If you’re in the market for new flooring, then engineered wood floors are a great option. They give the feel of solid hardwood without the high cost and maintenance that comes with traditional wood floors. Engineered wood comprises three layers: an inner core layer to provide stability, a middle layer to add strength and an outer surface for beauty.
This blog post will take you through everything you need to know about engineered wood floors so you can make an informed decision when it comes time to choose your new flooring.
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Why Engineered Flooring?
Engineered flooring has advanced look and performance since their introduction in the 1960s and now account for 30% of all wood flooring sold in the United States. These high-tech boards also appear exactly fine in an antique house, whether it’s a 1910 foursquare or a 1970s raised ranch, thanks to new surface effects like hand-scraped for a timeworn patina and new surface effects like hand-scraped for a worn patina.
Many boards have a factory polish that will outlive a solid-wood finish done in your house, so they’ll be prepared for use the day you set them down. Engineered boards also alleviate problems by allowing you to utilize them in places where solid strips can’t, such as basements or directly over concrete slabs. Even better, homeowners on a budget may lay the boards themselves, saving money on professional installation and achieving fantastic results in a week.
Where to Install It
In Basements
The moisture that collects here causes severe damage to solid wood flooring. The natural propensity of wood to expand and contract in humid environments is minimised since the veneer layers used in engineered boards crisscross like plywood. The boards’ smaller profile also assists in tight spaces where headroom is limited. Laminate flooring underlay provides cushioning, sound absorption, and moisture barrier, enhancing durability and comfort for your flooring installation.
During Remodels
With various depth choices starting at 14 inches, you can create smooth transitions among different types of flooring at entrances and stairways that would be difficult or impossible with typical 34-inch solid flooring. Engineered flooring can be installed over every flat, firm surface, such as ceramic tile, sheet vinyl, or existing wood floors. Also, you can prefer the Wood Flooring Underlay that makes your floor more attractive and shining.
Over Radiant Heat
Slimmer engineered boards conduct heat more effectively and are more stable than thick solid wood. Floating flooring is the greatest option because there are no staples or nails to puncture cables or hot-water tubing. Verify with the radiating system’s supplier before adding a foam underlayment, which might obstruct heat flow.
Four Ways to DIY
- Glue it down
Once the floor is completely stripped down, you can begin installing your new engineered wood floors. The first step is to take a look at what kind of subflooring you have and determine if it’s adequate or not for this type of installation. If there are any significant gaps between boards, then laying them over the top would be the best option; otherwise, you will need to fill those gaps with wood putty and sand them down.
- Glue it together
Glue is used to attach the veneers to a plywood engineered wood floor. This makes for a more stable and more potent product – even though it might seem like these floors would be flimsy because of their thin appearance, they are pretty strong.
- Click and lock
There are three different types of engineered wood floors: click and close, glue down, and floating. The most common type is the “click” variety which features a tongue-and-groove system that allows for easy installation without needing to nail or staple it in place.
- Fasten it down
There are two main types of flooring installation: floating or glue-down. Floating floors can be installed on the existing subfloor, while glued-down floors require you to remove your old floor first (if this is not already concrete). For engineered wood, we recommend a fastening system that uses special metal floor clips instead of the standard nails or staples.
We recommend a fastener system that interlocks and uses multiple pieces for each row (see image above). At the same time, glued-down installations require you to use just one piece of metal for every board to secure it into place.
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Why You Must Choose Engineered Flooring
Easy Installation: Engineered Wood Flooring is very easy to install; it can be installed in a day or less, depending on the size of your home. It doesn’t require any adhesive and does not require heavy equipment for installation. All you need are interlocking planks that click together with a tongue-in-groove design, allowing space between each plank that allows air circulation under floorboards, preventing moisture from getting trapped below floors, and preventing mold growth underneath engineered wood floors.
Cost- Effective: Engineered wood floors are more affordable than their hardwood counterparts. They have a lower initial cost, and they need less maintenance, so they become even more inexpensive over time
Various Patterns: Engineered wood floors come in a variety of patterns including, hand scraped, herringbone, and plank. Each design has unique benefits to offer your home’s flooring solution. Whether you are looking for something traditional or modern, there is sure to be an engineered wooden floor that fits the bill.
Long Lifespan: Engineered wood floors last much longer than traditional hardwood flooring. The average life expectancy for engineered wood is up to sixty years, which is three times as long as the lifespan of a solid wood floor.
Easy Maintenance: Engineered wood floors are simple to maintain. While they will still require some of the things you would need to do for a hardwood floor, no waxing or polishing is required with an engineered floor.
Wide Choice: Engineered hardwood floors come in a wide variety of species. There are hundreds to choose from that give you the freedom and flexibility to create an environment with your style and taste.
The Bottom Line
Engineered wood floors are an excellent choice for homeowners who want to upgrade their homes without much work. This flooring option looks like the real thing, but it’s typically more affordable than other options because of its use of lower-quality materials. Engineered wood floors are also durable, easy to care for, and quick and efficient installation.