Learn more about engineered hardwood flooring , a modern alternative to traditional hardwood .
Kim Cornelison
Known for durability and manner , hardwood floorshave been a go - to coldcock choice for century . However , hardwood trees are obtuse growers and the demand for beautiful , perdurable floor is n’t slowing down . The root ? Engineered wood .
Credit:Kim Cornelison
Unliketraditional hardwood floor , which consists of solid wood planks , engineered hardwood flooring lie in of a slight top layer of hardwood glue to an engineered stem . The word “ engineered ” is a technical condition for wood table that have been form using woodwind pieces and adhesives . While there are many case of mastermind woods , the most plebeian is plyboard . We ’ve broken down the pros and cons of engineered hardwood shock so you may see how it stacks up against traditional hardwood .
What Is Engineered Wood Flooring?
Engineered woodwind floor consists of a hardwood top layer glue to a base stratum that often consists of plywood or OSB ( orientate strand board ) . Because of this design , organize wood looks nearly the same as traditional hardwood once installed .
Pros of Engineered Wood Flooring
toll : When compare to traditional hardwood , engineer wood almost always has a lower price peak . However , this is only true when compared laterally . For illustration , gamey - execution exotic engineered floor might be more expensive than standard firm red - oak flooring . to boot , many of the saving tie in with engineered floor are on the initiation , as it ’s immediate to establish and often add up prefinished .
Warp - Resistance : Because of its construction , engineered ball over isresistant to warping and splittingdue to moisture exposure and temperature variation .
relief of Installation : On average , engineered floor is much easier and quickerto instal than traditional hardwood , making it a great DIY flooring solution . Many option even link with a locking click , need no particular fasteners , which makes installation even faster .
Credit: Adam Albright
Installation Flexibility : Engineered wood floor performs in environs that hearty wood flooring simply ca n’t . This includes installing on top of radiant base warming , concrete slabs , basements , and humid surroundings . Many waterproofed varieties are also available , making wood floors potential in places they ’ve never been before , like bathrooms .
Cons of Engineered Wood Flooring
Refinishing limit : Unlike traditional hardwood , whichcan be refinish time and time again , engineered Grant Wood flooring is circumscribe to minimum resurfacing . Even the well - engineered options with the thickest wear bed can only be refinish around three times , while inexpensive options are bound to one . Floors with a wearable layer of less than 2 mm should only be lightly buffed .
prostrate to Fading : Engineered wood is prostrate to fading in the sun . While this is true of many hardwood varieties as well , it ’s of greater headache for organise floors due to refinishing limitations .
VOCs : Because engineered flooring is construct with adhesive and chemicals , there is a jeopardy ofVOC off - gassing . This is when VOCs ( explosive constitutive chemical compound ) are released from the floor after initiation . While this is n’t an issue with all engineered floors , cheaper varieties are more prone to off - gassing . Pay close attention to your manufacturer ’s pedagogy and look for storey with low- or no - VOC labels .
Credit: David Patterson
Varieties of Engineered Wood Flooring
Like most building material , not all engineered wood flooring is the same and it ’s important to acquaint yourself with the differences to make an educated leverage . Beyond aesthetic difference in top - layer materials and finish , the anatomy of one direct wood plank can vastly disagree from another . Things like nitty-gritty thickness ( foundation bed ) , wear layer heaviness ( top ) , number offinish coats , and material will all play a part in the quality and longevity of an engineered Sir Henry Joseph Wood floor .
Below are the most pop engineeredwood varietiesin the market . Keep in idea that , while some of them will be useable as plank , typically used for flooring , you’re able to also happen them as sheets , if you ’re looking to updatewall panelsor have a unique floor design .
Laminated Veneer Lumber
Also known as LVL . It ’s one of the unattackable types , as it ’s a high - density product made out of bed of resin , gum , and some wood material . The downside is that LVL can only be laid out in one direction as it ’s built with a specific heap cereal .
Laminated Strand Lumber
Also live as LSL . potent and with a higher quality than LVL , albeit almost three time pricier , this type of plank is mostly compose of Grant Wood fibers and strand , make it super repellent to ceaseless wear and tear , especially for commercial spaces or busy household .
