ᐅ Engineered flooring as an alternative to hardwood - buying guide and manufacturers

Created on: 3 Nov 2021 07:26
J
jaenno1
Good morning everyone,

There has already been a lot of discussion about different types of design flooring. We saw the Modular One from Parador at friends’ houses and were very impressed. However, there are very mixed opinions about this flooring, so I wanted to check if there are also more “premium” floors from other manufacturers? What are your experiences, and which brands would you recommend?

Since many criticize the use of “plastic,” here are our reasons for choosing this type of flooring: We currently live in an apartment with prefinished parquet. The apartment is 5 years old and we are very careful to avoid dents and scratches. Still, the floor is quite delicate and soft, so we want to find an alternative because of our very young children. Tiles are not an option due to the lack of “warmth underfoot.” Maybe when the kids are older, we can switch back to parquet, at least in the living room. I actually found that idea quite appealing.

We imagine a slightly lightened oak tone, but not a whitewashed color.

I would appreciate your opinions, tips, criticism, and suggestions.

Best regards
jaenno1
R
RotorMotor
3 Nov 2021 11:40
Among those who reject luxury vinyl flooring, do you still worry about the Blue Angel ecolabel?
And when it comes to wood, are you not concerned about adhesives, wood preservatives, dyes, and so on?
B
Benutzer200
3 Nov 2021 11:48
RotorMotor schrieb:

For those who reject luxury vinyl flooring, are you also concerned about the Blue Angel eco-label?

No, but I don’t want overpriced plastic or synthetic materials.
RotorMotor schrieb:

And with wood, aren’t you worried about adhesives, wood preservatives, dyes, etc.?

I’m just as unconcerned as I am with luxury vinyl or laminate. There are also “good” adhesives.
H
hampshire
3 Nov 2021 11:50
RotorMotor schrieb:

For those who reject design flooring, are you still afraid of the Blue Angel certification?
And when it comes to wood, do you have no concerns about adhesives, wood preservatives, dyes, and so on?

That would be too simplistic. Anyone who deals with harmful substances in construction obviously has to go deeper than just asking "wood or plastic."
R
RotorMotor
3 Nov 2021 12:00
Of course, taste varies when it comes to appearance and feel.

Are there any objective arguments against design flooring with the Blue Angel certification?
H
hampshire
3 Nov 2021 12:10
RotorMotor schrieb:

Are there any factual arguments against design flooring with the Blue Angel eco-label?
For example, the environmental impact compared to linoleum...

Still, there’s no mistake in buying what you want – even if it is a "Blue Angel certified design floor." It’s not some kind of "devilish stuff."
M
minimini
3 Nov 2021 12:18
Benutzer200 schrieb:

How can this happen?
I have had various types of hardwood flooring for ages, made from different woods (maple, wenge, beech, oak), but I can only imagine chipping occurring after heavy force, not with normal daily use.

This is an oak floor with a "rustic" look, featuring many large knots that have been filled or leveled with a dark resin (or similar material). This filler is crumbling in several areas (especially along the walkways in the kitchen and hallway), leaving sharp-edged holes. If someone walks around in socks, they often catch on these spots.
So, this isn’t due to heavy force, but normal everyday use.

And no, I don’t know exactly what my landlord installed here; according to them, it’s "high-quality luxury hardwood flooring," as they said when I complained about it.