Engineered wood flooring is a popular choice for homeowners in Singapore, offering the beauty of hardwood with the added durability and stability of a composite product. However, designing a room with engineered wood flooring can come with pitfalls that may detract from the overall look and longevity of your floor.
Here are seven common engineered wood flooring design mistakes to avoid, especially when selecting high-quality brands like Foglie d'Oro, which is well-regarded in Singapore and globally.
Matching Every Wood In The Room
It’s easy to want everything to match, but this can often lead to a lacklustre aesthetic. When every wooden element in a room—the cabinets, furniture, and flooring—matches perfectly, it can overwhelm the space and make it feel flat. Instead, embracing a mix of wood types and stains can add layers and visual interest to your environment.
For instance, if your engineered wood flooring features a deep espresso finish, incorporating lighter wood tones such as maple or oak for your furniture can provide a delightful contrast that highlights the beauty of each piece. The key is to ensure that the undertones (warm or cool) are complementary, which helps to seamlessly integrate the different woods into a cohesive design.
Being Excessively Trendy
Trends can be tempting to follow, especially when they’re plastered all over design magazines and social media. However, when it comes to flooring—a long-term investment—it's crucial to think about longevity in style. Trendy patterns or colours can quickly become outdated, leading to a space that feels prematurely aged.
Opting for classic elements in engineered wood flooring, such as traditional planks in neutral tones, offers flexibility over time. It allows you to change other aspects of your décor without needing to replace the flooring. Foglie d'Oro, for instance, provides a range of timeless options that can adapt to any style changes you might want in the future, ensuring your floor remains functional and fashionable.
Picking Low Quality Material
The quality of engineered wood flooring can vary significantly, and choosing a cheaper option often leads to higher costs down the line due to repairs and replacements. High-quality engineered wood is constructed from multiple layers of wood that are cross-laminated for stability and topped with a thick veneer of hardwood, which not only looks beautiful but also withstands wear and tear better than its cheaper counterparts.
In Singapore’s humid climate, it’s particularly important to choose engineered wood that is designed to resist moisture and temperature fluctuations, preventing warping and maintaining the integrity of the floor over time. Investing in a premium product means enjoying a beautiful, durable floor for many years, even in challenging environments.
Selecting The Wrong Finish
The finish on your engineered wood flooring affects both its appearance and its maintenance requirements. High gloss finishes might initially look striking, but they tend to show scratches and dirt more readily, which could increase the amount of cleaning needed to keep the floors looking their best. Matte finishes, or natural grain finishes, on the other hand, are more forgiving and better suited to high-traffic areas, as they mask blemishes more effectively.
When choosing the finish for your wooden flooring, consider your household’s activity level. Families with children or pets might prefer a matte, satin or natural grain finish for its durability and ease of upkeep, ensuring the floor remains attractive with less effort.
Overlooking Expansion Gaps
Proper installation of engineered wood flooring must include adequate expansion gaps at the edges of the room. These gaps allow the wood to expand and contract with changes in humidity and temperature, which is critical in places like Singapore, where such fluctuations can be significant. Without these gaps, floors can buckle, warp, or develop gaps between planks.
It's essential to follow the specific installation instructions provided by the brands of the flooring, which usually include details on the size of expansion gaps necessary for different products and environments. Ensuring these details are correctly followed can prevent costly repairs and extend the life of your flooring.
Skipping Moisture Protection
Moisture is one of the biggest enemies of wood flooring; without proper protection, your investment could be at risk. Using a moisture barrier or underlayment when installing engineered wood flooring helps prevent moisture from seeping up from below, which is particularly important in humid climates or on lower levels of a home.
For premium wooden flooring like Foglie d'Oro floors, selecting the right type of underlayment that includes a moisture barrier can protect against moisture damage, enhance the floor's durability, and prevent issues such as warping and mould growth. This small additional step during installation can make a significant difference in the performance and longevity of your flooring.
Installing Wood Flooring Yourself
While DIY projects can be appealing, the precision required for installing engineered wood flooring often necessitates professional expertise. Incorrect installation can lead to a range of problems, from uneven surfaces to more serious issues like structural damage. Furthermore, improper installation can void manufacturer warranties, leaving you without recourse for defects.
Professional installers will ensure that every aspect of the installation is handled correctly—from the moisture barrier to the laying of planks and the necessary expansion gaps. Our expertise helps ensure that your exclusive engineered wood flooring is installed beautifully and lasts as long as possible, making it a worthwhile investment for your home.
Are You Looking For Premium Quality Engineered Wood Flooring Experts in Singapore? Get In Touch With Lux and Beyond Today!
Lux & Beyond, established in 2018, specialises in bespoke, beautifully crafted interior furnishings and finishes. As a key distributor for several globally recognised brands, we offer exquisite products that enhance any space.
We're proud to feature Foglie d’Oro, a renowned Italian brand celebrated for its luxurious handcrafted wooden flooring. With over 50 years in the industry, Foglie d’Oro ensures every piece of wood—from selection to installation—meets the highest standards of quality and sustainability. Their range includes elegant planks, chevrons, and herringbone patterns made from the finest woods, such as American and European Walnut and Oak.
Alongside Foglie d’Oro, we also distribute Serip’s organic light sculptures and our in-house brand Javier, which specialises in bespoke wooden finishes and marquetry. Our founders, with over 20 years of experience, deeply understand the local market and are dedicated to delivering global standards of craftsmanship.
Ready to Elevate Your Space?
Book an appointment with us and explore how Foglie d’Oro wood flooring can transform your home or office. Call us at +65 6926 8294 to schedule your consultation. Let us help you find the perfect flooring that fits your style and preferences.
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