is engineered wood flooring any good

What are the best engineering wood floors?

Popular Engineered Wood Flooring Styles

• White oak engineered wood floors
• European white oak engineered wood floors
• Blonde engineered wood floors
• Whitewashed engineered wood floors
• Honey and colored-copper engineered wood floors
• Gray wood engineered wood floors
• Greige engineered wood floors

What are the Best Engineered hardwood floors?

• Wear Layer: The wear layer is the thin top layer covering the engineered hardwood flooring, also called the veneer layer. ...
• The Core: The core refers to the layers of plywood bonded with the wear layer. ...
• Durability: As mentioned earlier, the thicker the wear layer, the longer the lifespan of the engineered flooring. ...

More items...

What are the pros and cons of engineered flooring?

Pros Lower Cost. Compared to solid wood flooring, everything related to engineered wood flooring costs less, from materials to labor. Note this is only true for the same wood species; for example ...

What are the best brands of engineered hardwood flooring?

#2 – Mannington

1. Mercier. Although not as well known as the other brands, this company almost exclusively sources its wood in North America, with its mills in Quebec, Canada, where they ...
2. Mohawk. As the world’s largest flooring company, it also gives you the widest variety to choose from – over 800 products in the engineered line alone, which can ...
3. Bruce. ...

What are the disadvantages of engineered wood?

10 Major Disadvantages of Installing Engineered Wood FlooringEngineered Hardwood Can Be Pricey. ... A Low-Quality Core. ... There's a Danger of Fading. ... You Need to Let the Wood Acclimate. ... Wooden Floors Require Specific Care. ... Engineered Hardwood Is Susceptible to Water Damage and Moisture.More items...•

Are engineered hardwood floors worth it?

Engineered hardwood has slightly better performance in humid locations since its plywood construction makes it more stable and less susceptible to warping. If installation against a concrete subfloor is necessary, engineered hardwood is the choice.

What are the pros and cons of engineered flooring?

Unlike imitation laminate or vinyl though engineered hardwood is the same in appearance and texture to traditional hardwood, but it will often be cheaper.Pro: Stylish. ... Pro: Greater Temperature Resistance. ... Pro: Adds Value To Your Home. ... Con: Maintenance. ... Con: Potentially Weak. ... Con: Fading. ... The Verdict.

What is wrong with engineered hardwood?

Engineered floors are often more sensitive to seasonal temperature and humidity changes, in part due to the mixture of wood components in its design. Warping, bending and gaps are much more likely to form in part due to the variety of construction materials as well as the interlocking system.

Do engineered wood floors look cheap?

Engineered wood floors are “fake” and “cheap” compared to solid wood floors. For some of the very inexpensive engineered floors, this might be true. But a quality engineered floor will look and feel exactly like a high-quality solid hardwood floor. Engineered wood won't cup or gap.

Does engineered wood scratch easily?

Scratch-resistant finishes Given that the actual surface of engineered wood flooring is the same as that of solid hardwood flooring, the two are both equally resistant to scratching. Instead, the main factor in their scratch-resistance is how they're treated.

How long do engineered wood floors last?

between 20 and 30 yearsEngineered hardwood typically lasts between 20 and 30 years. Because they do have a top layer of hardwood, like solid hardwood, they are susceptible to scratches. If scratch resistance is important to you, look for engineered hardwood floors with a scratch-resistant top coat.

Is laminate better than engineered wood?

For a floor covering that looks exactly like solid hardwood, but is easier to maintain, engineered flooring is your best choice. If you are looking to save money on your floor covering, laminate flooring is a better choice than engineered hardwood flooring, especially when coupled with self-installation.

Which is better engineered or solid hardwood flooring?

Engineered wood flooring is a better choice in high-moisture environments than solid hardwood, making it a better option for kitchens, bathrooms and basements. But, for whole-house installations, both flooring options offer a wide range of style choices.

Is engineered hardwood high maintenance?

Engineered hardwood flooring is designed to reduce the moisture problems associated with conventional hardwood. Its layers block moisture and provide added stability to your floor. Engineered flooring will not swell or warp, making it very low maintenance.

