If you are considering getting hardwood floors for your home, you might want to consider the option of Engineered Hardwood. This is a type of flooring constructed of layers of both hardwood and plywood that is a good alternative to solid hardwood, which is a solid piece of wood with no layers. Here, we provide you with more information about engineered hardwood to determine if this is the best choice for your home.
Benefits of Engineered Wood
When considering the choice between solid hardwood and engineered wood, here are the benefits engineered wood has to offer:
It is durable and offers high performance
Each layer that makes up the wood is positioned in a different direction which provides optimal protection from warping and bowing that may be a result of moisture damage
The construction allows for installation in most grade levels, including below ground with a protective moisture barrier installed
Wonderful hardwood floor type for homes located in great humidity
The hardwood veneer is aesthetically attractive
Offers easy care and maintenance
Styles of Engineered Hardwood
When considering the style you want for your engineered hardwood flooring, you have a variety of options. You can find flooring in quality species like hickory, oak and maple to name a few. Finishes can be matte, semi-gloss and high gloss. Surfaces can be hand-scraped for a time-worn appearance, distressed for a rustic appearance or wire brushed. The variety of styles engineered hardwood is available in makes it the perfect complement for most types of home decor.
Thickness
Engineered hardwood is typically 3/8” to ¾” thick. This is in comparison to solid hardwood which is ½” to ¾” thick.
Durability
Engineered hardwood is typically long lasting but there are factors that can affect its lifespan. These include how well you maintain your flooring, the thickness of the veneer that tops the flooring and the quality of the flooring. If you have high quality flooring that is well maintained, your flooring can last a lifetime.
Cost
Engineered hardwood is overall, relatively low in cost when considering installation, labor and material expenses. However, other factors can come into play such as specific designs desired and enhanced wood layering which can affect costs.
Environmentally Sound
If you are interested in going green, engineered hardwood is a great option for your flooring. Choosing it over solid hardwood conserves on expensively priced lumber. For every square foot of ¾” thick solid wood floor, you can manufacture around 4 times that amount into engineered flooring.
Expansion and Contraction
Because engineered hardwood features a solid construction, it’s not as prone to buckling and gapping which can occur as a response to fluctuations in temperature and humidity. This is mainly why this type of flooring works great for homes in humid environments such as Florida.
Now that you know more about engineered wood, we are sure you will agree that it is a great choice for any home given its versatility, endurance, affordability, and of course, beautiful aesthetics. We hope that this article on Engineered Hardwood has piqued your interest on the flooring type. Feel free to contact us or view walnut flooring to see how Arte Mundi flooring can get your rooms looking their best!