What Is Engineered Wood Flooring?
Maybe you're about to embark on a months-long remodel, or perhaps the only thing you're planning to update is the floor you walk on. Either way, flooring is a big decision to make and one that shouldn't be taken lightly. You're exploring your flooring options, and you added engineered hardwood to your research list after seeing your mother-in-law's recent renovation. You're skeptical because you don't really understand what it is. So, let's break down the basics about engineered wood flooring.
Engineered hardwood floors combine several layers of manmade materials with a top layer of genuine hardwood to create a durable floor that's water resistant and easier on the pocketbook than solid hardwood. A wear layer covers each plank and protects the wood from surface scratches and dings. The thicker the wear layer, the more protection your engineered wood floor has from your rowdy kids and rambunctious pets.
Appearance
Whether you've got a clear design aesthetic or you're flying by the seat of your pants, you shouldn't have much trouble finding engineered wood flooring options that catch your eye. Ash, oak, hickory, and red maple are some of the most popular hardwood flooring looks you'll find.
If anything, you might need help narrowing your choices down, in which case your local Flooring America expert is the perfect resource. They'll likely ask you a couple of key questions, such as:
- What plank width works best in your home? You've got standard planks, which generally land between 3 and 6 inches, and then wide plank options that can reach 9 to 10 inches. Wider planks do have the benefit of fewer joints during installation.
- What grain pattern catches your eye? Wood grain is the fancy term for the detail you see in hardwood. Some species have more knots, swirls, and lines than others, which can add texture to an engineered floor.
- What color and finish perfectly complements your style? Knowing you want a brown floor isn't enough here. The tone and shade will also come into play as you pick between the slew of flooring options available. Keep in mind that in general, lighter wood floors can brighten spaces, including your small, basement guest room. Darker hues provide more contrast and add more dramatic richness.
Engineered Hardwood Flooring Durability
You can bet that flooring products that have "engineered" in their name are created with durability in mind. These man-made planks have a real-wood top layer and offer more strength and resilience, plus hold up to humidity and moisture in ways solid wood can't even begin to imagine.
When you've narrowed your flooring options down to engineered wood flooring, take extra care to consider what wear layer thickness makes the most sense for your home. If you've got dogs and cats running around, a handful of kids you're raising, or a reputation for being the hang-out house for all the neighborhood children, a thicker wear layer with a scratch-resistant top coat may be well worth the investment.
Maintenance for Engineered Hardwood Floors
If water resistant engineered flooring seems too good to be true, you're probably expecting a lengthy to-do list when it's time for maintenance. But you'd be wrong! Hardwood engineered floors require fairly straightforward cleaning, beginning with frequent sweeping or vacuuming. Check the manufacturer's care instructions to determine exactly what to do for a deeper clean when your neighbor spills her glass of wine.
Installation and Lifespan
Once you've made your decision and paid the bill, you're ready to get the new floors in and start enjoying them! But don't make a careless mistake and let your neighborhood handyman or pro-DIY husband put them in. A proper installation by a skilled professional is the only way to go. An experienced installer will ensure all the necessary steps are followed and with the right tools, which is critical if you want a long life for your floor, not to mention a functional warranty!
Speaking of your floor's lifespan, it's important to know from the very beginning what you need to do to get the most from your engineered hardwood flooring. Other factors that influence lifespan include:
- The quality of the materials used for installation
- How often you tackle routine maintenance, plus how you handle unexpected spills and accidents
- What type of activity the floor sees, which includes foot traffic as well as your kids' daily toy car races and the cat's nightly zoomies
- If you follow the guidance provided by both the manufacturer and the warranty
Benefits of Engineered Hardwood
What makes engineered wood floors so popular, anyway? There's a slew of benefits that homeowners who choose engineered hardwood flooring can appreciate, like:
- Water resistant qualities that mean you don't have to worry in high-moisture spaces
- Environmentally friendly since they only use a fraction of an important natural resource
- Impressive resilience and wear
- More budget-friendly than solid hardwood floors
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the disadvantages of engineered wood?
When it comes to downsides, engineered hardwood flooring has a few worth considering. For one, installation can be cumbersome, requiring more time and effort than some other options. The good news is your local Flooring American experts can tackle the job for you. You're also less likely to be able to refinish the top wood layer but check with your manufacturer for guidance specific to your product.
Where to install engineered hardwood?
Luckily engineered wood flooring can be installed in nearly all rooms of your home. Its durability and water resistance make it the perfect contender for your messiest areas, including the kitchen, mud room, laundry area, and bathrooms. This engineered flooring even works well in below-grade spaces like your finished but still humid basement.
Does engineered hardwood scratch?
Though it's incredibly durable, it's still possible to scratch engineered hardwood flooring under certain conditions, especially if you opted for a thinner wear layer. Keeping your puppy's nails trimmed and resisting the urge to lazily drag your heavy furniture around the room will prevent the most common scratches. If you know your children will be moving the living room ottomans to make their pillow forts each weekend, it might be smart to consider higher-quality engineered flooring options with thicker wear layers.
Can you use engineered hardwood flooring in the basement?
Yes, you can absolutely install your new wide plank engineered wood floors in your basement! The water resistant technology of your engineered hardwood floor makes the humidity harmless, leaving you with less time to worry about floor maintenance and more time to enjoy family movie nights.
