Engineered Flooring Is Perfect For Mile-High Homes

Want to make a big improvement in the overall appearance of a room? Get new flooring. You’ll notice the room comes alive with new style and aesthetics.

When you start your remodeling project, settling on the right flooring material may seem tricky. After all, there are so many materials to choose from. How do you know you’ll make the right choice?

We suggest you give engineered flooring a second look. It’s one of the top flooring choices in homes all across the Front Range.

Mile-high homes look great with a mile-high look. That means getting back to nature, following the mountain living trends, and selecting something that does well all throughout the year, winter, spring, summer, and fall.

Look no further than engineered flooring. Here’s why.

How Do I Know I Need New Flooring?

If you’re reading this, chances are you know you need new floors. You know it’s time, but you’re a bit worried about making the right choice. Should you live with what you have, or discover something new?

Let’s get your head and your heart in alignment. Several telltale signs say it’s time for new flooring.

First, take a look at your current floors. Are they showing signs of wear and tear like scratches, dents, or warping? Are there areas where the finish has faded or peeled away? If so, it might be time to start thinking about an upgrade.

Do you have pets that leave their mark on your floors? Do you frequently entertain guests, leading to spills and accidents? High-traffic areas can take a beating over time, and choosing flooring that can stand up to the challenge is essential.

Has your style evolved over the years, leaving your current flooring feeling outdated? New flooring can breathe fresh life into your space, enhancing its overall appeal.

Convinced it’s time for new flooring? Engineered hardwood may be just what you’re looking for.

What Is Engineered Wood Flooring?

Engineered wood is a versatile and innovative flooring solution that combines the beauty of natural wood with added durability and stability. It’s made up of multiple layers of wood, each serving a specific purpose.

The top layer, known as the veneer, is made of natural hardwood, providing that authentic wood look and feel. This layer is what gives engineered wood its stunning appearance. Below the veneer are layers of high-density fiberboard (HDF) or plywood. These layers are bonded together under high heat and pressure, creating a solid and stable plank.

Think of engineered flooring as the best of both worlds. You get the look and feel of hardwood with benefits you can really use on a new floor.

How Does Engineered Wood Compare to Solid Wood Flooring?

Engineered Flooring Is Perfect For Mile-High HomesOne of the first questions homeowners often ask is how engineered wood compares to solid wood flooring. Let’s break down the key differences:

Stability – Engineered wood is more dimensionally stable than solid wood. It’s less prone to expansion and contraction due to changes in temperature and humidity, making it an ideal choice for mile-high homes where temperature fluctuations are typical.

Installation – Engineered wood is easier to install than solid wood. It can be installed as a floating floor, which means it’s not directly attached to the subfloor. This installation method is quicker and often more DIY-friendly.

Durability – While both engineered and solid wood floors can last for decades with proper care, engineered wood tends to be more durable due to its construction. It’s less susceptible to warping and cupping, making it a great choice for areas where moisture is more of a problem.

Cost – Engineered wood is often more budget-friendly than solid wood. You get the look and feel of natural wood at a lower price point, making it an attractive option for homeowners.

Why Engineered Wood Floors Are Easier to Install Than Solid Wood

If you’re not a professional installer, the thought of tackling a flooring project can be daunting. However, engineered wood offers some distinct advantages that make it a DIY-friendly option.

You’ll find engineered hardwood can be installed in many ways. Glue them into place. Nail them down. Or select engineered wood planks that click and lock together. This eliminates the need for specialized tools and adhesives, simplifying the process.

Engineered wood can be installed over a variety of subfloors, including concrete, which is often found in basements or lower levels of homes. This versatility means you can enjoy the beauty of wood flooring throughout your house, even in areas where solid wood may not be a suitable option.

While you can use engineered wood as a DIY choice, you can ensure the process is done right the first time with professional installation. The choice is yours.

Why Engineered Wood Is Stylish and Aesthetically Pleasing

Style matters when it comes to your home. Engineered wood flooring doesn’t just offer practical benefits; it’s also a design powerhouse.

The top layer of natural hardwood veneer provides the timeless beauty and warmth of solid wood. Whether you prefer the classic charm of oak, the rich hues of walnut, or the exotic allure of teak, there’s an engineered wood option to suit your taste.