Should I put engineered hardwood in my kitchen?

Engineered hardwood is suitable for kitchen areas, plus it looks and feel great. Also, it'll appreciate your house if you decide to sale; hardwood or engineered hardwood flooring is a desired piece for home shoppers.

What wood flooring is best?

The best hardwood floors are made with wood species that are readily available and — you guessed it — very hard. Oak flooring, maple flooring and cherry flooring are all good choices. Other species include bamboo (which is actually a grass), walnut, ash and mahogany.

Can I use spray mops or wet mop engineered hardwood flooring?

This is an area where you’ll need to check with the manufacturer on specific product lines. In most cases, using a spray mop on water-resistant eng...

How many times can I refinish new engineered flooring?

It all depends on how thick it is. Budget-friendly boards typically can’t be refinished, and you may only be able to sand thick engineered hardwood...

Is a thicker wear layer always better?

If you have heavy traffic in your home, paying extra for a product with a thick wear layer can be well worth it. Too thick of wear layer can hide t...

What’s the best way to clean engineered hardwood flooring?

For pet hair and dirt, a broom will suffice or a dust mop for light-duty cleaning. Vacuums that work on solid hardwood or LVP are also suitable for...

Why is engineered hardwood flooring so popular?

Engineered wood flooring is designed to reduce the moisture problems associated with solid hardwood. Its layers block moisture and provide extra stability to your floor. It will also not swell or warp, which makes it very low maintenance.

Why is sawdust used in hardwood flooring?

This is because more surface area is produced to make the veneer.

Why are veneers so thin?

Veneers that are too thin will prevent sanding and refinishing opportunities that will double the lifetime of your floor. Also, too thin veneers that are poorly made can prematurely warp or fade the floor. Core layers must still be fashioned from high-quality wood.

Is engineered wood more expensive than hardwood?

Comparable to solid hardwood in terms of cost, engineered wood floors are still considerably more expensive than other flooring options like carpet, laminate, and tile. That said, the biggest concern to avoid is makeshift or secondary engineered products or manufacturers.

Is engineered wood flooring a good choice?

Engineered wood flooring has recently become a very popular choice. If you’re thinking about installing engineered hardwood in your home, there are several factors you should consider, from cost to durability. To help you decide, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the pros and cons of engineered hardwood flooring.

Why do we love engineered wood?

Look, we love engineered wood because it can go where solid hardwood can’t. Plus, it can make exotic woods more affordable. And, it can sometimes make do-it-yourself flooring projects easier.

How thick should engineered wood veneer be?

Because of what we just mentioned, you need to choose a thicker veneer if you want to refinish your engineered wood. Most veneers range from 1mm to 3mm thick. For refinishing sake, we recommend a veneer layer of at least 3mm, as this can be sanded and refinished 2 or more times.

What is click together flooring?

Click-together flooring is exactly what it sounds like—flooring boards pre-made to snap together in a jiff.

Can you refinish veneer?

And some types can’t be refinished at all . It all depends on the thickness of your veneer layer. A thicker veneer layer can be refinished multiple times. But, if there’s not enough wood in the veneer layer to allow for sanding, you can’t refinish it (because you’ll sand right down to the core layer).

Is engineered wood a disadvantage?

Yes, there are some disadvantages of engineered hardwood, even though still one of our favorite types of wood flooring. But in comparison to the enormous upside engineered wood offers, these disadvantages are minor. Just make sure you carefully consider your own specific circumstances before you buy.

Can engineered wood flooring scratch?

Even though engineered wood is durable (engineered products often make our list of the best wood flooring for dogs ), it will dent and scratch over time. That’s just life—especially if you have rowdy kids, naughty pets, or heavy furniture!

Is Brazilian Walnut engineered or engineered?

So if you’re considering an exotic wood species like Brazilian Walnut (one of the most durable wood flooring options around), think about getting an engineered product. Because they use less solid wood, engineered exotic woods often cost less than solid exotic woods.

How long does engineered wood last?

