What is Engineered Hardwood ?

Chicagoland Pro - Hardwood Flooring Professionals

Hardwood flooring has evolved from the days of the first pioneers. There are many options for people looking to install new hardwood flooring and it may be difficult to choose the best kind of floor. Once somebody has decided on wood flooring, there are still many choices and decisions to be made before you can actually start the installation process. To help navigate through the options we wanted to help by differencing regular hardwood floor from engineered wood, and give our readers more insight into Engineered Wood flooring.

Firstly, as with any wood floor install, we want to access the function and location of the space where the new floors will be placed. This is important for multiple reasons. The way the space is used and location of new floor will help define the options. Design and humidity levels should be taken into account, along with location.

One of the top trends in home design and style is the addition of wood to areas that in the past were uncommon. Bathrooms and kitchens, along with basements were normally made with tile, linoleum and other materials, but not wood. This is because wood has a tendency to warp and stain if exposed to water. Recently, with new innovation and materials, homeowners and designers are choosing to add wood to these places. Engineered wood is a great choice for those looking to add wood flooring to bathroom and kitchen spaces. While the humidity and water, low levels of exposure to water still will affect it will not cause damage to the floor.

Engineered wood is comprised of many different wood products and is designed to meet specific requirements. This specific designations help to make engineered wood more durable under certain conditions. The wood itself is made of many products and come from different sources. Plywood, particleboard, and remaining pieces from saw mills are all used in engineered wood. The wood is crossed, glued and pressed together to get the final result.  Engineered wood is equal to the same market value as solid hardwood that is 3-4". This is important information if you plan on selling or buying a home with engineered wood.

The range of sizes and styles available in engineered wood varies just as regular hardwood floor options. Sizes can vary and include traditional plank sizes to the latest trend of using wide plank boards for wood floor installations. Styles colors also vary, and are not limited either. Along with the wide planks, recent trends featuring scraped or salvaged wood can also be used with engineered wood installations.

As with any product, the prices and quality of engineered wood varies depending on the manufacturer and wood thickness. The thicker the engineered wood, the longer it will last. Boards that are 2-6 mm in width will last approximately 20-60 years less than boards made 2-6mm in width. The difference being that the thicker boards will be sanded and refinished at least once within that time, and like with any hardwood floor, will need proper care to last the test of time.

Engineered floor can be a great option for those looking to do Do It Yourself floor projects. The tongue and groove system helps to make installation easier and faster than traditional hardwood floors. Having prefinished engineered floor also allows for a faster move in time after the floor is placed in the home. Altogether making DIY projects more efficient overall.

If you are considering a DYI project or interested in installing engineered hardwood floors in your home we always suggest you contact a local professional like Chicagoland Pro to help navigate through the process and get expert advice on your investment.

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What is Reclaimed Wood and How It Is Used For Flooring

One of the biggest trends in hardwood flooring this year is the use of reclaimed wood or recycled wood. Some people also refer to this as salvaging or re purposing but the main idea is to take old wood and use this wood for flooring, and other purposes. The salvaging of old wood has been happening for some time now, but in recent years and with new focus on sustainability, this trend is one that is not going to go away anytime soon.

We thought it would help to break down the process and facts about this trend, to help our readers and clients understand more about reclaimed wood trend and how they can use reclaimed wood for their next remodel project. 

One of the most common places where people find reclaimed wood is a farm. The wood used in old barns or stables, is usually great for this purpose. Other places that wood can be recycled from include old decks, warehouses, and excavation sites. To find wood to reclaim, one can choose to contact one of many providers focusing on reclaimed wood or contact farms, excavation and remodel sites. These places often will offer the wood for no charge if you are able to pick it up from them.

Many people look for old farm barns to reclaim wood from, which were built with old growth trees. The wood from older trees is a “tight grain wood” and will be naturally stronger and more durable. This type wood is ideal for re purposing as it is stronger than then wood available today.  There are some common types of wood found and reused. Long leaf Heart Pine, a slow growing pine tree comely found across North America in the past was often a source for pioneers. There is also Redwood, White Pine, Chestnut, Hickory and Oak. Oak was another popular choice by Europeans when they first came to North America because they were familiar with it, as it is also found and used across Europe.

Re purposed wood can be used in many different ways. Wood flooring is just one option but you can also use recycled wood for siding, cabinetry and furniture. There are many creative ways to recycle and reuse wood. 

Hardwood that is re-used does not loose value, because of its strength. With this practice becoming a trend, an increase in prices for consumers looking to use salvaged wood should be expected. While the cost is generally higher than traditional choices of hardwood, the value in the investment is considerably greater. This wood, when properly sourced, reclaimed and maintained can last well past 100 years. The floor or project that the wood is used for will outlast its owners and add value to any space.

Reclaimed hardwood flooring is one of the “greenest” options for those looking to take an “eco-friendly” route when installing floors. There is limited impact on the environment because the wood is not going to be harvested. By following other Eco-friendly flooring practices, recycled wood and VOC FREE finishes the floor can be almost 100% green and offer credit toward LEED certification for a building or space.

As with any addition of hardwood floor, the investment is real and of value. Hardwood flooring can add not only warmth to a space, but add significant value when considering buying or selling. The Green aspect of this type of flooring can also add to healthier spaces and a healthier environment.  The greatest thing about reclaimed hardwood floors is that they tell a story and have a history.

If you are interested in using reclaimed wood for your next flooring project or want to learn more about our professional services you can contact us Chicagoland Pro for a free evaluation or consult. We will gladly answer any questions you have and help you to determine if these types of flooring options are a good fit for you and your space.

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