Engineered Wood Flooring: Everything You Need to Know

June 4, 2024

There are various types of flooring that you can choose for your home, from LVT floors to bamboo flooring and more. If you’re looking for new floors, you may have come across “engineered wood flooring” during your research.

But you may be wondering, “What exactly is engineered wood flooring and why should you choose engineered floors for your home?” Here’s what you need to know about engineered wood flooring:

What Is Engineered Wood Flooring?

Engineered wood flooring is a manufactured form of flooring with layers of different materials engineered together. The top layer is made of real wood (known as the wear layer or veneer). Beneath it are multiple layers of plywood, high-density fiberboard (HDF), or other wood composites. The inner core is what provides strength and stability.

It is basically a type of flooring that is constructed with multiple layers. Engineered wood flooring is a type of flooring that imitates the look of solid wood, but is more durable and resistant to scratches and dents. It has the natural beauty of wood, but with added stability and durability.

What Are the Differences Between Engineered Wood Flooring and Solid Wood Flooring?

Engineered wood flooring closely resembles solid wood flooring in terms of appearance, but there are differences between the two.

In terms of materials, for engineered wood flooring, the surface, which is a thin layer of hardwood, is bonded to a plywood core. Engineered wood flooring has a core that is comprised of plywood (although sometimes, HDF is used).

On the other hand, with solid hardwood flooring, it is made of solid wood throughout. It is 100% hardwood. Each plank is a single piece of wood; the core and the surface are the same.

What Are the Advantages of Engineered Wood Flooring?

Engineered wood flooring has numerous advantages, making it a good flooring option for your home. The advantages of these floors include the following:

Durability and Stability

Engineered wood flooring is a highly durable flooring option, and this is due to its multiple layers. As mentioned earlier, the inner core of engineered wood floors provides strength and stability, and this allows it to withstand the wear and tear of daily use.

Adding to its durability is its resistance to moisture and temperature changes. With its durability, engineered wood flooring can withstand busy households and high-traffic areas. Additionally, engineered wood flooring can last for decades, up to 30 years or more, with proper care and maintenance.

Moisture and Temperature Resistant

Engineered wood floors can cope with changes in humidity and temperature, and this is because of its various layers. Engineered wood flooring is not as sensitive to moisture or temperature changes compared to solid wood flooring. It is also resistant to warping and splitting due to changes in moisture and temperature.

Engineered wood floors are water-resistant and can adapt to temperature changes, which adds to their durability. They are also compatible with radiant heating and can be installed over radiant heating systems, which would give you a warm and cozy floor during cold months.

Because engineered wood flooring outperforms other kinds of flooring in environments where humidity and temperature fluctuate, it can also be a great flooring option for the hot desert climate.

A Wide Range of Styles

Engineered wood flooring is available in various colors, designs, textures, and sizes. You can select from various wood species and finishes. Because of the wide range of styles to choose from, it won’t be hard to design your space according to your personal preferences. You can also customize your floors to match any interior design you want, for instance, you can create a rustic appearance with engineered wood flooring.

Ease of Installation

Easy installation is another benefit of engineered wood flooring. These floors are much easier and quicker to install compared to solid wood flooring, which makes it a good option for DIY enthusiasts. You can install engineered wood floors in several ways, such as floating, nail-down, or glue-down installation. Some engineered wood floors also come with a click system, which makes it easier and faster to install.

Environmentally Friendly: An Eco-Friendly Flooring Option

Engineered wood flooring is an eco-friendly option. It uses less hardwood per plank compared to solid wood floors. The production process uses less natural wood compared to solid wood flooring. Efficient use of wood helps conserve natural resources and reduce waste, thus making engineered wood flooring a good choice, especially for environmentalists.

Ease of Care

It’s not so difficult to clean engineered wood floors. It doesn’t take much to keep your floors looking good. These floors are relatively easy to maintain, requiring only regular sweeping or vacuuming and occasional mopping. This is advantageous for homeowners who may not have a lot of time to clean their floors. You can read more about cleaning and protecting engineered wood floors here.

Which Rooms Are Suitable for Engineered Wood Flooring?

The great thing about engineered wood flooring is that it’s versatile – not only in the sense that it comes in a wide range of designs but also because it is suitable in many rooms in the house. You can install engineered wood floors in the kitchen, dining room, living room, bedroom, hallways, or any other high-traffic areas. And as mentioned earlier, they can be installed over radiant heating systems.

This is all thanks to engineered wood flooring’s durability, water resistance, and ability to cope with changes in temperature and humidity. There’s no need to be afraid of humid environments when it comes to engineered wood flooring. Because it’s suitable for many areas in the house, engineered wood flooring is definitely a good flooring option to consider.

Contact Nordic Homeworx for Engineered Wood Flooring for Your Home

Engineered wood flooring is a great choice for your home. It has multiple layers, which makes it durable and stable. It is moisture and temperature-resistant, and an eco-friendly choice. It’s also easy to install and maintain. If style is one of your top priorities, engineered wood flooring definitely will not disappoint.

If you are interested in engineered wood flooring for your home, or if you have any questions or concerns about these floors, get in touch with a flooring company.

Nordic Homeworx has flooring consultants who can address your concerns and help you pick the right floors for your home. We offer numerous flooring options for your home, and you can check out some of our work here. Contact us today!