Myths and Facts about Engineered Hardwood Flooring

Many are beginning to see the benefits of using engineered hardwood flooring as an alternative to a more expensive, solid hardwood flooring. While solid hardwood refers to a plank that is made of only one wood species, engineered hardwood has a slice of genuine hardwood on the surface layer and the rest is composite wood. Engineered hardwood ultimately gives you a hardwood aesthetic for a more reasonable price, and it can even be used in places where solid hardwood cannot be used like in basements.

Unsurprisingly, there are a number of myths surrounding the topic of engineered hardwood; many suppose that it is fake and flimsy, and some even compare it to laminate flooring. Read ahead to learn about some of the myths that are needlessly tarnishing engineered hardwood’s reputation.

Solid Hardwood and Engineered Hardwood Look Nothing Alike

Despite some minor discrepancies between the two flooring’s looks, the differences are diminutive and mostly negligible. The technology behind engineered hardwood has actually advanced to the point where many people would be hard-pressed to discern the difference between engineered hardwood and the genuine product.

Engineered Hardwood Lacks Durability

Despite common misconceptions, engineered hardwood flooring is extremely durable and long-lasting. Not only is the surface layer still solid hardwood, but most manufacturers feel confident enough in its overall durability to offer warranties ranging from 30 years and up!

You Can’t Refinish Engineered Hardwood

The majority of engineered hardwood floors can actually be refinished multiple times. Keep in mind that the number of times it can be refinished depends on the thickness of the veneer; this is important because if you sand too much, you could wear away the flooring’s whole layer of hardwood.

Installation Is More Efficient

Since engineered hardwood comes prefinished and features an interlocking design, installation is a breeze. The hours once spent fitting, sanding, and staining will become a nuisance of the past.

Engineered Hardwood Is More Economical Than Solid Hardwood

Because the planks are only partially made of hardwood, every piece of engineered hardwood is much more affordable than its solid hardwood brethren. This means that you can pick a more striking and opulent wood species for cheaper whereas if you opted for solid wood, you might have to settle for a species you find less appealing. This not only saves you money but opens up options as well!

Engineered Hardwood Also Has More Uses

Though you cannot install a solid hardwood flooring below grade, you will be able to for engineered hardwood. This means that you can install engineered hardwood in places you wouldn’t normally be able to see that wood. Such places may include basements, kitchens, and it can usefully be installed on a concrete subfloor as well. If all of these facts and disproven myths have piqued your interest, contact The Floor Shop today and we can further inform you on the breakthrough that is engineered hardwood.

Engineered hardwood is more stable than solid hardwood because of the cross lamination factor; engineered hardwood is a great alternative to solid hardwood when one is expecting larger swings in relative humidity. Remember, when it comes to solid hardwood, the wider the width, the more it can expand and contract from winter to summer.