Among the most typical queries from homeowners looking for new flooring is if it’s durable. Engineered hardwood is exceptionally long-lasting; hence, for those seeking the invariability of wood flooring while wanting versatility, engineered hardwood is an ideal flooring option.

To find out if engineered hardwoods are the right flooring choice for you, we will go through all the benefits of engineered hardwood flooring, its costs, and the difference between this material to other types of floorings.

What is Engineered Hardwood Floor?

Engineered wood floor is a hardwood veneer affixed to the top surface which retains the natural features of the selected wood type, unlike solid hardwood flooring which is solid hardwood with no layers.

What type of wood is used for engineered wood floors?

When talking about the hard surface floor, there are several hardwood species from real red oak hardwood to a hardened vinyl that appear like real hardwood up to the grain patterns. Species diversity isn’t an issue because engineered floors have both domestic and exotic hardwoods.

Domestic hardwood flooring species such as maple, white oak, red oak, and more, are consistently used for hardwood flooring in homes. These domestic selections are great for conventional ambiances or for complementing current furniture or cabinets.

Usually, if there are numerous selections to opt for, it may appear overwhelming, which brings us to our next point.

Differentiating Engineered & Solid Hardwood

Solid hardwood floors are constructed from one piece of wood like walnut, maple, or oak. Their main benefit is that they can be sanded and refinished multiple times throughout their life expectancy. On the other hand, engineered wood is made with solid wood along with a highly-durable plywood core.

Engineered hardwood has the edge in below-grade spaces and rough climates. It has either a multi-ply or three-ply construction. Multi-ply floors highlight a core composed of numerous layers of plywood for a floor with exceptional resilience and durability, so this engineered hardwood construction sees its way onto top-quality flooring.

Engineered flooring is relatively more affordable than solid hardwood, though most varieties can be sanded down and refinished just once because the surface hardwood layer is somewhat thin. Solid hardwood comes in both pre-finished and unfinished boards.

Why Is Engineered Hardwood Floor More Durable Than Solid Hardwood?

All flooring options will exhibit some wear eventually; however, wood flooring is the only floor variety that can restore that wear to make it appear new again.

If the requirements aren’t precise, solid wood floors can arch, twist, swell or break in half. The multiple-ply plank structure of engineered hardwood prevents warping and remains levelled and intact. This makes engineered hardwood flooring a better choice for installation over heat sources or concrete. And, if you use a high-quality engineered floors brand, you can refinish this layer as much as solid hardwood.

How Durable Is Engineered Hardwood Flooring?

Long-Lasting

Engineered wood floors are typically very durable, and if well-maintained, will last for decades. There have been researches conducted that discovered that an engineered floor can last 20-40 years. Different manufacturers will give different life expectancy information for the flooring that they offer and sell to the public.

Withstands Movement

For the whole year, the humidity levels and temperature shift. This indicates that flooring can contract and expand while these shifts happen. Luckily, most engineered products are durable enough to resist temperature transitions since this wood doesn’t contract and expand as much as solid hardwood.

Made of Real Wood

Since it’s made of real wood for the top layer, this flooring won’t flake as laminate or vinyl can. This also implies you’ll acquire luxury hardwood flooring without much concern for the coming years.

Moisture-Proof

Many expresses that engineered hardwood can deal with moisture levels observed on most basement concrete floors, which often doesn’t exceed 4%
Provided that the engineered hardwood is installed correctly and has a moisture barrier beneath, it’s created to have flex and movement. This permits the boards to absorb a reasonable amount of moisture. You still don’t wish to pour your drink on it and leave, though it is constructed to be long-lasting in humid conditions.

Engineered Hardwood Vs. Laminate

Some people may mistake engineered hardwoods with laminate hardwood. They are two ideal options when you want new floors that seem like solid hardwood. But their commonalities stop there.

Laminate Flooring

Laminates are constructed from unvarying materials, like fibreboard, that’s been combined in a lamination process. A photographic layer rests at the top and the woods receive a final coat of resin for additional durability. Since the top layer is simply a print, laminate flooring isn’t a workable option for repairing or refinishing.

Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered wood is a lot more compelling imitation of solid hardwood because, as we’ve mentioned, it’s genuine wood and uses layers of wood fused for water and heat resistance.
Considering it is a floor covering, it’s suggested to be installed on top of radiant heating and a concrete subfloor. It can go directly over concrete slabs. Like solid hardwood, engineered hardwood has panels that connect side-to-side with tongue and groove joinery.

And, if scratch resistance is vital to you, seek engineered hardwood floors with a scratch-resistant overcoat. Tiny scratches on engineered hardwood can be restored with a cotton cloth and some rubbing alcohol.

What Is The Best Thickness For Engineered Wood Flooring?

Engineered hardwood floor ranges in thickness depending on the quality of the flooring, but is generally between 3-7mm, although thicknesses of up to 15mm are available.
You will wish the top layer of solid wood to be at least ¼ inch (6.5mm) thick for it to wear in the same way to a solid hardwood floor and allow you to resurface the floor at least once.

How Much Is Engineered Wood Floor?

This is the wood type to opt for if you want affordable flooring. The least pricey engineered wood flooring costs about $2.50 per square foot, with $10 per square foot as the most expensive type. Most products cost $4-$7 per square foot.

Definitely A Durable Choice!

Engineered hardwood flooring is similarly as durable, and in certain circumstances, more durable than solid hardwood flooring. Available in a vast array of wood species, stains, and finishes, you can have engineered hardwood that matches your efficiency conditions wherever you plan to install it and what your framework’s requirements are.

Looking For A Mississauga Flooring Service For Your Engineered Hardwood?

At Supreme Flooring, we provide hardwood flooring services that are guaranteed to help you achieve your flooring dreams effortlessly. If you have concerns with your installation, just dial 647-893-1771 and our staff will gladly help you.Among the most typical queries from homeowners looking for new flooring is if it’s durable. Engineered hardwood is exceptionally long-lasting; hence, for those seeking the invariability of wood flooring while wanting versatility, engineered hardwood is an ideal flooring option.