Laminate and Lamine (Engineered)... This one-letter difference in Turkish is as big as the difference between a fake painting and an original masterpiece in a museum. In high-end architectural projects, laminate (printed synthetic parquet) cannot even enter the door. The language of luxury is clear: People want to feel nature when they touch the floor. That is exactly what "Engineered Wood" is: Original nature.
""Walking on engineered wood is walking on a living, breathing forest that ages with you."
Engineered wood is a multi-layered marvel of engineering, the top layer of which consists of real wood veneers obtained from the world's most precious trees like Oak, Walnut, or Iroko. It is not factory printed. The grains on each wood plank laid in your room are unique and one of a kind in the world, just like your fingerprint.
Why Engineered Wood Instead of Solid Wood?
Why don't we use solid parquet cut directly from the log? Because wood lives; it reacts to moisture and heat. A parquet consisting only of solid wood cracks, twists, or huge gaps open between them over time. Engineered wood, on the other hand, is produced by pressing wood layers at opposite (perpendicular) angles to each other. This cross-alignment locks the wood's tendency to expand, ensuring dimensional perfection. That's why while solid wood cannot be used in underfloor heating systems, engineered wood can be used safely.
Wood Species Selection: Oak, Walnut, Iroko
- Oak: The most common choice worldwide. Offers a wide color range from light honey to dark espresso. Due to its hard structure, it is the most scratch-resistant species for daily use.
- Walnut: With its dark, rich grain, it adds an exclusive atmosphere to rooms. Generally preferred for luxury bedrooms and studies.
- Iroko: Ideal for areas close to the outdoors with its warm brown tones and tropical appearance. Also an excellent choice for holiday homes due to its high moisture resistance.
Surface Treatment: Oil, Lacquer, or UV-Cured?
The top surface of engineered wood can be treated in different ways:
- 1Natural Oil: Allows the wood to breathe, giving a real and organic feel when touched by hand. Although it requires maintenance once or twice a year, it offers the most natural appearance.
- 2Polyurethane Lacquer: Creates a durable and smooth surface. Provides good protection against scratches and requires almost no maintenance.
- 3UV-Cured Finish: Instantly hardened by UV rays in modern factories, this coating is the longest-lasting and most durable surface treatment.
Furthermore, this parquet is passed from generation to generation. When it gets scratched years later or you get tired of its color, you don't tear it out and throw it away. The real wood layer on top is refinished (sanded), re-oiled or varnished, and returns to its pristine first-day state. If your budget allows, choose engineered wood not just to lay a floor, but to leave a "legacy" to your home.
