Engineered Wood Flooring

About Hardwood Flooring

If you’re thinking about installing a hardwood floor, you may be asking yourself questions like, “What is engineered hardwood and how does it compare to solid hardwood?” In the case of engineered hardwood flooring, the top layer consists of solid hardwood adhered to a core made from multiple plywood layers. While it looks very similar to solid hardwood, there are some important differences that should be considered when choosing between the two options.
Engineered Wood On Concrete Floors
Engineered wood flooring is a great alternative to solid hardwood. One of the main advantages of engineered wood is its increased resistance to humidity and ease of installation. Unlike traditional solid wood, which must be nailed down on a plywood subfloor, engineered wood flooring comes pre-adhered onto a plywood base – allowing it to be installed directly over concrete slabs. Plus, with click lock planks, installation can easily be completed without professional assistance.

Engineered Wood Humidity Resistance

Engineered wood, vinyl, tile or laminate flooring is a better option than solid hardwood for basements where the concrete is below grade. This is because ground moisture in the concrete can cause damage and warping to wooden floors. Basements that experience high humidity also require a different kind of flooring that can handle moisture better.
Solid hardwood is an ideal flooring surface for areas without excessive moisture, such as living rooms and bedrooms. However, if you want to install solid hardwood in places like bathrooms or kitchens, we recommend that you have it finished on-site. This will create a strong protective layer which won’t be achievable with prefinished options. Even with on-site finishing, make sure to never wet mop the floor or let spills sit on it.
Engineered wood flooring is generally more moisture resistant than solid hardwood, but it should still be shielded from any standing liquid. Engineered wood floors come pre-finished, which means that their crevices are not sealed like on site finished hardwoods. As a result, special attention must be paid when installing these floors in kitchens or bathrooms–any and all spills should be addressed as soon as possible.
Engineered wood flooring has a greater resistance to humidity than solid hardwood due to the way it is manufactured. This means that engineered wood holds up better in high moisture environments and can be installed on below grade basements floors. The construction method of adhesives and layers of pressure-bonded wood helps protect against dimensional stability fluctuations, preventing warping or gaps from forming long term.

Engineered Wood Installation Options

Engineered wood flooring offers a great benefit–it can be installed as a floating floor with click-lock planks, which makes for easy installation that does not require any tools or glue. It’s also designed to provide a sound and moisture barrier layer for additional protection over concrete or existing floors. This feature makes it an ideal option for do-it-yourselfers who want the beauty of hardwood, without the difficult installation process.
Engineered wood planks can be installed either with glue, nails or staples, though the most widely used in a professional setting is the latter. Nailed and stapled flooring offers superior stability and permanence compared to floating floors. Moreover, an unevenness of the subfloor is not as much of an obstacle as it would be when using a floating floor. While walking on a nailed and stapled installation will experience greater solidity than on a floating floor, soundproofing will be improved.

Most Engineered Wood Not As Long Lasting

Engineered flooring is not known for its long-term lifespan. As a general rule, it is much lower than what you’d expect from solid hardwood floors. This durability depends on several factors such as the type of hardwood used in the top layer and its optically thickness. With that said, most engineered wood does use harder woods like red oak and Brazilian cherry to improve durability.
Engineered flooring with a thicker hardwood top layer can be sanded and refinished one to two times for each additional millimeter of thickness. The higher the quality of the engineered wood, the more times it can be refinished over its life span. Low-end options are usually under one millimeter in thickness, and cannot be sanded or refinished. Harder wood is typically more durable than softer options.

Engineered Wood Pricing

When comparing engineered wood with solid hardwood, price is an important consideration. It isn’t always the most affordable option; in fact, it may be more costly than solid wood depending on the situation. Although material costs are one factor to consider, installation can also differ significantly between the two types of wood. To determine which is better value for your needs, a professional price quote must be obtained. Where savings can usually be made is when you choose to undertake DIY installation – engineered hardwood is generally easier and cheaper to install yourself than its solid counterpart.

Environmental Factors

When selecting products for your home, be sure to consider factors such as environmental impact. Look for certifications like the Sustainable Forest Initiative or Forest Stewardship Council that indicate green practices have been used in production. To ensure that indoor air quality is not compromised, verify the FloorScore Air Quality Certification Seal on potential flooring. Also stay aware of potentially hazardous off-gassing associated with adhesives used in less expensive engineered wood flooring and vinyl & laminate floors. Unfinished solid hardwood is a great choice if you’re looking to avoid these worries entirely.
Summary of the Pros & Cons of Engineered Wood Flooring
Finally, let’s recap the pros & cons of engineered wood flooring:

Pros:

Cons:

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