Higher-end, best quality engineered hardwood has a good 2-6 mm thick top veneer layer that can be sanded and refinished over time (similar to solid wood) and can last between 40-80 years; engineered hardwood with a thinner veneer cannot be refinished and generally will not last longer than 30 years.

How much does Harris wood flooring cost?

Retailing from around $2.90 per square foot, Harris Wood flooring is a good mid-range choice. Need Flooring Advice or a Free Quote?

Where is Somerset Hardwood Flooring located?

Somerset Hardwood Flooring is one of those rare things in the flooring industry these days: a privately owned, independent company, that still has its roots exactly where its story began – in the heart of Appalachian timberlands in Somerset, Kentucky.

What is the most common wood species?

The most common wood species across most of the collections is oak, but there are also other domestic hardwoods such as hickory, maple and walnuts; as well as some exotics such as acacia, tigerwood, cumaru and sapelli. The choices don’t stop at finishes and wood species, but also in sizes.

Is Anderson Tuftex engineered hardwood?

Today all engineered hardwood brands & manufacturers use this same method – but Anderson were the first , and are still very highly regarded as one of the best. Anderson Tuftex currently offers 32 designs of engineered hardwood flooring, with several of the options available in more than one color.

Who is Shaw flooring?

As you may already know, Shaw Floors are one of the industry giants, operating for over 40 years to bring quality flooring in a range of materials to the market. With so many years’ experience, it’s no surprise that they have also brought several technological advances to the market too, and are often ranked #1 in consumer and industry surveys.

Is Harris wood made in America?

Specializing uniquely in domestic engineered wood flooring that is all certified Made in America, you’ll find that the Harris Wood range is small but very nicely formed, with hickory and red oak heavily featured.

What to know before installing engineered wood floors?

Before having a floor installed, it makes sense to identify the type of adhesive used and determine if exposure will cause any type of health issues for family members. Talk with a contractor about the possibility of installing an engineered wood floor. Go over any concerns and look closely at the benefits. It won’t take long to decide ...

When renovating a home, does it mean taking a good look at the floor?

When the plan is to renovate the home, that means taking a good look at the floors. If the time has come to replace vinyl tiles, carpeting, and other types of floors, it makes sense to look into the pros and cons of engineered wood flooring.

Is engineered flooring easy to install?

The Ease of Installation: While there is more than one type of engineered flooring to consider, all of them are easy to install. In fact, some types can be installed by the homeowner, eliminating the need to have a professional do the job.

Is engineered wood flooring durable?

The Durability: Many people think that engineered wood flooring is less durable than other solutions. In fact, it holds up well as the years pass. It may even last longer than some of the other types of flooring the homeowner is currently considering.

How long do engineered wood floors last?

Typically, you can expect your engineered wood floors to last you 20–50 years, depending on the quality of the product. But some of the best engineered wood floor brands offer lifetime warranties, too! Just remember: how well you care for your floor will also affect its lifespan.

What is Harris wood flooring?

Harris Wood Floors is one of the oldest flooring companies in the country (they’ve been in business for over 120 years). They’re one of the leading specialists in click-lock engineered wood flooring—their proprietary system is called Springloc —and they offer a wonderful selection of floors that feature it.

How many times can you refinish a hardwood floor?

Engineered wood floors may also be refinished, but there is a limit to how many times. If the floor has a thick veneer layer , it can be refinished a few times. If the veneer layer is too thin, you will be lucky if you can refinish it even once or twice.

What is Bruce flooring?

Bruce is one of the world’s major flooring companies, and is known for its quality hard wood. Bruce offers expertise in both domestic and exotic wood species, making for one of the largest selections of engineered wood flooring anywhere.

What is Regal Hardwoods?

Regal Hardwoods offers hand-scraped engineered wood with a solid birch core. If you compare the pros and cons of birch flooring to pros and cons of pine flooring (a softwood used in many engineered wood plywood cores) you’ll find that birch makes for excellent core strength.

What is Johnson Hardwood?