Engineered wood also offers a range of finishes, from smooth and polished to hand-scraped and distressed. This variety allows you to create the perfect ambiance for your space, whether it’s a rustic cabin retreat or a modern urban loft.

Things to Consider as You’re Shopping for Engineered Flooring

As you look for the perfect engineered wood flooring for your mile-high home, here are some essential factors to keep in mind:

Go with a High-Quality Manufacturer for Better Durability – Invest in flooring from reputable manufacturers known for their quality and craftsmanship. Quality materials and construction ensure your floors will stand the test of time.

A Thicker Veneer Still Allows You to Refinish It – While engineered wood may not be as thick as solid wood, it can still be refinished multiple times if the top veneer is thick enough. This extends the lifespan of your flooring and allows you to refresh its look over the years.

Some Are Water-Resistant, or Even Waterproof – If you have areas prone to moisture, like bathrooms or kitchens, opt for engineered wood flooring with water-resistant or waterproof properties to prevent damage and warping.

Trust a Reputable Flooring Retail Center for High-Quality Products – Choose a reputable flooring retail center when shopping for engineered wood flooring. They can provide expert guidance, offer a wide range of options, and ensure you get genuine, high-quality products.

Don’t Choose Quickly, Bring Home Samples and Ensure You’re Making a Wise Decision – Take your time in making your decision. Most flooring retailers offer samples that you can take home to see how they look and feel in your space. This hands-on approach ensures you’re making a choice you’ll love for years to come.

Engineered Flooring Can Be Eco-Friendly – If sustainability is a priority, look for engineered wood flooring made from responsibly sourced materials. Some manufacturers prioritize eco-friendly production processes and materials, making it an environmentally conscious choice.

Are you ready to install engineered hardwood flooring?

When finding the perfect flooring for your mile-high home, engineered wood flooring checks all the boxes.

Its durability, easy installation, and stunning aesthetics make it an excellent choice for homeowners looking for solid hardwood floors. Just remember to consider your specific needs, choose a reputable retailer, and take your time in making your selection.

With the right engineered wood flooring, you can transform your home into a stylish and functional oasis in the sky.

How can we help you find the flooring of your dreams?

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Is Engineered Flooring Good For The Environment?

Are you remodeling or renovating your home? Hardwood flooring is often a logical choice for the main living spaces. Homeowners all across the Front Range love the classic looks hardwood offers.

Yet classic hardwood doesn’t make sense for every homeowner. That’s why manufacturers have created many different options: engineered hardwood, laminate, luxury vinyl planks.

You know solid hardwood doesn’t make sense with your lifestyle. You’re leaning towards engineered hardwood. But something else is weighing on your mind.

Is engineered flooring good for the environment? Is engineered hardwood sustainable?

Many people question the sustainable practices of using hardwood flooring. It can be detrimental to the environment, chopping down trees that took decades to grow. Is engineered hardwood a better solution?

What is engineered hardwood? 

Is Engineered Flooring Good For The Environment?

Engineered wood floor installation with subfloor membrane in condo. Maple hardwood flooring planks closeup showing composite plywood layers. Remodeling home improvement concept.

While solid hardwood flooring is constructed from a solid piece of wood, engineered hardwood is constructed in layers. It uses a relatively thin layer of wood veneer bonded over a premium quality plywood layer. It gives it classic good looks as well as durability.

The best engineered hardwood floors are created from up to nine layers of plywood core for flexibility and stability. While it may not last as long as traditional hardwood planks, a good quality product will give you up to 30 years of life, and be able to be refinished several times before it needs replacing.

Because it’s easier to handle, it’s also more do-it-yourself-friendly – if you’re looking for a DIY project, engineered hardwood may be the better choice. With a lower cost than traditional hardwood, it’s often the better choice.

What makes engineered hardwood more natural than solid hardwood?

Engineered hardwood planks are still made from wood. Instead of a solid core, it’s created in multiple layers.

While solid hardwood is created from freshly harvested trees, engineered hardwood planks are created in more ingenious ways. They are still natural wood flooring, created from the environment with all-natural products. The veneer consists of real hardwood. The core is produced from plywood or fiberboard, all of which are natural wood products.

Yet because they aren’t solid hardwood, they can be created in many ways. Often, plywood and fiberboard are created from recycled or leftover wood byproducts, eliminating waste in the manufacturing process and creating a more sustainable product.

