Are you considering installing engineered hardwood flooring? There’s no doubt that you’ll have a far more resilient and long-lasting floor, but there are a few things to consider before making the switch.
There’s nothing more tedious than having to repair your floors now and then because they’re worn out or don’t seem to be in style anymore. But with engineered hardwood flooring, you can rest assured that you’re in it for the long haul because the floor doesn’t go out of style. In fact, it’s gaining popularity every day due to its benefits, ease of installation, low maintenance, and long life span.
As a result, engineered hardwood flooring is quickly becoming a popular choice in modern homes. You may have been considering upgrading to this flooring, but due to a lack of knowledge, you may be unsure if it’s the same as traditional wood flooring or there’s more to it. If you’re doubting whether or not to install engineered hardwood on your property, you’ll probably want to learn more about it. If you don’t know where to start, you can turn to companies like Hardwood Planet to make some inquiries.
This article will go over all the information you’ll need to know about engineered hardwood flooring so you can decide if it’s worth the investment. Since it’s frequently confused with solid wood, the article will go on to explain how the two vary while providing an overview of engineered hardwood flooring.
Here are six things you should know about engineered hardwood flooring:
1. It Is Long-Lasting And Requires Little Maintenance
One of the things you could be worrying about when it comes to different types of flooring is their durability. Engineered hardwood floors, as opposed to solid wood floors, are protected by a sophisticated topcoat finish that resists scratches and scuffs during normal use for decades. They retain their beauty even when exposed to dampness or heat without causing damage to the lower layers of wood beneath.
And unlike with typical varnished solid wood, you won’t have to think about excessive maintenance expenses or labor because the protective coat only needs to be applied every two years. Aside from that, your only main issue with engineered hardwood would be keeping up with basic dusting and vacuuming—the protective coating creates a firm surface that’s easy to clean.
2. It Comes In A Variety Of Grades
Most stores these days have a large selection of engineered hardwood flooring options in their showrooms, and you can expect to see a variety of grades and quality levels. This implies that knowing the difference between factory prefinished and hand-scraped or rustic wood flooring is critical. Generally done or rustic wood varieties have been distressed using various techniques for a more natural look. Meanwhile, factory prefinished ones are covered with a protective topcoat right after coming from the production line.
Both finishes serve the same purpose of protecting the lumber underneath from damage and improving its aesthetic value. However, you’ll find that unsealed factory prefinished varieties tend to be slippery when exposed to spilled liquids or high traffic because they can be easily worn down. Hand scraped or rustic types, on the other hand, are less prone to this type of damage, but you’ll need to maintain them by regularly renewing the protective wax coating at least once every year or two.
3. The Color And Grain Pattern Vary
Engineered hardwood floors are available in a variety of styles (cherry, oak, maple, and so on), but each one is built with a unique combination of wood species. If you want to match your new floor to your existing home décor, this is something you should consider.
Manufacturers often employ several types of wood when manufacturing engineered hardwood flooring since each style must have its distinct look. Because no two tree trunks are precisely equal in terms of color and texture, you should expect your new floor to have minor differences when compared to others (which is one reason prefinished types are popular).
4. It Is More Stain-Resistant
Wood, whether conventional or engineered, can discolor if not properly kept and cared for (don’t worry if you spill a glass of red wine on your new oak flooring in the dining room; simply wipe up the damage as quickly as possible). Due to their extra-thick factory finish, engineered hardwood floors absorb liquids at a far slower rate than their solid wood counterparts, so they’re such a fantastic choice for homeowners with kids and pets.
However, if you’re deciding between cherry, oak, and other wood varieties, keep in mind that some are more sensitive to stains than others. For instance, cherry is one of the most vulnerable types, while oak tends to hold up well under stress. Check out the warranty (if any) that comes with a particular type before deciding on it, and keep in mind that every hardwood flooring requires some level of care during its lifetime.
5. It Is More Durable Than Solid Wood
You can be certain of the resilience of engineered hardwood flooring, unlike solid hardwood flooring that can expand and shrink as moisture content changes, causing gaps between the boards that must be closed if you want a smooth look. Engineered flooring doesn’t have such issues because the production process guarantees that all the boards are of the same size. They don’t expand and contract at various rates, resulting in no visible gaps in your finished floor.
6. It Is Inexpensive To Buy And Install
When deciding whether to upgrade to engineered hardwood flooring, remember that it’s less expensive than conventional, solid wood, which is best installed by a professional for the best and most durable results. With engineered hardwood flooring, you may purchase the material at a much lower cost, and you can even install the floor yourself. This’ll let you save money on your overall flooring expenses.
Conclusion
Choosing a floor for your home can be a difficult task, especially when comparing two types of nearly identical floors. But now that you know what engineered hardwood flooring is all about in terms of its quality, cost, ease of purchase and installation, durability, and maintenance, it’s time to determine if you want it for your home or not.