Johnson Hardwood has unique-looking engineered wood that will stand out from other floors. Their pricing is upper mid-range, but for the high quality of the wood, it’s a great deal.

Where is Kährs wood made?

Kährs sources their lumber from North American, European, and South American forests (for exotic species), but all of their production is done in Sweden.

What is engineered wood?

The planks are a composite of real woods pieced together in alternating directions. Much like vinyl or laminate planks, engineered hardwood is made up of layers.

What is the difference between laminate and engineered hardwood?

Each type consists of planks made up of different layers. The primary difference here is the core and wear layers. Laminate cores are made of MDF boards, which makes them susceptible to swelling and damage when exposed to moisture .

What type of wood is used for locking planks?

With various wood types such as oak, maple and hickory running in varying supplies, demand far outweighed supply. The answer is engineered hardwood. These planks are man-made, with a top layer of solid hardwood with more layers of less expensive, composite woods. The result is a locking plank system with actual hardwood with less cost.

How thick is a laminate plank?

The length of the boards are what makes the quality of the entire build. Most vinyl and laminate planks, for example, are around 4 to 6 feet long. Hardwood should be longer.

What type of wood is best for hardwood planks?

Wood Types. Hardwood planks (as well as softwood) come in many varieties. The most popular are oak and hickory, however almost any wood can make a great floor.

What is floating floor?

This is also known as a floating floor as the planks are not nailed or glued to the subfloor like carpet or hardwood. The result is a hardwood floor, with most of the benefits, a fraction of the cost .

Is engineered hardwood real wood?

It gives an authentic touch to the wooden wear layer. While engineered hardwood does cost more, it does have real wood.

How wide is engineered wood flooring?

Most engineered wood floors are around 5 inches wide, a size that is less susceptible to cupping than wider boards.

What is Bellawood engineered hardwood flooring?

Bellawood’s Red Oak Engineered Hardwood Flooring features a 3-millimeter-thick veneer of red oak, giving it the traditional look of solid hardwood floors. Oak serves as the flooring industry’s benchmark for wood hardness, so it’s one of the most popular choices. Thanks to a protective layer of aluminum oxide on the veneer, this engineered oak flooring is more resistant to scratches, stains, and scuffs than solid oak flooring.

How thick is Bellawood maple?

Bellawood’s Select Maple Engineered Hardwood Flooring has premium veneers of creamy maple that are 3 millimeters thick. That means this product can be refinished, giving it a lifespan and durability to rival solid hardwood flooring. The veneer sits on a solid ½-inch-thick plywood core, adding to its durability.

What is the difference between narrow planks and wide planks?

There are design considerations for choosing a width as well. Narrow planks give a room a formal or contemporary feel, while wider planks give a room a country, a colonial, or an old-world aesthetic. Most engineered wood flooring comes in random-length planks to give the installation a more hand-built look.

How thick is a veneer floor?

The veneer sits on a solid ½-inch-thick plywood core, adding to its durability. The planks are 5 inches wide, so this product is a good pick for those looking for a luxe farmhouse style in a room. Lengths range from 12 inches to 71.5 inches, so the installed floor will have the random look of solid wood.

How many layers of wood are in a plywood core?

Manufacturers make core layers from a variety of materials. Higher-quality products typically use a plywood core, with seven to 11 layers of wood. These layers are called plys. The more plys in an engineered wood floor, the less likely it is to cup, shrink, split, or expand.

Is engineered wood flooring good for humid conditions?

Solid hardwood flooring can be expensive, and it’s not always the best choice for use in humid conditions. Engineered wood flooring can be a good alternative. The best engineered wood flooring uses boards that are made of layers of wood instead of a solid piece of wood.

First of All: What Is Engineered Wood?

Engineered Wood Disadvantages

• Look, we love engineered wood because it can go where solid hardwood can’t. Plus, it can make exotic woods more affordable. And, it can sometimes make do-it-yourself flooringprojects easier. But don’t run off to your local flooring retailerjust yet—there are important questions you need to consider before you start picking out color samples. Along ...

See more on flooringstores.com

Engineered Wood Advantages