Does engineered hardwood use fewer trees? Yes! Solid hardwood planks must be cut from the heart of the tree, which can create leftover materials. Engineered wood only has a thin veneer that sits on top of plywood or fiberboard. This means less traditional wood is used in each plank production, and ultimately requires fewer trees to be cut down for the same level of production.

What does sustainable harvesting mean?

Without healthy forests, our entire way of living may be at risk. More evidence is pointing to needing forests for proper global diversity.

Many manufacturers realize this, and have set up sustainable businesses to put these ideas into practice.

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an organization dedicated to achieving better practices with the use of our forests. This ensures they are properly managed for ecosystems and habitats, as well as giving the world the products and resources it needs and desires.

By checking for the FSC label, you’ll ensure the engineered hardwood you purchase is FSC-certified. That means it’s sourced from forests that are managed responsibly, while helping to protect wildlife habitats and ensuring zero deforestation.

When a manufacturer uses this label, it means they are part of the bigger picture of creating sustainable, eco-friendly measures. Because engineered hardwood doesn’t require the same core hardwood product as traditional hardwood planks, it ensures companies can use more of the materials they harvest, which means less wood to cut down. This can preserve older growth forests, and encourage healthy forest regeneration.

What about indoor air quality?

With all we’ve been through the past few years, many homeowners are paying attention to the products and materials they bring indoors, ensuring they won’t create an unhealthy environment.

Wood is a carbon-neutral product, which means it has low environmental impact throughout the life of the product. Of course, you have to consider all of your options carefully. Look closely at the manufacturer – do they work hard at sustainable business practices? It also requires you to look closely at the dealer you do business with – do they use sustainable methods when installing and replacing the flooring?

Wood floors are one of the most popular options because they are also one of the most hypoallergenic. They are created from sustainable, low-VOC materials. And because they are easy to clean and maintain, they won’t attract dust and debris like other materials. A simple swipe of the broom each day will keep the dust bunnies away.

Pay attention to the entire production process. If engineered hardwood flooring products state they are low or no VOCs, it means they won’t release harmful toxins into the air before, during, or after production. Ask about installation, and choose a chemical-free installation method that won’t introduce other toxic chemicals into your air supply. Every little bit helps in creating a clean indoor environment.

Will they last?

One of the biggest benefits of solid hardwood is its longevity. Because you can sand them down and refinish them multiple times, it’s less waste overall. They can realistically last 50 to 100 years, depending on the quality of the product and the care it’s given over its lifetime.

While engineered may not offer that level of longevity, they can still be a welcome addition to your home for several decades with the proper care. That means if you invest in a higher quality product in the beginning, you can expect to keep them in your home for years, even if you choose to remodel or renovate other furnishings in the future.

Fewer replacements, less waste, lower costs – all of that may be just what you’re looking for. Add in environmentally friendly products too, and you may decide engineered hardwood flooring is the perfect choice for you.

Is engineered hardwood flooring right for you? We can help. Stop by today and see our complete selection of engineered hardwood flooring products. We’ll help you find the perfect look for your home.

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Understanding Engineered Flooring and Why It May Be Best For You

In the flooring industry, there are many misunderstood categories that confuse homeowners. They shy away from some flooring products simply because they don’t understand the name.

Engineered flooring falls into that category. Many picture ugly floors with a hollow sound, reminiscent of flooring used in homes long ago. Nothing could be further from the truth. You’ll find today’s engineered flooring mimics solid wood so well, even the experts have to take a second glance. It’s less prone to moisture damage, and is easier to maintain. If you’d rather spend time with your family than fussing over your floors, engineered wood may be the perfect choice to suit your needs.

What is engineered flooring?

Engineered wood flooring isn’t a solid plank, but instead consists of a wear layer and a stability core. It starts with a thin layer of wood on top, also known as wood veneer, and multiple layers of backing, which produces the core.

The thickness of the veneer and core depends on the product and manufacturer you select. Pay attention to the construction, as this will play the biggest role in longevity and how your flooring handles over time. Durable engineered flooring should have an overall thickness of ⅝ inch or greater, 3/16 inch veneer, with a core thickness of 9-ply or above. The core should be thicker than the veneer, giving it strength and durability. It should be constructed from the highest quality woods for the core, with each ply angled, so the grains run at a 90-degree angle to the previous level it is adhered to.

