to purchase your flooring from reputable manufacturers. The Reno Superstore offers products from reputable manufacturers at the best prices in Toronto and Mississauga. Make sure to check out the brands we carry.
- How well does white oak engineered flooring hold up to abuse?
Any flooring will show signs of wear and tear, including engineered white oak flooring. However, it is resilient to scratches and enough to withstand anything you throw at it, literally and figuratively!
As discussed, it is also more moisture-resistant than solid hardwood, so you can worry less. Just keep in mind that proper floor maintenance will minimize deterioration and increase its lifespan.
White oak engineered flooring offers many advantages and is a great choice for your home and office. But it is very important to pay attention to your lifestyle needs, budget, and the other aspects outlined here when choosing any flooring. Have questions? Reach out to us and we will help you select the ideal flooring for your home or office.