Engineered merbau flooring is an attractive, modern kind of flooring in every sense. The technique of creating engineered floors is a new one and allows for flexibility, suspension above an uneven floor and greater flexibility in the surface itself when dealing with moisture. At the same time, merbau is a tropical wood that for this very reason has not been used much in British homes, which means that if you choose this you will have an unusual and original feature in your home that will stand out, as a warm, attractive wood.
Merbau Flooring
The natural colour of the wood is reddish-brown, but it can also come in a dark brown hue. Where the natural shades are used, there are enough variations between light and dark to produce a mixed pattern across the floor of different tones, while still creating an overall red wood effect.
The products also come with a number of other options. One of these is to have three strip plank, in which a series of slats are arranged together like bricks in a wall, creating a pattern that runs right across the floor. Another variation is in the thickness and width of the planks.
Another variation is between having smooth and bevelled edges to the planks. Smooth edges mean they fit together cleanly and create a flat, even surface. Bevelled edges have v-grooves, a dip that means a v-shape join is created between planks, the result being a more pronounced join that gives the floor a dynamic, modern look.
Some attributes apply to all the products in the range, such as the use of satin lacquer to coat the wood. This toughens the surface and offers some protection against damage and staining, but, just as importantly, provides an attractive, glossy sheen. Another aspect in common is that all the products in the range have is 30-year warranties, reflecting the toughness of merbau.
Engineered Merbau Floors
The floors are assembled by one of two methods, depending on the individual product. Some of these have a tongue and groove system in place, while others use the click system. In both cases, these involve the various parts of the floor fitting together in the manner of a jigsaw, with no glue or any other kind of adhesive being required. They are both simple systems and anybody can assemble them, without a lot of experience of fitting floors being required.
While engineered flooring is a floating floor, a flooring underlay will be needed, with different kinds being available depending whether the underfloor is made of wood or concrete. In the latter case, an underlay with a moisture barrier is necessary.
Merbau may not be a wood with which some people will be familiar. But its attractive colours and patterns, durability and the variety of different styles you will be able to find means that if you wish to consider this wood, there are some excellent products to choose from.
