Engineered Hardwood Flooring

How to Buy Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood is a popular choice for flooring in many homes. It is a natural product that comes from trees, so it is environmentally friendly. It also adds value to your home if you ever sell it. There are different types of hardwood flooring and you can find the perfect one for your home.

The material gives a warm and inviting feeling to a room, and it is also durable. It can last for years if not decades with proper care. Hardwood flooring is a great choice for any home. However, it is not ideal for water-prone areas, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Such environments can cause the wood to warp and rot.

What is engineered wood flooring made of?

Engineered wood flooring is a strong and highly durable hybrid of different layered materials specifically designed to outperform its natural counterpart. Essentially, the material is made up of 3 to 12 layers of ply—folded layers of laminated materials. The ply is layered, glued and pressed together under a layer of genuine wood. Apart from being a great alternative to natural wood flooring, it is also an affordable option.

How durable are engineered hardwood floors?

Engineered hardwood is a highly durable flooring option. It is constructed with layers of wood and minerals, positioned in different directions. Because the material is artificial, its construction is purposefully made.

As a result, it doesn’t warp or bow like natural hardwood would in moist areas. Manufacturers have improved engineered wood flooring by looking at natural hardwood floor features.

Is engineered hardwood flooring waterproof?

Although engineered hardwood flooring can take in moisture better compared to solid hardwood, it is not waterproof. Its laminate is moderately water-resistant because once water gets soaked in the floorboards, the surface will start to swell up. It is important to note that engineered hardwood flooring is not designed for use in excessively wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens.

What are the pros and cons of engineered hardwood flooring?

To better decide whether engineered wood flooring is the right option for you, take a look at its pros and cons.

Pros

Engineered wood gives value for money. Despite being expensive—but still cheaper than natural wood—it lasts long and has substantial resale value.
Unlike solid hardwood, you can install the material in most grade levels of the home due to its protective moisture barrier.
Its natural wood top layer gives the engineered an authentic, natural feel.
Unlike other floor types such as tiles, vinyl plank, or laminates, it is easy to retouch. Sand over the scratches or small punctures to make the material brands new.
You can install engineered wood floorboards as floating floors, gluing or nailing down the subfloor.
Engineered wood is an excellent choice for underfloor heating installation for maintaining heat stability.

Cons

You can only sand the material for limited times because of the thinness of the top later.
With the fragility of the veneer layer, you might need to get a professional to do the sanding.

Water-Resistant hardwood

Water resistant flooring options are available.

Customization

Custom staining and finish options available for solid wood

Superior Durability

Custom staining and finish options available for solid wood

Engineered Hardwood Flooring Installation & Maintenance

What Types of engineered wood flooring are available for vinyl plank flooring?

When it comes to engineered wood flooring, there are two main layers. The veneer is the sanded, stained, and polished top layer of natural wood. The layer below the veneer is the plywood base which provides the stability of the floorboard. There are several stains and finishes to choose from for the veneer layer as it can mimic almost any type of wood. Take a look at some of these veneer sample options of engineered wood flooring:

Oak
Bamboo
Hickory
Maple

If you have a type of wood in mind for your space, the chances are you can find a veneer sample just like the real deal.

Where are the best areas to install an engineered hardwood floor?

Before installing your chosen flooring type, it is essential to ensure that the flooring is compatible with the designated area. For example, if you install hardwood floors in an area that’s high in moisture, the hardwood will swell, get mold, or warp.

To avoid such costly mistakes, check whether the flooring type and the area are compatible.

It is ideal for rooms not exposed to moisture, like bedrooms, hallways, and living areas for engineered wood flooring. It can also do well in areas with light moisture presence, such as basements.

What is the cost of hardwood floor?

The cost of hardwood flooring varies depending on the type you choose. Engineered hardwood is usually less expensive than solid hardwood. You can also find discount prices if you shop at the right time of year. Some stores offer installation services, while others do not. Be sure to ask about this before you purchase your flooring.

The cost of refinishing hardwood flooring also varies, depending on the size of your home and the type of wood you choose. You can expect to pay anywhere from $.50 to $.75 per square foot for refinishing services.

How do you install engineered hardwood flooring?

When it comes to installing engineered wood flooring, there are a few steps to prepare before you start assembling the flooring. Ensure you have all the essential flooring tools for engineered wood flooring installation.

Pencil
Moisture Metre
Hand Saw
Measuring tape

Here’s a simple breakdown of the installation process, step-by-step:

Remove the old flooring
Check the subfloor for any damage and then do repairs if needed
Cut the new hardwood flooring planks to size
Remove the baseboards and other edge decorations
Layout the planks and assemble

Is a Hardwood Floor Easy to Maintain?

Engineered wood flooring requires low maintenance, and it’s super easy to clean. Follow these simple tips to take care of your engineered hardwood floor.

Dusting

Clean your floors daily to ensure they are grime-free.

Vacuuming or Mopping

You can keep engineered wood floors bacteria-free by vacuuming and mopping. Always avoid foreign particles from staying on your floors for too long. Use a cleaning solution with your mop to effectively kill bacteria.

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