On Tue, 22 Sep 2009 12:22:57 +0100, TheScullster wrote:

Hi all

Anyone looked at wood vs engineered wood?
Girlie at the office brought some flooring that she intends having, that
appears to be oak-right-through with standard tongue and groove jointing.
I was wondering how this is likely to fare - the sample was already showing
signs of cupping with minor cracks at the ends.
Yes I know, real wood will show non-uniform characteristics etc etc.
The top of this looked good, but the general structure of the wood beneath
looked less so - cost for this is £20 /sq m.

Ours were apparently done about ten years ago - but it seems that the
quality/quantity of the coating then used was a bit variable; I can see
myself needing to sand and re-coat in a few years' time - thankfully our
neighbour owns a hardwood flooring company, so I've got equipment and
expertise on-tap :-)

Our floors (all 16" x 1-1/2" strips, where most HW floors use a lot
wider) have picked up a few dings and marks here and there, but I think
that just adds character anyway (and contrary to what some people say,
we've not had any issues with dog claws causing damage).

With a good 1/4" down to the tongue, it'll stand years of sanding before
it ever "wears out", too.

cheers

Jules