Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered wood flooring is also known as multi-layer wood flooring. It is made by gluing together seven to ten very thin sheets of wood called veneer. To finish the process, one solid hardwood plank is placed on top. This layer is called the wear layer. The thickness varies from 1/16 to 1/18 inches. The wear layer can handle the wear and tear of everyday life, whereas the inner veneer layers can’t. The cross-plied veneer layer increases the strength of the flooring. Depending on the thickness of the wear layer, it can usually be sanded two to three times.

Types of Engineered Wood Flooring

Based on the species of wood used, engineered wood floors are divided into four types. Hickory is hand scraped to give the floor a worn look. This is very popular and trendy style of engineered wood flooring. The hand scraped hickory consists of seven layers of veneer and seven layers of wear layer. They are easier to install. You can even install it yourself. They are usually glued or nailed to the subfloor. This engineered hardwood flooring can also be installed as floating floors.

Engineered oak flooring is another type of engineered flooring. Oak is easily available and is cheap. This makes oak flooring a popular choice. It is installed using the G5 lock system, which locks the wood in place. They can also be nailed or glued to the subfloor.

Engineered bamboo flooring is made of bamboo. Although bamboo is a grass, it is usually classified under engineered wood flooring. This flooring is very cheap and the material is readily available. Like all wood floors, it is also recyclable and environmentally friendly.

Engineered maple flooring is another type of engineered hardwood flooring, which looks very similar to solid hardwood flooring. The installation process is also very easy. It can be glued or nailed to the subfloor.

Advantages of Engineered Wood Flooring

Typically, engineered hardwood floors come prefinished. That is, the finishing processes are completed in the factory, saving you time and energy. They are easy to install, as no more sanding is required after installation. When scratches appear on engineered floors, they can be removed by sanding, unlike laminate flooring. You can hire a professional to do this.  Most engineered wood flooring can be sanded up to three times in its lifetime.  An engineered wood floor is also more moisture repellent than solid hardwood flooring. It is also cheaper compared to solid hardwood flooring. It can be used in slightly moist areas, since due to the multiple ply construction, there is only a very little amount of contraction and expansion between the wood planks. For this reason, engineered wood flooring is a good choice for humid areas.

Disadvantages of Engineered Wood Flooring

It is not advisable for use in heavily wet areas like basements. It may also fade in direct sunlight. Keep in mind that it can be sanded, but only two to three times and should be done by a professional. If you do the sanding yourself, you may accidentally sand too much through the top layer, destroying the flooring. You must also avoid sanding the less expensive engineered wood flooring as the top layer is thinner.