Solid wood or engineered wood flooring..

adonis10

Really struggling to decide between the two, read so many pros and cons to both.

We are using it for the whole of the downstairs apart from conservatory, so hall, lounge, dining room and kitchen.

I've been told that engineered is better for kitchen, correct?

Thoughts on what is a decent thickness etc.? Any other advice welcomed. Not looking to scrimp on price as want the best possible for our budget which is circa 1600-1700 for 45m squared.

Doozergirl

Engineered is real wood.

Personally, I'd choose engineered as it's a little less prone to movement. Oiled and not lacquered.

I have dogs and kids so don't have it! LVT for us.

krey

Engineered all the way.. look for one at least 15-16mm thick and with as much wear layer you can find.
If you are on a budget, pine floorboards are really cheap as well at around £9 per sqm,however it's a bit extra hassle to fit them properly and finish them.

Chanes

Engineered wood will give fewer problems I've read, it is less prone to warping and is easier to fit and give a good finish. We had Kahrs wood Oak flooring fitted through the whole of the ground floor and it looks great and ages very well too.

adonis10

Thanks for the replies.

From the tens and tens of different ones we have seen, it is now a choice out of the following two, both solid:

http://www.tilegiant.co.uk/random-solid-natural-oak-lacquered-click.html?mode=grid

http://www.tilegiant.co.uk/1-plank-oak-natural-150mm-click.html?mode=grid#more-details

Other than random lengths v standard lengths and the thickness (13.5mm v 18mm) I can't see a great deal of difference, but there obviously is a difference in price.

Price aside, which one would you go for if you were making the purchase? I'm obviously going to take other advice but just looking for as much info as possible at present to help make a decision.

bluewater

Have been through this process and suggest:

Engineered over solid (but speak to suppliers)
T & G not clic
fixed lengths not random (less wastage and looks better I think)

Remove skirting boards and replace after fitting. A huge improvement over scotia trim which looks dreadful.

Thickness - Don't think you get much benefit from extra thickness. 14mm is fine. The thickness of the wood top is only really relevant if the floor is to be sanded some time in the future, something that is very unlikely I think. So not worth paying extra for a thicker top layer I don't think.

Oiled or lacquered? We went for oiled because it is easier to repair scratches (just lightly sand and apply oil), and it will scratch. I think lacquered is more resistant to scratching but not so easy to repair (but can be done). We also have the floor in the kitchen and I was tempted by lacquered but oiled seems fine (one year on).

We bought the floor from LLP of London (Ebay shop) who were helpful and competitive and had it fitted by a carpenter.