Solid vs Engineered Timber Flooring in Malaysia: Which is Best?

When choosing the right flooring for your home, there are many factors to consider. One of the most important decisions is whether to go with solid wood or engineered wood flooring. Both types of flooring have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to weigh your options carefully before making a decision.

In this blog post, we will look closer at solid wood and engineered wood flooring in Malaysia. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of each type of flooring, and we’ll help you decide which one is right for your home. Before we get into the details, let us define each type of available flooring.

What Is Solid Timber Flooring?

Solid timber flooring is a type of flooring made from solid pieces of wood. The wood is typically cut into planks or strips and then installed in various patterns. Solid timber flooring comes in variety of species such as oak, walnut, mahogany, teak and many more. All of which are known for their durability and natural beauty that develops and changes over time.

What Is Engineered Timber Flooring?

Engineered timber flooring is a type of flooring made from a combination of solid wood and engineered materials. The solid wood layer forms the surface top material, and an engineered core supports it. The engineered core can be made from different materials, including plywood, Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF) or Oriented Strand Board (OSB).

The main difference between the three materials is the material used to make them. MDF is made from small wood fibres, OSB from large wood chips, and plywood from veneer sheets.

Solid and Engineered Timber Flooring Comparison

Regarding timber flooring options, solid timber and engineered timber offer unique characteristics and advantages. Let’s explore the key differences between these two types of flooring:

Durability

Solid timber flooring is made from a single piece of solid wood. It is known for its exceptional durability and ability to withstand heavy foot traffic. With proper care, solid timber flooring can last for generations.

Meanwhile, engineered timber flooring consists of a 3mm to 6mm wood veneer wear layer on top, supported by multiple layers of plywood or MDF, making it less durable than solid timber. Although it should be noted that engineered timber flooring still offers good resistance to warping and cupping, making it suitable for most residential areas.

Maintenance

Solid timber flooring requires regular maintenance, including periodic sanding and refinishing to remove scratches and wear. Avoiding excessive moisture and using appropriate cleaning products to preserve its beauty and longevity is essential, whereas engineered timber flooring generally requires less maintenance than solid timber. It can be periodically cleaned with a vacuum or broom and a damp mop.

Cost

Solid timber flooring  might be considered more expensive compared to engineered timber flooring. This is because solid timber flooring is made from fully solid pieces of wood, which is a more valuable material. The cost of installation also varies depending on the wood species, thickness, and complexity of the floor design. However, solid timber’s long-term durability and timeless appeal can make it a worthwhile investment that can increase the asset value of the property.

Engineered timber flooring is often more cost-effective than solid timber. Its construction with a real wood veneer and supportive layers makes it a more affordable option. Additionally, the installation method is much less complex, typically considered to be DIY flooring, and this significantly reduces installations costs

Which is the Right Timber Flooring for Your Malaysian Home?

The best type of timber flooring for you will depend on your individual needs and budget. Here are a few considerations to take into account:

Consider Your Value

If you have a limited budget but still desire the aesthetic appeal of timber flooring, engineered timber flooring is a cost-effective alternative. It offers a real wood veneer that provides the look and feel of solid timber at a more affordable price point. Because these are installed using the floating floor system that does not damage the subfloor/existing floor, it can be easily removed and replaced as and when desired.

Solid timber flooring is a valuable asset and a precious commodity that increases the value of your property when installed properly. This type of professional flooring is permanent and meant to last a lifetime. The supply of timber materials are largely dependent on the health and availability of tree species which many times lead to certain species becoming very expensive or even ceasing supply in the marketplace. This can become quite the talking point because then your property will be home to a piece of history.

Assess Your Site Condition

Engineered timber flooring is compatible with various subfloors and can be installed in different settings. Its click-lock profile and floating floor system allows for easy installation without needing nails or glue. This makes it a suitable choice for situations where a quicker installation
process is desired.

Solid timber flooring is a professional flooring that requires skilled craftsmanship to install. The installation process requires a sound and level smooth cement screed as a subfloor in order to support the timber flooring installation system. But once installed, it is permanent and should last the lifetime of your home.

Style and Aesthetics

Both solid timber and engineered timber flooring offer a range of colours and wood species to choose from. Consider the overall aesthetic you want to achieve in your home.

Engineered timber floors are pre-finished in the factory and thus can offer a much wider variety of colours but can be limited in its versatility to achieving customised designs because it lacks in connecting accessories eg. when transitioning to different materials and termination points such as staircase nosing etc.

Solid timber flooring has a timeless and natural appeal, and, depending on the installer, can take customisation as far as the installer’s expertise and experience. From exploring a variety of ornamental flooring designs and parquetry, to stunning feature staircases, solid timber flooring is able to achieve a dream design aesthetic.

Looking for a Malaysian Wood Supplier to Answer Your Flooring Needs?

Both options have their merits when choosing between solid timber flooring and engineered timber flooring in Malaysia. Solid timber flooring offers a timeless aesthetic, whereas engineered timber flooring provides quick and easy versatility.

If you prioritise a professional solid timber floor that can last generations for your Malaysian home, Netwood is ready to assist you. As an experienced solid timber flooring supplier, we can provide high-quality options and guidance to meet your needs. Contact us today to begin your journey.