Pros And Cons Of Engineered Wood Flooring

Pros And Cons Of Engineered Wood Flooring
8 min read
14 April 2023

Engineered wood flooring could be an excellent choice if you're thinking about replacing the flooring and want something stylish, environmentally friendly, and low maintenance. 

This sort of flooring may improve the visual appeal of your house with the ideal balance of strength and elegance thanks to its distinctive combination of real wood and synthetic elements.

We'll look at some of the special qualities of engineered wood flooring in today's article, as well as why homeowners should choose them.

Engineered wood: what is it?

A Hard Wood Floor that has two or more layers of wood glued together to create a plank is known as an Engineered Wood Floor. A thin layer (lamella) of a more costly wood adhered to a core composed of less expensive wood to create engineered wood flooring. Each layer of engineered wood is laid down at a 90° angle to the one above to increase stability. It is a versatile product that can be laid over any sort of subfloor, whether it is above, below, or on grade, because of its robustness. In North America as well as Europe, engineered wood flooring is becoming more and more popular.

Which kind of wood is most prevalent?

Oak, maple, cheerful, and walnut are the four most popular wood species utilized to make engineered wood flooring. Additionally, certain exotic wood species are utilized to produce distinctive grain patterns and vivid hues.

How Can Engineered Wood Flooring Be Installed?

You may choose one of the three installation techniques listed below, depending on the kind of flooring you want and the underlayment you already have:

  • Glue-down
  • Nail-down Floating

If your subfloor is made of wood or plywood, you may utilize the stable or nail-down approach. The flooring is nailed directly to the subfloor using a specific nail gun. Using an appropriate and powerful adhesive, you may glue-down install the flooring by attaching it directly to the subfloor.

If you bought flooring planks, you may interlock them over a cushioned underlayment to put them together.

The subfloor must be ready before installation, regardless of the technique you choose. The subfloor should be cleaned, dried, free of obstructions, and leveled to guarantee proper installation. The installation will be difficult if the subfloor has flaws or wetness. Similarly to this, it's crucial to get the flooring used to the humidity and temperature of the space.

Can you walk on an engineered wood floor?

Engineered wood floors are very durable because of improved production techniques and the usage of premium wood species. They are ideal for houses with kids and dogs since they can readily endure high-foot activity. They are less likely than hardwood floors to warp, expand, or shrink as a result of variations in humidity or temperature. When maintained regularly with routine sweeping or damp mopping, engineered wood floors may endure for decades.

Is engineered wood flooring preferable to solid wood?

Normal solid hardwood floors have a classic and timeless appearance, but they are prone to damage and need frequent upkeep to keep looking good. Engineered wood floors, in comparison, provide the same aesthetic value and appeal but with superior longevity and simplicity of care.

Design and Fashion

There are several types and finishes available for engineered wood flooring. You may now discover a wide range of designs, from classic and timeless to fashionable and sleek, thanks to current processes. Homeowners can pick the ideal fit to go with their taste and décor thanks to the many wood species, finishes, and textures.

Modern homeowners like rustic textures, broad boards, and lighter finishes. White and gray finishes are also becoming more fashionable in certain areas. Therefore, it's crucial to choose a design and trend that complements the décor of your house and fits within your preferred spending limit.

Cost of Engineered Wood Flooring

Hardwood floors made of engineered wood are less costly than those made of solid wood. Nevertheless, it provides a premium appearance and feels. They are reportedly 30% less expensive than solid wood flooring.

Engineered wood floors provide even greater savings than traditional flooring options like carpet or tile. Despite the somewhat higher initial cost of engineered wood flooring, there are significant long-term benefits.

For instance, you may need to replace the carpet every five to ten years, whereas engineered wood floors can last at least twenty years with the right care and upkeep.

The kind of wood used for the veneer and the thickness of the surface has a significant impact on the price of engineered wood floors. Hardwood floorings like oak and maple will cost more than softwood floorings like pine and birch.

Similar to thicker veneers, more money will be spent on flooring. In any case, it's crucial to remember that better-grade engineered wood floors are more robust and long lasting, making them an excellent long-term investment.

The kind of flooring that is laid has an impact on price as well. If you are skilled at doing things yourself, you may install the flooring to save money. However, it would be helpful to have the right equipment and some cutting or adhesives knowledge. Although hiring a professional installer may be more expensive up front, doing so can help you prevent blunders.

Environmental Effects of Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered wood floors can be the finest option if you're an environmental enthusiast looking for sustainable and eco-friendly flooring.

Sustainable wood sources are used to create engineered wood flooring. To preserve the woods for future generations, many businesses utilize wood from well-managed forests. Engineered wood floors employ veneer instead of conventional hardwood, which saves resources.

Engineered wood flooring: Pros and Cons

Advantages of engineered wood flooring

  • Engineered wood flooring is more stable than solid hardwood because of its layered design, which reduces the natural expansion and contraction brought on by variations in humidity and temperature.
  • Engineered wood is versatile and can be laid over a variety of subfloors, including concrete, making it appropriate for a variety of locations and circumstances.
  • Less susceptible to moisture: When compared to genuine hardwood, engineered wood is less susceptible to warping and damage from moisture.
  • Environmentally friendly: Engineered wood utilizes less of the pricey, slowly growing hardwoods, which may aid in the preservation of natural resources.
  • Installation is simpler and quicker with engineered wood flooring than with solid hardwood since it often has a click-lock system or a tongue-and-groove pattern.
  • Engineered wood is often better suited to underfloor heating systems than solid hardwood in terms of compatibility.

The drawbacks of engineered wood flooring

  • Limited refinishing: The engineered wood floor can only be sanded and refinished a certain number of times due to the thin top layer (lamella). The longevity of solid hardwood may be increased by more frequent refinishing.
  • Durability:Engineered wood has the potential to be robust, but it may not last as long as premium solid hardwood, particularly if it has a lot of foot activity or needs to be refinished often.
  • Less realistic appearance:Although higher-quality choices may convincingly imitate real wood, certain engineered wood materials may not have the same depth and warmth of appearance as solid hardwood.
  • Cost:Depending on the quality and components used, engineered wood may be more costly than certain varieties of solid hardwood.

Conclusion

Therefore, engineered wood floors are a long-lasting flooring solution that, like hardwood floors, gives a high-end appearance and feel. They don't need as much upkeep as tile, vinyl, or carpets while having greater initial expenses.

In any case, it is essential to balance your priorities and financial constraints with the benefits and drawbacks of flooring. Although engineered wood flooring may not be the most affordable choice, it has several advantages, so you should give it a try. 

Read our article: "Flooring Material Selection Guide" to learn about other types of flooring.

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