Understanding Engineered Flooring and Why It May Be Best For YouMost engineered flooring is mass-produced, which means it’s worth paying attention to the manufacturer you select to ensure the greatest care is given to the final product produced.

Because the surface of the veneer is applied in the factory, it can be one of the strongest wear layers on the market. They are often produced with five or more coats of tough polyurethane to ensure the veneer is well protected and can withstand anything a homeowner dishes out.

But is engineered wood flooring really better than hardwood?

Still skeptical? We get it. Many homeowners feel the same way when they first enter our store. Hardwood is a beloved flooring product, and the concept of engineered wood flooring has a lot of baggage attached.

Appearance – if you purchase a high quality product from a reputable company, you are very unlikely to be able to see the difference. In fact, few visitors will ever question its authenticity, with most people assuming engineered wood is traditional solid hardwood planks. It’s that good.

Durability – all you have to do is look at the warranty offered by engineered wood flooring products to know just how durable it is. Many of our top brands offer up to thirty years of protection, and stand behind their products in a variety of situations. They wouldn’t do that if they doubted their products.

Maintenance – if you’re already used to caring for traditional hardwood, you’ll love the fact that engineered wood is even easier. With it being less likely to warp and be damaged by moisture and spills, you can feel good about your decision to install it in places you may have been hesitant before. Worried about your hardwood in the kitchen? No more. While engineered wood still isn’t waterproof, the wear layer on most products means it will handle even better under pressure.

How is it different from laminate?

Great question. Engineered wood flooring has a wear layer veneer that sits on top and provides both strength and classic good looks once it’s installed. Laminate is constructed with a thin coating made to resemble hardwood. The rest is a high-density fiberboard that consists of a variety of wood fibers held together by resin. Engineered wood uses a genuine piece of hardwood as its wear layer. Laminate uses an image of hardwood topped off by a series of polyurethane coats.

While the aesthetics may be similar, the overall construction is different. And that results in a much higher quality product.

One of the biggest advantages of engineered wood over laminate is longevity. Engineered flooring can be restored by sanding it down and reapplying finishing coats to seal in the classic good looks. While you won’t be able to refinish the surface as many times as with solid hardwood, it still gives you several options. And with more manufacturers creating products in this industry, you’ll find countless colors, styles, and wood types to suit your needs.

Another reason many people turn to laminate over solid hardwood is the ease of installation. Laminate comes in a variety of installation methods, including click-and-lock technology, which makes it a snap for do-it-yourselfers looking for easy options. Engineered wood leans towards laminate as a do-it-yourselfers possibility. Because the planks are prefinished in production, you can find your product, bring it home, and install it the same day. Of course, if you don’t want to mess with the finishing work, and want to rely on a professional’s experience, we can help you with that as well.

Where can it be installed?

Engineered wood can be installed anywhere you’d lay hardwood into place … and more.

If you want to use radiant heating in your home, engineered flooring is the perfect choice. The thinner boards heat better than a thicker, more solid piece of hardwood. Use a floating floor to hover over the radiant heating tubing, and you won’t risk damaging the system located underneath.

If you’re worried about installing solid hardwood in your basement, consider engineered flooring instead. Because of engineered wood’s production, the boards are less likely to expand and contract as moisture levels change. Be aware that engineered wood is still wood, which means if your basement is prone to moisture and flooding, engineered flooring may not be the optimal choice. Take care of any spills, drips, or other moisture problems that put the boards at risk.

Is engineered flooring the right choice for you?

The best way to see your options is to stop by and take a look for yourself. You’ll find our complete line of engineered wood on display. Find a few samples, and take them home today.

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Choosing Hardwood? Should You Select Solid, Engineered, or Laminate?

Have you come to the conclusion you want hardwood throughout your home? It’s a popular choice here in Colorado.

But making the decision to install hardwood is only the first step in the process. You have choices. And today’s hardwood isn’t like what your parents had installed.

Before you move forward, take the time to discover the differences between solid, engineered, or laminate hardwood. Discover which is best for your unique situation. Install the right choice and you’ll be happy with your flooring for years.

https://pro-flooring.com/its-the-best-season-to-install-new-hardwood-flooring/

Solid Hardwood

Solid hardwood has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it? It’s solid. And that’s what attracts so many homeowners to it.

