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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