Do you find that January is often the time of year when you start to think about home renovations? I know the combination of post-Christmas calm, having the kids back at school, and gloomy weather always kicks me into planning mode, it just seems like a good month to get organised doesn’t it?
Whatever room you’re planning on tackling this year, it’s likely that a flooring update is part of the plan. Wooden floors are always a popular choice, and going for an engineered wood option can give you the look of a hardwood floor at a fraction of the cost. I’ve been taking a look at the Tuscan Engineered Flooring range from Stories Flooring, and learning more about the benefits of choosing engineered wood.
So what exactly is engineered wood flooring?
Engineered wood flooring planks are manufactured in layers. The top layer is solid hardwood, which gives that authentic wooden look and feel. Underneath this layer there’s a core of plywood layers, which makes the planks really strong and durable, and better able to resist damage when compared to hardwood flooring.
Engineered wood flooring is available in different finishes. Oil finishes retain the wood’s natural texture and feel, while lacquered finishes give a more contemporary look and a protective barrier suited to higher traffic areas.
Benefits of engineered wood flooring
Well first of all, engineered wood flooring is much cheaper than hardwood flooring! The team at Stories Flooring tell me that their Tuscan engineered wood floors are around half the cost of hardwood flooring, which is a significant difference when you think about the fact that the engineered wood option looks very similar.
There are other practical benefits to choosing engineered wood flooring. It’s very resilient to changes in temperature and humidity, and won’t swell or bulge in extreme conditions. It’s also compatible with underfloor heating. Maintenance is pretty low-effort too; a regular vacuum and a weekly mop is all you need to do. It’s worth using felt pads on things like chair legs, to minimise any scratching.
There’s a great range of colours and dimensions in the Tuscan engineered wood range from Stories Flooring, plus a variety of surface finishes, including matte, lacquered, distressed and UV oiled. I particularly like the fact that there are bevelled edge and square edge styles included; this little detail makes all the difference to the finished look, with bevelled edges replicating solid wood planks, and square edges giving a more contemporary, seamless look.
Here are a few of my favourites from the range.
Tuscan Forte Barley Lacquered
With it’s bevelled edges and warm brown finish, this Tuscan Forte Barley is ideal if you’d like to achieve a classic look. The planks are 150mm wide which makes it a good choice for narrower spaces too.
Tuscan Strato Classic 3 strip Family Oak
The Tuscan Strato Classic 3 Strip Family Oak has lots of variation and a golden finish that combines to create a very natural look. I think it would look great in a busy family room.
Tuscan Vintage Ravine Aged Oak
I love the way the large knots and splits in this Tuscan Vintage Ravine Aged Oak create a real lived-in effect. It’s perfect for a rustic room style, but you could also use it to give texture and depth to a more modern look.
Tuscan Strato Warm Country Bleached Oak
If you like the look of a wooden floor but want to avoid golden tones, this Tuscan Strato Warm Country Bleached Oak is a good option. It’s beautifully pale and would suit a neutral colour palette, I like the idea of adding extra texture with some chunky rugs.
Tuscan Terreno Golden Oak
Tuscan Terreno Golden Oak is a another narrow plank option (125mm), and as you can see from the picture, the warm brown tones look beautiful in a more formal room setting. A great choice for a dining room I think.
Tuscan Grandé White Smoked Oak
Large planks can look stunning in bigger areas. These Tuscan Grandé White Smoked Oak planks measure 1900mm x 190mm and have just the right combination of natural detail and clean lines.
Tuscan Modelli Smoked Oak & Black Stained
If you thought wooden floors couldn’t look modern, think again. This Tuscan Modelli Smoked Oak & Black Stained plank will add depth and texture to a contemporary room scheme. I particularly love the idea of using a parquet pattern to enhance the geometric feel of a minimalist room.
This is just a small selection from the Tuscan engineered flooring range at Stories Flooring, you can check out the full range here. Which style would be the perfect option for your next room renovation?
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