Many shoppers do not realize that there are two types of wood that are solid and engineered. Both of these add structure and value to the house and are available in a wide range of species, styles, and stains.
Many house owners prefer solid hardwood due to its authenticity, durability, and timelessness. Solid hardwood flooring is constructed with only hardwood, and each plank is a single piece. But solid wood floor can get affected by moisture and water. You need to replace or repair this floor after a certain time. In this case, engineered hardwood floor is better for you because they are limited, and you do not need to spend huge amounts for their maintenance.
Engineered hardwood flooring is made up of layers where the top layer is laminated with different species. The bottom layer is also made up of wood. The middle layer is built from several layers of plywood. Engineered construction offers a more stable core which does not expand or shifts in the expose of moisture, temperature, and humidity.
What is the difference between solid wood and engineered hardwood floors?
This makes engineered hardwood flooring an ideal choice for use in basements or over concrete slabs due to the presence of moisture there. Engineered hardwoods are available in wide range of styles including traditional as well as specialty designs with features like handcrafted tool markings and multi-tonal colors. Some features like extra-wide planks may only be possible in engineered hardwood.
Unlike solid hardwood, engineered hardwood flooring is a more complex product which has several layers. The outermost layer is called veneer (a thin slice of wood) available in various species. The inner layer is made up of plywood, hardwood or high-density fiberboard. It is different than laminated hardwood as the surface is made of real wood whereas laminate’s core is made up of high-density fiber wood. Laminate’s surface is a picture of wood, so it is cheaper than both solid and engineered hardwood.
What are the advantages of installing engineered hardwood floor?
- Engineered hardwood is designed in such a way that it reduces moisture problems that are usually associated with conventional solid hardwood.
- The layers of engineered hardwood provide more stability and block moisture.
- Engineered hardwood will not warp or swell. So it has very low maintenance.
Environmental Advantages of Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Engineered hardwood flooring is considered more eco-friendly than conventional solid hardwood for some reasons such as:
- The veneer is not cut with a saw but rather sliced. This process prevents the production of sawdust due to which all the wood can be used and is not wasted.
- Trees used in making solid hardwood grow more slowly than the trees used in making engineered hardwood. As the making of veneer makes more surface so installing a traditional hardwood use more amount of slow-growing trees due to which more time is taken to replenish the trees.
Benefits of Engineered Flooring
- Construction
These are real wood flooring that is built in layers and bonded together. The top layer shows the beauty as well as all the natural characteristics. Below are many HDF or high-density fiberboards that give strength and stability than the regular solid board.
- Genuine Hardwood
Although it is not made of all solid hardwood it is still genuine hardwood floor that has all the beauty, warmth and value it brings home. It can last as long as solid hardwood and can be refinished.
- Installation
Engineered floors can be glued, stapled or floated depending upon the product. They can go directly over an old floor or a concrete slab.
So now you can install the engineered hardwood florin your home and it will increase the resale value of your property.
Contributed by Oliva Wilson
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