Solid hardwood floors are made from a solid piece of hardwood. The entire plank is cut from the tree, meaning the flooring used is natural to the core.Choosing Hardwood? Should You Select Solid, Engineered, or Laminate?

In most cases, hardwood flooring manufacturers create these planks to be three-quarters of an inch thick. To give it strength, it must be nailed down to a wood subfloor. That means if your home was built on a slab or concrete base, solid hardwood isn’t the choice for you.

The biggest benefit to solid hardwood flooring is it’s the real thing. If you want natural beauty, you’ll never go wrong with a hardwood floor. Because it’s solid, it’s easier to install and maintain for years to come. It’s one of the easiest flooring choices to sand and refinish. Plus, you can do it again and again, meaning with the right solid hardwood floor in place, it can last you for decades to come.

While it is easier to maintain and repair, hardwood is also softer than the two other types of hardwood. If you drop a heavy object on it, it can easily damage the floor. If you spill water on it and leave it for any length of time, it can swell and expand, causing warping and gapping. For this reason, you can’t use solid hardwood in moisture-prone places such as bathrooms or basements.

You’ll also find solid hardwood to have the largest price tag – it takes a lot to create solid hardwood planks.

Engineered Hardwood

Did the thought of solid hardwood flooring just take a step down from your desired flooring choice? Never fear, maybe engineered hardwood is for you.

Engineered hardwood is built in layers, with only the top layer containing real hardwood. The inner layers are built from plywood, fiberboard, and in some cases hardwood. The top layer is usually a hardwood veneer, but here’s where you create your style. This hardwood layer can be made from whatever hardwood material you desire – cherry, maple, oak.

Because engineered hardwood is made from several layers of materials, it has more flexibility in how it’s installed. If you have a slab subfloor or one made of concrete, engineered can be glued down.

But one of the best reasons homeowners turn to engineered wood is because it does better in moisture. If you’ve seen hardwood below-grade, in basements throughout the Front Range, chances are it’s engineered. That’s because it can stand up to dampness and perform quite well. It’s also a great addition to install over radiant heating – making it an even better choice in your finished basement.

https://pro-flooring.com/yes-you-can-have-wood-floors-in-your-bathroom/

You won’t have to worry about this buckling under pressure. And it costs less than solid hardwood, giving it an advantage in certain situations throughout your home.

Laminate Hardwood

Laminate flooring is one of the easiest to install. It comes in a tongue and groove system that makes it easy to click into place. Laminate contains a resin-based surface that is laminated to a wood-based core. It contains several layers of fiberboard and pressboard, installed over a protective backing. This isn’t a hardwood surface, instead, it’s created with a realistic photograph mimicking hardwood’s good looks. With today’s technology, it is very realistic.

Laminate is, in general, only one-third of an inch thick. It can easily be laid into place over other flooring options. That makes it a breeze for transitioning from one room to another if you aren’t using the same choices from room to room.

The biggest benefit is the cost. Installing laminate flooring can be as much as 50 percent less than solid hardwood. And for some homeowners, that is its biggest draw.

It’s also one of the hardest choices, being more durable and resistant to scratches because of its pressed wood materials.

However, laminate does not do well with moisture. This isn’t a product to install in your laundry room or bathroom. Any moisture can cause the layers to break apart, peel, and wear down.

Another issue with laminate is peaking. This is where two planks move together and create a raised surface area. Laminate is a popular DIY project. But if you install it incorrectly, if the glue isn’t put properly into place, or if there isn’t enough room between the flooring edges, peaking can occur.

So, what’s your choice?

With today’s technology, any of the three have their place in a modern home. It starts by asking some questions about your expectations, and making the decision based on your needs.

  • Where will I be installing my new floors?
  • Does one hardwood choice make sense over the other?
  • How durable do I expect my flooring to be?
  • How much maintenance am I willing to give it?
  • Am I planning on selling my home soon?
  • Do I plan to live in my home for decades to come?

With just a little planning, you can start to see one hardwood choice be better than another.

https://pro-flooring.com/the-easiest-ways-to-save-money-on-your-hardwood-flooring/

Still have questions? That’s what we’re here for.

Give us a call today. Better yet, stop by.

We can show you our complete line of hardwood, let you see and feel the difference between solid, engineered, and laminate hardwood, and help you make the right choice for your home.

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