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When it comes to home improvements, no other remodeling project makes as much of an impact as getting new flooring. With so many flooring material options, engineered wood flooring comes in on top as one of the most affordable and popular options in the market. Herringbone Floor
Engineered flooring incorporates the natural material it imitates, but in an engineered fashion. It features a real veneer of wood protected with a clear coat and an engineered core. While engineered wood flooring is a more affordable flooring solution, you still want to take the time to review everything you can about this type of flooring before investing. Advertisement THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT AND NOT EDITORIAL CONTENT. Please note that we do receive compensation for any products you buy or sign up to via this advertisement, and that compensation impacts the ranking and placement of any offers listed herein. We do not present information about every offer available. The information and savings numbers depicted above are for demonstration purposes only, and your results may vary. Compare Quotes From Top-rated Local Flooring Contractors Free, No-commitment Estimates Find a Contractor
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Whether you have hardwood flooring, laminate flooring, or tiles, wear and tear will eventually be too noticeable to ignore. Most wood flooring will last about 100 years with proper upkeep. Vinyl flooring can last about 50 years, while carpet lasts for roughly eight to 10 years.
However, if you bought an old house with flooring that shows signs of wear, or you’re ready to change the type of flooring, these are all valid reasons to get new flooring. Here are some common reasons why you should consider new flooring:
Engineered wood floors have many classifications. It can be classified based on the installation method, surface finish, texture, pressure applied in production and even the wood species. The most basic and important classification to consider is the method of installation, since this will then narrow down your option pool further.
This method involves adhesive to be applied on joints to maximize the grip. Whether pre-glued or glued during installation, the adhesive installation method glues the planks onto the subfloor. The adhesive method is often used to install engineered wood floors to concrete subfloors.
Although a nail-down installation isn’t as popular as other methods, it can help attach the engineered wood floor to wood subfloors, making the installation process faster. In this case, the engineered wood planks are nailed through to connect to the subfloor.
Modern engineered wood flooring options use the click-lock installation method. This creates a floating floor by clicking the tongue-and-groove planks together. The click-lock method is also the most cost-effective option because no nails or glue are required.
The flooring rests over a subfloor, held down by its weight. Another benefit of this installation method is that you can easily pull up the flooring if a section needs repairs or replacement. Plus, many click-lock engineered wood floor planks can be easily installed by enthusiastic DIYers.
As homeowners look for more affordable, versatile and resilient options to hardwood flooring, engineered wood flooring continues to thrive in home improvement flooring trends.
However, engineered wood floors come in a wide array of styles and finishes that vary on the type of wood species, color, texture and finishing. Let’s explore the most popular engineered wood flooring styles for each category.
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If you are on the market for engineered wood floors, there are some tips to consider when it comes to shopping. Since not all engineered wood flooring planks are made the same, keep these tips in mind when shopping from the various manufacturers.
Engineered wood floors are mass-produced. Even if you order flooring from the same manufacturer, mass production methods can result in planks with varying widths, lengths and thicknesses, which can make installation more complicated. Samples can help you narrow down your selection because you can compare options and see how different thicknesses, colors and finishes will potentially look in your home.
The average engineered wood floor plank is three inches wide and about three feet long. Still, some manufacturers can offer planks between six inches’ to 10 inches wide. As you are shopping for engineered wood flooring, double-check and verify the width and lengths for your planks on every quote you receive. Don’t rely on word-of-mouth specification details because receiving the wrong width can mean you have to buy more planks to complete the job.
Besides the many benefits of engineered wood floors, one of the reasons to choose this flooring type is its appearance. The veneer layer of each engineered wood flooring plank gives it its final look and there are two ways to create this: With a dry saw cut using a saw blade or a rotary peel using a knife blade.
They both produce different characteristics in terms of aesthetics. The dry saw will create the same visual as a solid wood floor. On the contrary, the sliced and rotary peel material has a thinner veneer that won’t last as long as the other. Again, this is why requesting samples is so important in the buying process.
Consider the following before making any final purchase:
It is no secret that engineered wood flooring is gaining more and more popularity as the years go on and offers several benefits that are worth considering when updating your flooring. From easy installation, durability and moisture-resistant capabilities, engineered wood flooring is an excellent option for homeowners looking to replace their old, scratched-up hardwood.
One great advantage of engineered wood flooring is its easy installation. Perfect for those who would like to attempt DIY installation, the planks of engineered wood flooring that are designed to fit together seamlessly, thanks to their click-and-lock system, require no nails or glue. Therefore, engineered wood is your best bet if you want to get your new floor installed quickly and easily.
Known for its exceptional durability, engineered wood flooring is a long-lasting option that can handle high traffic for years to come. Constructed by bonding several layers of solid wood together and using high heat and pressure, engineered wood flooring has proven to be a solid, sturdy flooring that can withstand everyday wear and tear. Also, unlike traditional hardwood floors, engineered wood flooring is much less susceptible to warping, cracking and other forms of damage, thanks to its unique construction.
If you’re looking for a durable, versatile and affordable hardwood flooring option, look no further than engineered wood flooring. Constructed of layers of plywood or high-density fiberboard that are bonded together using adhesives, engineered hardwood flooring is created to be a solid, sturdy surface. This means that the surface is much more stable than traditional solid wood floors and will not expand or contract as easily with changes in temperature or humidity.
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There’s a wide range of veneer thicknesses available to choose from when working with engineered wood floors. However, since you can’t refinish engineered wood flooring, you’ll want to look for one with a thicker veneer that allows for sanding. Ideally, you want a veneer layer of at least 3mm to allow for it to be sanded at least twice after installation.
A high-quality engineered wood floor is a long-lasting investment that will typically last between 20 and 30 years. To get the most wear out of your engineered wood floors, avoid products without a UV-protective finish layer and those with a veneer layer thinner than 2mm.
Because most engineered hardwood flooring is floating over the subfloor, you can look at the sides to recognize it. Pick up a loose plank and check the sides. If it is one solid piece of wood, you have hardwood. If you see different layers of wood, it’s most likely engineered wood.
Most engineered wood floors come pre-finished. However, it is still a good idea to seal it to add an extra layer of protection to your flooring against water damage, scratches and overall wear and tear.
When it comes to eco-friendliness, engineered wood floors are often a better option than solid hardwood flooring. Unlike solid hardwood flooring, engineered wood floors use less wood in their construction and can be made from sustainably sourced materials.
Geraldine is a lifestyle writer and content creator. In addition to being a contributing writer at Forbes, she writes for startups and content agencies. Through her design expertise, she provides decor lovers the tips and resources they need to create the home of their dreams.
Black Walnut Logs In addition to being a contributing editor for Forbes, Corinne is a dynamic digital professional specializing in copywriting, copy editing and content strategy. With over eight years of experience at Bed Bath and Beyond, she has gained invaluable knowledge and expertise on everything related to the home. In her current role as SEO Editor, Corinne oversees the SEO content strategy for sites such as Bed Bath and Beyond, Bed Bath and Beyond Canada, buybuy BABY and Harmon Face Values.