Advantages of Engineered Wood Flooring

If you are thinking of installing a real wood floor, then you will need to choose between solid hardwood or engineered wood flooring. Solid hardwood is composed of a single wood species (maple, oak, walnut, etc.) throughout its entire length/thickness. Engineered wood flooring, on the other hand, consists of a plywood core topped with a veneer of hardwood. Both are durable and bring a warm, campy aesthetic, but there are many reasons to choose engineered wood flooring over solid.

Price

The main selling point of engineered wood flooring is that it comes at a discounted price with the look and feel of hardwood. Because it is mostly made out of plywood, it is less expensive to produce, giving customers the benefit of a lower price.

Appearance

As mentioned, engineered wood has the same beautiful, natural appearance of solid hardwood flooring while also having more flexibility in terms of width. The plywood core lends well to designing wider boards. For hardwood, because of the process of how boards are made, a very large tree would be required to achieve the same width.

Durability

Engineered wood flooring isn’t as long-lasting as solid wood, but it does have better moisture resistance. While not completely waterproof, engineered wood is less susceptible to warping and swelling from exposure to moisture due to the construction of its plywood core, making it the better option for humid locations. Plus, with proper and regular maintenance, it can last for at least thirty years and more. And, segwaying onto our next advantage, it is easy to replace.

Ease of Installation 

Solid wood floors are typically nailed and hammered into the subfloor or glued together using the tongue-and-groove method. Engineered wood floors, in most cases, are floated over a cork or foam subfloor using a click-and-lock system that snaps planks together like Legos to create a tight seam. This makes engineered wood the ideal option for any DIY enthusiasts interested in tackling a flooring project by themselves.

Underfloor Heating

Engineered wood flooring is better suited for underfloor heating compared to solid hardwood floors. This is because the plywood core of engineered wood floors does not expand and move around as much from temperature fluctuations, whereas solid hardwood floors expand a lot under different conditions thus are more susceptible to warp and crack. So with engineered wood floors, you can get the timeless beauty of hardwood with the luxury of a warmer underfoot after installing underfloor heating.

Sustainability

Not only is engineered wood the more economically viable option, but it is more sustainable as well. It requires less solid timber to make, conserving the trees. The plywood that it is made out of is obtained through the processing of various types of natural wood along with recycled plywood. That’s right, plywood is recyclable so it can be reused to save the forests while also providing new building material.

As a carbon storing material, wood also helps take carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere during its growth which helps compensate for its manufacture into various products like flooring.