Caring for engineered wood floors
Engineered wood flooring is the most popular type of hardwood flooring on the market. There are a few reasons why, but in the main it comes down to three things; price, looks and durability. This winning combination continues to deliver for a flooring choice that’s suitable for any room in the home.
In an ideal world we could all have a solid hardwood floor but unfortunately, we can’t all afford one. Thankfully there’s a cost-effective flooring material that looks exactly like solid hardwood; engineered hardwood. Engineered hardwood flooring embodies all the character of solid wood – timeless, authentic and natural – but it’s just the top layer (the only layer people see) that is 100% hardwood. The top layer or ‘wear’ layer of wood is usually made from several millimetres of a more hardwearing species, or a more expensive and attractive variety. The other layers tend to be made from other types of timber or wood-derived materials glued together.
Engineered wood flooring is also more dimensionally stable compared to solid wood meaning it is less prone to cupping and warping. This is particularly helpful if room conditions become excessively humid or dry.
Finished hardwood flooring of any kind requires regular maintenance to keep its shine and lustre. Engineered hardwood is no different and some regular TLC with the right product will ensure the timber and the finish stays in tip-top condition and maintains its integrity and looks.
Osmo products, such as Osmo Polyx-Oil can be applied to engineered wooden floors to provide a perfect rejuvenating tonic to refresh floors already treated with an existing Osmo finish. Always start this process with Osmo’s recommended cleaning tools such as a dust mop, micro mop plush or pole and use a cleaning liquid such as Osmo Wash and Care. Satin or gloss Osmo floor finishes can be occasionally refreshed with Osmo Liquid Wax Cleaner to restore some shine. Dryer, thirstier looking floors can occasionally be refreshed using Osmo Maintenance Oil or a little more of the same floor finish such as Osmo Polyx-Oil applied thinly.
Alongside a wide range of wood finishes, Osmo also distributes European Esco solid and engineered wood flooring. The Esco boards are finished with Osmo hardwax oil products because of their durability. An additional benefit is they can be spot repaired or renovated without having to sand the boards. This is particularly important as Esco offers several different types of wood effect, such as smoking, brushing or distressing, all of which cannot be renovated by sanding. The Osmo range features products that allows renovation works to be carried out without having to re-sand, for example, using Osmo Intensive Cleaner followed by Osmo hardwax oils.
Engineered wood flooring comes at a price point that puts it within reach of the majority of homeowners. With proper care and attention (and the magic of Osmo) the beauty and character of the flooring can be preserved for a lifetime.
Discover interior flooring products today:
For more information contact the team directly on 01296 481220.
