There is no denying, engineered hardwood is quickly becoming a very popular choice for homeowners looking for quality hardwood flooring. There are so many great benefits to engineered hardwood and a few big differences between engineered and solid that we think homeowners need to be aware of, so we have compiled this list of the top 8 things you should know about engineered hardwood.
Tell us what you think! What do you think are the most important facts about engineered hardwood? Leave your comments below.
1. It’s not laminate!
….or vinyl plank , or ”fake wood” of any type. Engineered hardwood has a veneer top layer of real hardwood which is applied to a core (like plywood). The thickness of the veneer varies greatly from product to product, where laminate and vinyl plank feature high-quality images of wood to imitate the look of hardwood.
2. It is stronger than a single piece of wood.
By bonding together the layers of hardwood, plywood, and lumber, engineered hardwood is manufactured with a core that is stronger and stiffer than the sum of the individual parts.
3. It can be installed on any level of your home.
Because engineered flooring is more stable, it can be installed on levels of your home that might experience slightly higher relative humidity levels, like your basement. Just be sure you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for installation in such areas.
4. Engineered hardwood is Green.
For every 1 square foot of 3/4 inch thick solid wood flooring manufactured you can manufacturer approximately 4 times that amount into engineered wood flooring. According to the APA – the Engineered Wood Flooring Association, “Engineered wood can be manufactured from fast-growing, underutilized, and less expensive wood species in privately managed forests. That helps safeguard older forests.”
5. It can be installed over most types of subfloors.
Engineered hardwood can be directly glued-down over (dry) concrete slabs above or below ground level, or stapled down over a wood subfloor.
6. It costs less (generally).
Depending on the product, most of the time engineered hardwood costs about half as much as solid hardwood.
7. The refinishing options are limited.
Some engineered hardwood flooring does not have as thick of a wear layer as solid hardwood floors do. The wear layer of a hardwood plank is the portion of wood above the tongue and groove that can be sanded down and refinished. Some engineered floors may not be sandable at all while other may be.
8. It comes in a wide variety of species, widths, colors, and treatments.
You can find engineered hardwood to fit any style! For example, the engineered products that Impressions offers include everything from maple natural to hickory, traditional 3-1/4” widths to 7” wide width planks, and colors ranging from natural (no stain) to dark leather.
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It’s great that you talked about hardwood floorings and how they’re highly durable! Recently, my brother mentioned he’s interested in investing in his house’s renovation. My brother and his wife want to change their flooring material, so I’ll be sure to share your tips with them! Thanks for the advice on how engineered hardwood comes with many benefits!
Can this product be used outdoors to replace the boards on a tutor? Does it come in a variety of thickness? And what are the Maximum lengths for purchase! What does it cost per board foot?