What should I look for in engineered timber?

Multi-ply backing and a decent veneer thickness. Those two things decide how long the floor lasts.

The short answer

I love engineered timber. It will outlast any other product. But that will depend on what type of engineered timber it is, and how thick the veneer is.

I make sure that all my clients look for a multi-ply backing, the most structurally stable engineered board that you can buy. If you have got samples at home you will find some that have a really soft backing. That is not going to last as long as a multi-ply. Because we are thinking about moisture. If you get moisture in your board, you want it to be as stable as possible. With softer backings, your engineered timber is most likely going to cup up or delaminate. So when you are looking at engineered timber, make sure that it has got a multi-ply backing.

Then we look at the veneer of oak. On this particular board there is enough on top there for you to sand down in the future. Try to avoid really thin 1 or 2mm veneers, because a big gouge out of that and you are going to see the ply on the back. Although in saying that, that can be repaired.

That is what I look for in an engineered timber.

Related questions

• What is the difference between laminate, vinyl plank and engineered timber?
• Can engineered timber flooring be sanded?
• How long should a wood floor last?

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