November 18, 2017

Chapter 2: What Are the Benefits of Engineered Wood Flooring?

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People often misunderstand the construction of engineered wood as they consider the many flooring options they have to choose from. At Superior Hardwoods of Montana, we offer engineered hardwood, which is a vast difference from laminate flooring made of artificial material that looks like wood.

What Is Engineered Hardwood Flooring?

Engineered Hardwood Flooring is made up of bonded plies.

Engineered hardwood floor planks are made up of layers of wood known as plies that are bonded together using high heat and pressure. The all-natural core of the planks consists of either hardwood or plywood, and a layer of hardwood veneer is attached to the top surface. This differs from laminate, which uses artificial material designed to look like wood rather than actual wood.

By appearance alone, it’s difficult to know the difference between solid hardwood and engineered hardwood. Both types of flooring can be beautiful additions to your space. High-quality engineered hardwood floors can last as long as solid wood floors with proper care and maintenance.

Benefits of Engineered Wood

Because there are many benefits of engineered hardwood floors, you should understand some of the reasons they would be the best option for your project. Start with stability. This type of flooring stays more stable no matter where you install it.

Engineered Hardwoods Are Versatile and Can be Installed in Many RoomsWhen thinking about your project, consider where you want your wood flooring. Engineered hardwood provides excellent versatility because it can be installed on any level or room of a home or business. Humidity does not cause it to shrink, expand, buckle or ripple as much as solid wood planks. As long as you make sure a barrier prevents moisture from getting between the subflooring and the wood planks, engineered hardwood works well in:

  • Kitchens
  • Bathrooms
  • Basements
  • On Radiant Heat
  • On Concrete Slabs

Installation and Style of Engineered Hardwood Floors

Installation becomes a less-complex undertaking with engineered hardwood floors because they can be placed on top of many other flooring types. You don’t have to have a plywood subfloor to install engineered wood flooring. It can be installed directly over concrete, wood and in-floor heating systems.

Choosing engineered hardwood doesn’t limit you in terms of style or quality. The finished thickness of engineered wood at Superior Hardwoods of Montana is either five-eighths or three-fourths of an inch. If you’re looking to match existing floors, vents, nosing and trim, it would be a good choice. The top layer and can be sanded multiple times, unlike many other engineered products.

You’ll also have a number of options when selecting your engineered wood flooring. Different species, grades, widths and textures are available in engineered flooring, giving you creative control over the final look and feel of your home.