Engineered Hardwood Flooring

The natural beauty of wood flooring makes it a favorite choice for many homeowners. Engineered hardwood flooring comprises pieces of relatively low

cost wood sandwiched between thin sheets of wood that are cross-laminated together to form a single plank. The top most layer is made of pricier showcase wood that gives the flooring a sleek, elegant finish. Apart from aesthetics, engineered wood flooring offers many other benefits.

When you buy engineered hardwood flooring, it comes prefinished and ready to install. The installation process is relatively easy as well. You can install the flooring in place using nails, glue or staples. The longer panels of flooring are designed for 'floating' installation, which is done over concrete or below grade. The planks are glued together without being fastened to the substrate.

Compared to solid wood, engineered wood is more resistant to the effects of high moisture. This makes the flooring suitable for areas with high levels of humidity. The wood can be used below grade in areas such as basements and over concrete. Additionally, engineered wood flooring is resistant to seasonal movements resulting from climate changes. This means there is minimal shrinking and buckling as temperatures change.

This quality makes engineered wood suitable in homes with radiant heating. It resists the drying effects of the heat that normally makes solid wood to warp or cup. However, hard wood with certain veneer finishing should not be used in areas with radiant heat.

Engineered hard wood is made of layers of cross stacked wood pieces with grain running in opposite directions to maintain structural stability. You can also find some products made with up to five layers with the finishing top layer made of strong wood. This makes the flooring strong with the ability to withstand heavy traffic. Despite this, the flooring still needs maintenance and care to make it last and to keep it looking good.

As one of the most versatile flooring options, engineered hardwood can be installed on a wider variety of sub-floors and below grade. The wood is available in varying sizes including 3-7 inches in width and 3/8-3/4 inches in thickness. It comes in a variety of hardwood species, including exotic types and some products can be sanded and refinished if need be.

Engineered hardwood flooring is an eco-friendly option. The products are made with less wood compared to other wood flooring products. Engineered wood uses about four times less wood than solid wood flooring and this helps to conserve forests. This type of flooring is also safe for people with allergies.

Different manufacturers of engineered flooring products offer warranties on their products with varying specifics. Check and compare these when shopping for the products.

High quality engineered wood can last many years. Products with finishing such as aluminium oxide urethane offer high performance for a long time. Engineered hardwood flooring with thin coating of about .6mm cannot be sanded or refinished once they are worn-out. On average, these can last about 20-30 years. On the other hand, products with a thicker layer can be sanded and refinished about one-five times as needed. These can last up to 80 years and raise the value of your home, too.