There are so many flooring options available that it can be hard to choose, or even truly understand what is what. Between all the different hardwoods, laminates, linoleum, tile, and everything else it can be tough to keep up with all of them.
You may or may not have heard of a type of flooring referred to as engineered flooring, specifically engineered hardwood flooring. This is a special kind of hardwood flooring that is made up of several layers rather than solid pieces.
Engineered vs Regular Hardwood Flooring
Is engineered hardwood flooring as good as regular hardwood? Engineered hardwood flooring is still considered hardwood flooring, and in some cases it is actually better than solid hardwood.
The multiple layers, that the engineered flooring is made up of, help in cases where moisture and humidity are an issue because they are more resistant than solid hardwoods. Solid hardwood can get ruined in moist or humid situations, whereas engineered hardwoods stand up to inclement situations much better. Also, engineered hardwood flooring can be installed over concrete base floors or wood floors, so it is sometimes easier to install.
Engineered hardwood flooring, despite being a little different than solid hardwood, actually has the same resale value as solid hardwood and can help to increase the value of your home. The engineered hardwood is available in any of the same woods as solid hardwood flooring.
How is Engineered Hardwood Flooring Made?
Engineered hardwood flooring is made by combining multiple thin layers of wood. There can be anywhere from 3 to 12 layers in different versions of engineered hardwood flooring.
Walnut Engineered Hardwood Flooring
To build each piece, multiple layers of plywood are cross layered and glued together. They are bonded together with glue and high pressure to give each piece a solid look and feel. The core is typically made of a mix of hardwood and plywood materials. The top layer is a hardwood veneer “wear” layer and is treated to be resistant to the wear and tear of people walking over it.
What are the Benefits of Engineered Hardwood Flooring?
As mentioned before, engineered hardwood flooring is more resistant to moisture and humidity issues. If you live in a very dry area, this will not be much of an issue for you. But if you live in an area that is very wet or humid, or if you want hardwood flooring in a sub-floor or basement, engineered hardwood flooring is going to be best for you.
The engineered hardwood is also more resistant to buckling, ripping, or tearing. The way it is engineered makes it very sturdy.
Engineered hardwood flooring is also easier to install than solid hardwood. There are fewer restrictions on what sort of base you can install the floor on, and it installs easier and faster than solid hardwood. Installation is actually easy enough for a do-it-yourself installation project.
Solid hardwood flooring can be extremely expensive. Engineered hardwood flooring is more affordable on top of cheaper installation costs. It is also more ecologically friendly since it doesn’t use as much of the precious woods.
When you are looking at installing new flooring in your home, consider engineered hardwood flooring instead of solid hardwood or laminates.
