Ask a dozen people why they love hardwood and you’ll likely get a dozen answers. Every homeowner has goals and desires, and hardwood fits in with many of them.
That’s why the concept of engineered hardwood flooring throws homeowners a bit.
They often think of themselves as traditionalists. Plank solid hardwood or nothing.
Yet engineered hardwood flooring has a place in the industry because of what it brings to the market. And it might just last longer than you think.
Why Engineered Hardwood Flooring Was Created
Imagine the world with only one kind of flooring. Kind of boring, right? Yet flooring had to start somewhere. Hardwood was easy as it was crafted from a natural resource. Carpet followed as artists weaved fibers into beautiful rugs.
Every flooring arose because of a need. And as people worked to solve one issue, a new type of flooring was created.
Engineered hardwood flooring was created to address some of the limitations of solid hardwood flooring while still offering many of its benefits. Engineered hardwood flooring provides:
Moisture Resistance: Solid hardwood is prone to warping, cupping, and swelling when exposed to moisture, making it unsuitable for areas like basements, bathrooms, and kitchens. Engineered hardwood is designed to be more resistant to moisture, thanks to its construction of multiple layers of wood bonded together with adhesives, which helps to reduce the risk of damage from moisture.
Dimensional Stability: Changes in temperature and humidity can cause solid hardwood to expand and contract, leading to gaps between planks or warping. Engineered hardwood, with its layered construction, is more dimensionally stable and less susceptible to these issues.
Versatility in Installation: Solid hardwood is difficult to install at best. Engineered hardwood can be installed in various ways, including glue-down, nail-down, or floating installations. This versatility allows it to be used in a wide range of applications and over different types of subfloors, including concrete.
Cost-Effectiveness: Engineered hardwood often tends to be more cost-effective than solid hardwood. The construction process allows for the use of less expensive wood species for the base layers while still providing a top layer of real hardwood, offering the aesthetic appeal of hardwood at a lower price point.
Environmental Considerations: Engineered hardwood typically uses less solid wood than solid hardwood flooring, making it a more environmentally friendly option. Additionally, it can be made from fast-growing and renewable wood species for its core layers, reducing the environmental impact.
How Engineered Hardwood Flooring Is Made
Solid plank hardwood is solid, meaning the entire plank is cut from a section of the tree. From top to bottom, it’s one solid piece of wood. Engineered hardwood is made through a process that involves layering different materials to create a stable and durable product.
Top Layer (Wear Layer): The top layer is made of real hardwood veneer. This layer provides the aesthetic appeal and can vary in thickness depending on the quality of the product. Thicker wear layers can be sanded and refinished multiple times, similar to solid hardwood.
Core Layers: Beneath the top layer are several core layers, typically made of plywood, high-density fiberboard (HDF), or a combination of both. These core layers are arranged in a crisscross or perpendicular orientation to each other for added stability and strength.
Adhesive: The core layers are bonded together using high-quality adhesive, usually a strong and water-resistant type. This adhesive holds the layers together and contributes to the overall stability and moisture resistance of the engineered hardwood.
Pressing and Heating: Once the layers are assembled, they are subjected to heat and pressure in a manufacturing process known as “hot pressing.” This process helps to ensure proper bonding between the layers and creates a solid, stable composite material.
Finishing: After the pressing process, the engineered hardwood may undergo additional finishing treatments. This can include sanding the top layer to achieve a smooth surface, applying stains or finishes for color and protection, and adding texture or distressing for aesthetic purposes.
Cutting and Sizing: The engineered hardwood panels are then cut into planks of various sizes and dimensions, depending on the manufacturer’s specifications and customer preferences.
Longevity of Engineered Hardwood Flooring
How long can engineered hardwood flooring last? How many years would you like your flooring in place? Even the phrase “a lifetime” can mean significantly different things.
Overall, engineered hardwood is crafted to last. Manufacturers will tell you it can remain in your home for 20 to 100 years or more, depending on how it’s maintained. And that really is the key to longevity. How long they last is up to you. A busy, reckless household may need to replace them sooner than a single homeowner who is careful with everything she does.
Longevity depends on things like:
Quality of Materials: What you buy matters. Engineered hardwood flooring with a high-quality wear layer and sturdy core layers tends to be more durable and long-lasting. Thicker wear layers can withstand more sanding and refinishing over time, which can extend the lifespan of the flooring.
Installation: Yes, you can do it yourself. But if you aren’t sure what you’re doing and want as long of a life as possible, you might want to leave it to the professionals. Proper installation is crucial for longevity; it should be installed following manufacturer guidelines and using the recommended installation method for the specific product. Improper installation can lead to issues such as gaps between planks, buckling, or uneven wear.
Maintenance: Regular maintenance, including sweeping, vacuuming, and occasional mopping, helps to keep engineered hardwood flooring looking its best and can extend its lifespan. Avoiding excessive moisture and using furniture pads to prevent scratches can also help preserve the flooring.
Level of Foot Traffic: High heels and work boots can take a toll. Areas with high foot traffic, such as entryways, hallways, and living rooms, may experience more wear and tear on the flooring compared to less-trafficked areas. (Or if you throw lots of parties.) Choosing a durable engineered hardwood product and using rugs or mats in high-traffic areas can help mitigate this.
Environmental Factors: Some things you’ll have to control a bit with blinds and curtains. Exposure to sunlight, humidity, and temperature fluctuations can impact quality. Using window coverings to protect against UV rays, maintaining consistent indoor humidity levels, and avoiding extreme temperature changes can help preserve the flooring over time.
Is Engineered Hardwood Flooring Right For You?
Imagine stepping into your home each day, greeted by the timeless beauty and warmth of engineered hardwood flooring. With its durability, versatility, and easy maintenance, it’s more than a flooring choice; it’s an investment in the comfort and elegance of your living space.
Whether you’re hosting gatherings with loved ones, unwinding after a long day, or simply enjoying the quiet moments, engineered hardwood flooring sets the stage for a lifetime of cherished memories. So, why wait? Elevate your home with the enduring allure of engineered hardwood flooring and create a space that inspires and delights every day.
Stop by today and see our entire selection. You’ll love the look.