Life can be so boring with plain old-style floorings. With the passage of time, there have been a large variety of wooden floorings to choose from. One nice option to choose from is engineered hardwoods. This is made out of a layer of hardwood followed by a layer of plywood. The engineered hardwoods flooring is different from solid hardwood flooring in which a solid piece of wood is used with no layers in it. The main layers in engineered hardwood make the flooring more stable than regular hardwood, while the outer veneer surface layer adds beauty to the floor.
Using hardwood flooring can certainly add that oomph factor to the living space. However, when choosing between engineered and solid hardwood, one must analyze a few points. Consider the following:
- Engineered hardwood is said to be better suited for movement in the foundation of a home because it is not a solid piece of wood.
- Engineered hardwood is easy to clean. Use a mop with a cleaner specifically designed for engineered floors and sweep with a soft broom.
- Engineered hardwood floor comes in a myriad of species: Oak, Acacia, Maple, Bamboo, Cherry, Pine, Hickory, and many more.
- It is less likely to warp or bow due to moisture as it is made up of multi-layers of wood with each layer being placed in a different direction.
- Engineered hardwoods is said to be better performing than solid hardwood as it can be installed almost in all grade levels of the home. It can even be installed below ground with a protective moisture barrier.
Different Styles Of Engineered Hardwood
Engineered hardwood offers a wide variety of options to choose from:
- Many wood species are available. Different types have a different Jenga rating which determines how hard the wood is.
- Engineered hardwoods come in many finishes such as matte, semi-gloss, and high-gloss finish.
- The beautification can be altered as per the choice as various textures are available for surface effects, for instance, time worn look by hand scrapping, a rustic look achieved by distressing or wire brushing, etc.
Engineered hardwoods flooring is highly recommended for houses with cold climates as these can be placed on radiant heating. However, do check the floor’s compatibility with the heating system installed in the house. Hence, these are high-quality performance floorings with unlimited looks ranging from classical to modern-day to choose from.
How Durable Are Engineered Floors?
The Durability of flooring will depend on the thickness of the veneer which is the top layer of the flooring then the quality of core flooring used. Secondly, its aftercare and maintenance will also improve its durability. These three factors if done right then engineered hardwoods can last for a lifetime and the cost of engineered hardwood installed will be worth it. These can even be installed in the basement and bathrooms have given they don’t have extreme moisture concerns and a protective barrier for the moisture is installed to avoid any molding or warping. The use of high-quality waterproof glue.
Is Engineered Hardwood Expensive?
Engineered hardwood is generally less expensive as compared to hardwood flooring. Owing to its lower cost, better durability, low maintenance, a wide variety of surfaces; these can be installed in any room of the house and add an eye-catching look.
Getting styled flooring with affordability is now possible with the engineered hardwoods flooring options. It’s ideal for all types of living spaces and home areas. The wide variety makes it possible to choose a suitable type as per the requirement.