Thinking of changing flooring in your home? We know durability may be high up on your wishlist.

That’s because nobody wants to invest in flooring only to find it worn, scratched, and damaged within a few years.

Yet durability means different things to different people. Durability in flooring is about more than just withstanding everyday wear and tear. It’s about resilience—the ability to maintain its integrity and aesthetic appeal even under heavy foot traffic, spills, and other common household mishaps.

With this in mind, many homeowners start to narrow their definitions of durability to include certain characteristics:

• Scratch Resistant: We get it, those scratches can quickly become annoying in a busy household. Everyday activities can leave behind scratches on flooring surfaces, especially in high-traffic areas. Durable flooring options are designed to have scratch-resistant finishes that help maintain their appearance over time.
• Resistance to Moisture: Moisture is the enemy of many types of flooring, causing warping, swelling, and mold growth. Durable flooring materials are engineered to resist moisture penetration, making them suitable for areas prone to spills or humidity fluctuations.
• Stain Resistance: What good is new flooring if the first dinner party mars the beauty of the floors? Accidental spills are inevitable in any household, but durable flooring materials are often treated to repel stains, making them easier to clean and maintain.
• Longevity: Ultimately, we find many homeowners consider durability to be another word for longevity. Durability isn’t just about how a floor looks and performs when it’s new—it’s also about how well it holds up over time. Durable flooring options are built to last, standing the test of time even in busy households.

Do you see yourself in any of these descriptions? Then maybe it’s time to give engineered hardwood a second look.

What Makes Engineered Hardwood Popular With Homeowners

What do you think of when you hear the term engineered hardwood? Do you scratch your head, wondering if it’s a good choice for you?

Engineered hardwood flooring has surged in popularity among homeowners in recent years, and for good reason. This innovative flooring option offers a perfect blend of beauty, durability, and practicality that appeals to a wide range of homeowners. When we first start talking to homeowners about it, we like to point out several of its top characteristics:

• Durability: This is what draws many homeowners in. Engineered hardwood is designed to withstand the rigors of daily life. Its layered construction, with a hardwood veneer on top and layers of high-density fiberboard or plywood underneath, provides stability and resistance to moisture, warping, and temperature fluctuations.
• Variety of Styles and Finishes: Engineered hardwood flooring comes in a vast array of styles, species, colors, and finishes. We know this is what you care about most – why install something that doesn’t look beautiful? You won’t be sorry with engineered hardwood, as it’s the perfect option to complement your decor and personal taste. Whether you prefer the timeless elegance of oak, the warmth of cherry, or the modern look of maple, there’s an engineered hardwood flooring option to suit every style and aesthetic preference.
• Easy Installation: Unlike traditional solid hardwood flooring, which often requires professional installation and can be time-consuming and expensive, engineered hardwood is typically designed for easy installation. Many engineered hardwood products feature click-and-lock or tongue-and-groove systems that allow for simple, hassle-free installation, making it a popular choice for DIY enthusiasts and homeowners looking to save on installation costs.
• Versatility: Engineered hardwood flooring is versatile and can be installed in virtually any room in the house, including basements and areas with fluctuating humidity levels. Its stable construction makes it less prone to expansion and contraction than solid hardwood, allowing for greater flexibility in installation and placement.
• Low Maintenance: Who wants a beautiful floor if you have to work at keeping it beautiful every day of the year? Engineered hardwood flooring is relatively low maintenance, requiring only regular sweeping or vacuuming and occasional mopping to keep it looking its best. Its durable finish helps protect against scratches, stains, and fading, reducing the need for refinishing or repairs compared to solid hardwood flooring.
• Value: While engineered hardwood flooring may have a higher upfront cost than some other flooring options, its durability, longevity, and timeless appeal make it a valuable investment that can enhance the value of your home. Homebuyers often view hardwood flooring as a desirable feature, making engineered hardwood an attractive selling point for potential buyers.

The Additional Plus – Engineered Hardwood Is Environmentally Friendly

Need even more reasons to give engineered hardwood flooring another look? For many, it’s because it’s also environmentally friendly.

Let’s talk about it being sustainably sourced. Many manufacturers of engineered hardwood flooring prioritize sustainable sourcing practices by obtaining wood from responsibly managed forests or utilizing reclaimed wood from old buildings, pallets, and other sources. This helps to minimize the environmental impact of deforestation and promotes the conservation of forests for future generations.

Comparing it to solid hardwood? Engineered gives you the benefits of solid hardwood and something more. Engineered hardwood is engineered to maximize the use of valuable hardwood resources. By combining a thin layer of hardwood veneer with layers of other materials, such as plywood or fiberboard, manufacturers can produce a durable and attractive flooring option using less hardwood than traditional solid hardwood flooring.

Maybe you care about the healthy side of things. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that can off-gas from certain building materials, including flooring products. Many engineered hardwood flooring products are manufactured using adhesives and finishes that emit low levels of VOCs, helping to maintain better indoor air quality and creating a healthier living environment for occupants.

Or maybe it really is all about durability. Engineered hardwood flooring is designed to last for many years, often outlasting other flooring options such as carpet or laminate. Its durable construction and high-quality finishes help to minimize the need for replacement, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills over time.

Engineered Hardwood – Is It Durable Enough For You?

So there you have it – reasons why engineered hardwood is one of the most durable products on the market. Is it tempting you? Can you see it in your remodel?

If you’d like to get up close and personal with all that engineered hardwood has to offer, why not stop by or give us a call today. We can show you our complete line, and help you find the right choice to suit your needs.

No matter what you choose, we’re sure you’ll fall in love with it.