KITCHEN FLOORING
Q Should I opt for engineered wood rather than solid wood for my kitchen flooring?
A Most experts agree that engineered flooring wins hands down in this particular room thanks to its enhanced structural stability. “Engineered wood is made up of various layers, which is what makes it far more durable and stable than a traditional solid wood floor — not to mention more sustainable,” says Natalie Mudd, creative director at The Wood Flooring Co. “The top layer on an engineered wood floor is made up entirely of solid wood, which is bonded to a layer of incredibly strong plywood beneath and a stabilising counter layer. This layered design balances out the tensions in the wood and in turn prevents the wood from bending or swelling in areas of changing moisture, such as the kitchen.” Inga Morris-Blincoe, general manager at Lifestyle Floors, agrees: “Engineered wood offers the best stability, due to its multi-layered construction. This means that even when temperature and humidity vary with seasons or household activities, the floor will experience only minimal expansion and contraction when compared to solid wood floors.”
