Engineered Hardwood Flooring

Have you ever heard about engineered hardwood? You’ve probably walked on it before, but you also probably mistook it for real hardwood. Engineered hardwood can trick you like that. It’s meant to look just like hardwood, but there are some notable differences.

Layering

Engineered hardwood flooring can be thought of as a hybrid between hardwood and laminate. Like laminate flooring, engineered hardwood has layers. And like real hardwood, engineered hardwood is meant to, well, look like hardwood. Essentially, engineered flooring takes only the best qualities from both laminate and hardwood flooring.

A single engineered hardwood plank consists of a bottom layer of moisture resistant hardwood, a top layer veneer that is made of real hardwood, and multiple plywood layers in between. The veneer layer is generally covered with at least five polyurethane-based coats to best protect it from wearing down.

The moisture-resistant bottom layer makes the flooring type unique, as it can be used in humid environments like kitchens and bathrooms. Also, its laminate makeup prevents shrinking and expanding, which are some weaknesses of real hardwood planks.

Durability

Engineered hardwood lasts for quite a while. In fact, it typically comes with a warranty of up to 30 years. Its sturdiness compares to that of hardwood, and its layering actually triumphs hardwood when it comes to things like moisture resistance and scratching.

Again, engineered hardwood flooring offers more flexibility than hardwood. While hardwood can be used in kitchens and/or bathrooms, it is often considered quite risky and is rarely ever done. There’s no such risk when it comes to engineered wood. Don’t go install it outdoors, but it can withstand the moisture created in a kitchen or a bathroom.

Maintenance

All you’ll need to maintain an engineered hardwood floor is a mop and a vacuum. Given the floor’s moisture resistance, you won’t have to worry about how long it takes for the floor to dry. Go over the floor once or twice a week with a mop and it should maintain its perfect condition. Vacuuming is fine, but make sure that the bristles are not running, as they can scratch the floor if used often.

You’ll still want to wipe up floors right away, just as you would with hardwood. There’s definitely more leniency, but moisture still can penetrate the engineered plank’s surface, it just has many more layers to seep through compared to hardwood.

Price

Engineered hardwood will usually range between $4 and $15 per square foot. Similar to, but on the lower end of the cost of hardwood. Engineered planks cost less, have less of a need for staining and sealing.

One disadvantage of engineered hardwood flooring, however, is that it can only be refinished a few times. The reason for this is that the top layer is so thin that it’d completely vanish if refinished too many times. Make sure you discuss with an expert before having an engineered hardwood floor refinished.

Versatility

Even with all of these standout qualities, the fact that engineered hardwood floors have basically the same appeal as real hardwood flooring puts it over the top. Consider all the advantages and you really can’t go wrong with engineered hardwood flooring.

Basically, any type of hardwood flooring you can find, you can find in engineered hardwood as well. This includes oak, cherry, maple, and walnut. Add the desired hardwood as the top layer (veneer) and your home will have the same look as with hardwood plank flooring. This results in a cozy, classic, visually appealing appearance that will last for many years.

If you’re interested in engineered hardwood flooring, Nadine Floor Company is your top source for products and installation. Our experts will complete a free estimate and will execute a perfect installation to give you brand-new flooring. If you’re not sold on engineered hardwood flooring just yet, we’ll also be ready to answer any questions you might have about the flooring type. Call Nadine Floor Company today at (469) 666-4530 to make it happen! Also, check out our blog for more helpful flooring and home remodeling information.