If you’re considering a new wood floor for your home, you may be interested in engineered wood. This flooring type offers all the benefits of solid hardwoods, but it is less vulnerable to moisture.
Like traditional wood floors, engineered wood needs to be maintained properly. Spills and splashes should be wiped up quickly to prevent water damage. Also, avoid steam cleaning and harsh cleaners.
It’s made of multiple layers of wood
Engineered wood flooring is made up of multiple layers, with a core layer that’s typically made of high-density fiberboard (HDF) or plywood. Its crisscross construction helps to prevent issues like warping and cupping that can occur with solid wood floors. The thickness of the core also contributes to the durability of an engineered hardwood floor.
A thicker core is a sign of quality, as it will resist dents and gouges better. The wear layer is another important factor in determining the longevity of your engineered wood floor, and you should look for a harder finish that’s resistant to scratches and scuffs. It’s also a good idea to choose an engineered wood floor with a low VOC content, as this will help reduce harmful toxins in your home.
You should also consider the width of your planks. Narrower planks are more affordable and better suited for traditional homes, while wider planks can create a more modern look.
It’s easy to install
Engineered wood floors are one of the easiest flooring products to lay. You can do it yourself or hire a professional to save money and get a beautiful floor quickly. The installation process varies depending on the manufacturer, so check out your manufacturers guide for specifics.
It is important to allow your engineered flooring planks to acclimate in the room before installing them. This will prevent them from shifting post-installation due to variations in temperature between indoors and outdoors.
When installing your new engineered hardwood, start by removing the shoe molding (small rounded trim pieces in front of baseboards) and the existing carpet or vinyl. If the existing floor is wood, remove any glue residue and loose boards. Next, vacuum the subfloor and use a level to ensure it’s flat. Afterwards, you can install your new flooring using adhesive or staples. Make sure to use flooring staples or nailers that are made specifically for engineered wood.
It’s durable
One of the biggest advantages of engineered wood is its durability. It is not only more durable than solid hardwood floors, but it can also last for the lifetime of your home. Studies show that this type of flooring can last up to 80 years.
The lifespan of your engineered wood floor depends on several factors, including how well it’s constructed and its thickness. Look for a quality product from a reputable manufacturer and avoid cheap ones from lumber liquidators. The core layer is the most important factor for durability, and you should avoid a plywood that is not marine grade or WBP (Weather & Boil Proof).
Another advantage of engineered wood is its ability to resist expansion and contraction from changes in temperature and moisture. However, this does not mean that you should expose it to standing water or use harsh cleaners.
It’s affordable
Engineered wood flooring is more affordable than solid hardwood, which makes it a great option for homeowners who want to get the look of real wood in their homes. This type of wood is available in many different species and has a plywood core, which makes it more durable than traditional hardwood. It can also withstand a wider range of temperature and moisture changes than solid wood.
If you are shopping for engineered wood floors, it’s important to understand how they are categorized. The lower tiers use a top veneer layer that is not refinishable. This type of floor is not good for high traffic areas. It can also crack under foot, and you may be able to see the plywood underneath.
The best type of engineered wood flooring uses a high-quality plywood core with three to nine layers. These floors are a good choice for most areas of the home, including bedrooms. They are also more resistant to dents and scratches than other types of wood flooring.
Engineered wood flooring is a big trend in todays remodeling. If you are interested in installing wood flooring give us a call at Dust Free Floor Busters to remove your current floors dust free!