Plywood
The “ OG , ” if you will , of the engineered wood creation . It ’s on the economical side , fragile , and whippy , making it ideal to lie in it out in different directions ( and even for limited projection , like aplywood accent wall ) . It ’s designed to be paste , so consider that when doing your floors ( specifically if there are gaps or tight quad in corners ) as plywood be given to reduce and expound due to several factors , like humidity , extreme coldness , or heat .
Composite Board
Made out of both woods and plastic fibers as well as wax and resin , this medium density engineered wood is one of the less expensive in the market and can also be used in sustainable home designs orgreen architecturesince most plank and flat solid are recyclable or done with recycled materials .
Features of Engineered Wood Flooring
Below are received features to be aware of when shopping for orchestrate floors as well as how the features affect the overall lineament of the Sir Henry Wood .
fag Layer Thickness : The thicker the wear level is , the more times the floor can be refinished .
fatigue Layer Hardness : A harder wear layer results in a more durable storey .
Core Thickness : A thicker core will leave in a more durable floor . While inwardness mental synthesis vary from stain to mark , a effective linguistic rule of thumb is to look for plywood building with multiple level . in general verbalize , the more layers the better .
Finish Coats : The turn of finish pelage is direct linked to the strength of the flooring , as more finish coat add a thicker layer of protection .
Tiers of Engineered Flooring
Below are the three received tier of engineered flooring circuit card stick with by their price points and feature you should await .
Budget ( $ 2 to $ 5 per sq . ft.):Engineered flooring in this class features a thin 1 - 2 mm article of clothing bed , up to 5 close pelage , a 10- to 15 - year warranty , and is limited to only sure finishes and wear layer varieties .
median ( $ 6 to $ 10 per sq . ft.):With slightly more options for finis and woodwind instrument mintage , average engineered floor features a 2 - 3 millimeter wear layer , up to 7 finish coats , and a 15- to 25 - year warranty .
Premium : ( $ 11 to $ 18 per sq . ft.):With the largest selection of hardwoods , alien choice , and finish , agiotage engineered blow out of the water feature of speech a fatheaded 7 - 9 ply base , a lower limit of 3 mm wear layer , 7 - 9 finish coats , and a 25 - class to lifetime warranty .
Maintaining Engineered Wood Floors
Just like traditional hardwood , engineer floors must be regularly assert and cleaned with exceptional forethought . Water should be used sparingly , and harsh cleaners should be head off , as they can damage and tone down the finish . Spills should be immediately wiped up to avoid water damage . moreover , heat andsteam cleaningshould be avoided , as this can damage the floor and weaken the bond of the adhesive . For best results , a aristocratical floor cleaner is recommended unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer .
How Does Engineered Hardwood Compare?
What ’s the conflict between Engineered Hardwood and other types of wood or faux - woodwind floor ? Let ’s take a look at the comparisons and difference of opinion between three common types of wood and woods - look flooring .
Solid Hardwood : Solid hardwood floors offer longevity and durability . householder are also able-bodied to sandpaper and refinish them when start to show wear and tear . However , solid hardwood floor are much more susceptible to moisture damage and warping due to substantial temperature changes .
Luxury Vinyl Plank ( LVP ): Luxury Vinyl Plank floor is a type of vinyl group floor designed to tight mime the look of literal hardwood — include wood cereal , texture , and plank size of it . low-cost and water - resistant , LVP is ideal for mellow - moisture , high-pitched - dealings expanse . They also are great for house with kids and pets as they are water and scrawl - resistant . However , they miss the legitimacy , experience , and audio of real Sir Henry Joseph Wood .
Laminate Flooring : Laminate flooring is a synthetical coldcock product project to mimic the visual aspect of hardwood . It ’s a popular option for homeowner because it ’s budget - well-disposed , lasting , and comparatively well-to-do to put in . However , it does n’t volunteer the look of substantial wood and does n’t offer refinishing options if hurt occur .
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes . Since this cloth is more resistant to scratches , this is one of the best option for home with dog . However , you still need to be speedy to clean up water to avoid leaving behind blot .
These flooring can last 20 - 30 years . It depends on the quality of materials used during installation , maintenance over the years , and the worldwide precondition of the home .
It ’s in effect to mop your engineer hardwood floors at least once a workweek to keep them in peak condition . you’re able to use a microfibre mop when wash and a soft - bristled broom when sweeping .
