First of all, it’s important to differentiate engineered wood from solid hardwood. Engineered hardwood is constructed with multi-layers of wood; each layer is positioned in a different direction, while solid hardwood is a solid piece of wood with no layers.

This construction prevents the engineered hardwood from warping and bowing the way a solid hardwood floor might in moist areas. One of its advantages over solid hardwood is that the construction allows for installation on most grade levels of the home, including below ground with a protective moisture barrier installed. Plus, engineered hardwood offers easy care and maintenance, and you can expect it to have the same attractive, variable tones and knots as solid wood. It’s also prefinished, so you don’t have to sand, only install; avoiding dust and cutting off lead time.

The following are some aspects that you will definitely take into account when you consider installing engineered hardwood floors:

Style it as you wish

If we talk about needing a wide range of styling possibilities, engineered hardwood is one of the best options there are. It is a really versatile type of material, which is why you can look for many options to adapt it to your home’s style. Not only is engineered hardwood available in many different tree species, like oak, maple, and hickory, but there are also many finishes you can pick from, in matte, semi-gloss, and high-gloss. If your objective is to make it look more “realistic“, then you’ll want to look for planks with bevelled edges and knots. Also, there are many planks that come with other surface effects, such as hand scraped for a time-worn appearance, distressed for a slightly rustic appearance, or wire-brushed.

Lifespan

Engineered hardwood is most likely to last a lifetime. It depends on three factors: how well you maintain your floors, the thickness of the veneer that tops the flooring, and the quality of flooring used.

Maintaining wooden flooring is quite simple. Wiping your floor with a soft, damp mop every two weeks, avoiding soap or astringent cleaners, which leave residue or dull the finish, should be more than enough to keep it as good as new. Regarding the other two aspects, the harder the wood is, the less likely it will get scratched and dented, especially if it has been factory oiled or lacquered. Also, if needed, engineered hardwood, unlike laminate, can be sanded down and re-finished to look as good as new every couple of years. But keep in mind that because of the veneer layer, an engineered hardwood floor can only be sanded and refinished a few times—and sometimes only once—before the hardwood erodes to reveal the core layers. How many times you can resurface is dependent on the thickness of the veneer layer. A 1/6-inch layer, for example, will last much longer than a 1/16-inch layer.

Make it fit your budget

Engineered hardwood’s particularity is that it’s actually less expensive than solid wood, and it’s also more practical, since you can install this excellent flooring style in multiple rooms on different levels. Besides being cheaper, engineered wood comes in a wide range of prices and styles, which lets you pick your best option, taking into account your goal and budget.

In this video, you can see more differences between the two!

These are some of the things we consider most important about engineered hardwood floors if you’re considering renovating your home anytime soon. You will surely find an option that best fits your situation. Remember, you can always request a quote from us!And don’t forget that the more you explore, the better the result.