At PORTER ROSEWOOD, we understand that choosing the right flooring can be overwhelming. That's why we've compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you make an informed decision. Don't see your question answered here? Contact us and we'll be happy to assist you.
Frequently Asked Questions
You Have Questions, We Have Answers
What is engineered wood flooring?
Is engineered wood flooring waterproof?
Is engineered wood flooring expensive?
Engineered wood has a top layer of solid wood with a criss-crossed wood base layer. This base layer makes engineered wood sturdy and stable, prevents warping and shrinking. It contracts and expands in response to changes in temperature significantly less than solid wood does. Making it more durable and stable.
Engineered wood flooring is not completely waterproof. However, it is way more water-resistant than solid wood flooring due to its layered construction. Incidental exposure to small amounts of water is tolerable, just make sure to wipe off the excessive water.
Engineered wood flooring can vary in price depending on many factors such as brand, production method, material quality and grade, plank width and size, colours, and whether it's mass-produced or custom-made. Typically, it falls between the cost of solid wood flooring and artificial materials like SPC and vinyl due to its superior quality, durability, and aesthetic appeal.
How do I care for engineered wood flooring?
Is engineered wood using a cheap wood substitute on base layers to save cost?
Where is engineered wood suitable for use?
Interestingly, wooden floors with UV oil or UV lacquer finishes tend to look and perform better with less care. Protect them from abrasive materials. For daily cleaning, simply use a vacuum to remove dirt. Mopping is also acceptable, but ensure the mop isn't excessively wet. Avoid using harsh chemicals; instead, opt for products specifically formulated for wooden floors. This will ensure the long-lasting beauty and performance of the high-quality engineered wood we offer.
Yes and no. There are largely two reasons to engineer a timber floor. The base layer of engineered wood provides enhanced stability and moisture resistance compared to solid wood. This base layer helps keep costs slightly more affordable while also being environmentally friendly. It utilizes faster-growing wood species, while the top layer incorporates thinner layers of beautiful and desirable timbers such as oak and walnut. The combination of the thinner layers with the base layer enables the construction of many more planks from a slow growing tree, while making it more stable and keeping the cost lower. Therefore, it is cheaper and better.
Engineered wood is suitable for most places. Reputable architects and designers in developed countries have been using engineered wood for decades. It's commonly found in offices, galleries, retail spaces and houses that prioritize interior design. In these countries, it's common practice to lay engineered wood throughout houses, from the living room to the bedroom to the dry kitchen, to achieve a unified and cozy look. This is unlike the local market where wooden floor is typically only used on the second floor of houses or in certain rooms, limiting the beauty and coziness it provides.
What are the disadvantages of engineered wood flooring?
Are the products readily available for immediate purchase?
Is there a minimum order quantity for custom-made products?
Although engineered wood flooring offers greater water resistance compared to solid wood, extended exposure to moisture can still lead to damage. Additionally, it may not be as scratch-resistant as artificial materials and can be prone to dents. However, have you noticed? Be it at home or at commercial spaces, humans typically find minor flaws and imperfections in wood more acceptable than similar issues in artificial materials such as broken wooden tiles, chipped SPC, or laminate discolouration. Have you ever wondered why?
We typically don't keep our products in stock, as flooring tends to be one of the final steps in the renovation process, which often spans several months. You can plan ahead and consult with us during the design phase or prior to renovation. Depending on the brands and products, the lead time varies, but most of the products are usually available for delivery within 5-8 weeks. However, custom-made or made-to-order products may require two to six months for delivery, depending on their complexity.
Depending on the brand and products, some customizations may only require a longer lead time for production without any minimum order requirements, while others may have minimum order quantities. Consult us if you have specific requirements or colors in mind. We will do our best to make your dream floors a reality.
How long does engineered wood last?
Do I need to remove existing floors for the new flooring?
What colours of wooden floor can I choose from?
With proper maintenance and a high-quality product, engineered wood can last as long as your house. Its lifespan surpasses that of artificial floorings like SPC, laminate, or vinyl, and it maintains a superior appearance compared to solid wood over the long term, due to its enhanced stability and durability.
No, engineered flooring can typically be installed over existing floors unless there are issues such as warping or unevenness. In such cases, preparation work is needed before installing the new engineered wood flooring. Otherwise, if the current tiles or marbles are in good condition, they provide a perfect foundation for engineered wood flooring.
We display a wide range of colours, sizes, finishing from different brands in our showroom. All the manufacturers we collaborate with have years of proven know-how, so colour customisation poses no limits for us. If you have a specific colour in mind that's not available in the market, talk to us. We can assist you in finding the perfect match.
What is the difference between floating and glue-down floor installation?
Is engineered wood floor pet-friendly?
Can engineered wood be sanded and resurfaced like solid wood?
Floating floor installation involves laying flooring over existing floor without attachment. It is a fast and relatively easy method that allows for some room for movement and expansion due to changes in humidity. Removal is easy and the plank can be reused if needed, making it ideal for commercial applications where the flooring is more likely to be changed within the foreseeable future. Glue-down installation, on the other hand, provides a strong, permanent bond between the flooring and the subfloor. It offers more stability over the long term and provides a better wooden underfoot feel.
Wooden flooring can be a beautiful addition to any home, offering durability, a sophisticated look, and comfort for the entire family, including pets. Pet claws may cause minor scratches on engineered wood flooring. However, you can opt for a flooring colour that makes scratches less visible and choose the most suitable pre-finished coating accordingly. Talk to us for recommendations.
Yes, unlike artificial flooring options such as SPC and laminate, engineered wood can often be sanded similar to solid wood if restoration is needed. Do also consider the top layer thickness; our range offers products from 1.2mm to 5.5mm. While the budget-friendly thinner versions have some limitations regarding sanding, the thicker options offer more flexibility for resanding and refinishing, multiple times. It's worth noting that sanding typically removes pre-finished colours and coatings, restoring the wood to its original hue. To ensure you make the perfect choice for your future needs, we recommend consulting with us before making your purchase.
Will I get the exact same color of engineered wood as shown in the sample?
While we're careful and detailed in every step of our work, nature doesn't always follow strict rules or specifications. Please understand we work with nature, we don't expect it to work for us. While we'll try to match the sample you've seen, please expect that the colour, grain, and knots will vary slightly from the sample and from batch to batch. Replication exists only in replicas. Each of our floors is unique, beautiful, and one-of-a-kind.