When shopping for hardwood flooring, one of the first things that you realize is that there are two types of wood: engineered and solid wood. Both options add beauty, value, and structure to your home, plus they come in a wide range of species, styles, and stains to suit any application or personal preferences.
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From the surface, both solid wood and engineered wood look the same if cut from the same species. But while solid wood is 100% wood, only the top layer of engineered wood is made from real wood. Here are a few things you should know about engineered wood flooring:
● Engineered wood, which is also referred to as pre-manufactured wood, is made up of 3 to 7 layers that are glued together to form a wood plank. For a three-layer engineered wood plank, the top or face layer is made from 100% real, prefinished wood; the mid or core layer is made of High Density Fiberboard (HDF), compressed plywoods, or hardwood; while the bottom or base layer is usually made from plywood.
● The construction of engineered wood flooring has its pros and cons. On the negative side, it is not as durable and long-lasting as solid wood flooring, plus it is prone to chips. However, engineered wood is cost-effective, easier to install, and has great tolerance to moisture, which reduces the risk of warping.
● Because of the pre-finished face layer, engineered wood flooring is usually “de-moisturized” and sanded before installation, which helps to prevent the swelling, warping floor issues associated with solid hardwood floors.
● The longevity of engineered hardwood flooring depends on three key factors: the thickness of the top layer; the quality of the flooring; and the quality of care and maintenance of your floor. Generally, your engineered hardwood floor should last between 20 and 100 years.
Engineered wood floors have become increasingly popular among homeowners and floor contractors because of their affordability, easy maintenance, and real wood feel, owing to its face layer. A quality engineered hardwood floor will add style, performance, and value to any room in your home, including basements, provided there are no serious moisture problems.
