Engineered Hardwood Flooring Brands to Avoid

When it comes to upgrading your home with engineered hardwood flooring, there's a lot to love—timeless aesthetics, real wood appeal, and improved moisture resistance. But not all brands deliver the quality and performance you deserve there are plenty of engineered hardwood flooring brands to avoid.

At Rejuvenation Floor & Design, a leading flooring store in Portland, Oregon, we work with homeowners and contractors every day who want to make informed flooring choices. While we often highlight the best flooring brands on the market, it's just as important to discuss the ones that tend to fall short. If you're investing in engineered hardwood, you need a product that will stand the test of time—not buckle, delaminate, or leave you frustrated. 

Below, we break down the most common red flags to watch for, and list some engineered hardwood brands to avoid—based on industry feedback, customer reviews, and hands-on experience. 

Why Some Brands Miss the Mark 

Engineered hardwood is made of real wood veneer layered over a plywood or high-density fiberboard (HDF) core. The quality of each layer and how they're bonded determines the durability and longevity of your floor. 

Brands that cut corners often exhibit the following issues: 

• Thin Wear Layers: The top veneer is too thin to be sanded or refinished. 
• Unstable Cores: Poor-quality core layers that warp with moisture changes. 
• Subpar Finishes: Cheap finishes that scratch easily or discolor over time. 
• Low-Quality Adhesives: Risk of delamination or off-gassing of VOCs. 
• Inconsistent Milling: Tongue-and-groove joints that don’t fit properly. 

These problems may not show up on day one—but they can become serious headaches in just a few months or years. 

5 Engineered Hardwood Flooring Brands to Avoid in 2025 

While every company may have a few standout products, the following brands consistently receive below-average marks for quality control, customer service, or material performance. 

1. Home Decorators Collection (Home Depot) 

Home Decorators Collection tops our list of engineered hardwood flooring brands to avoid. It does offer cheap engineered wood, but in our experience, that low price often comes at a cost. Many customers report issues with surface scratching, delamination, and extremely thin veneer layers (as low as 0.6mm), meaning you can’t ever refinish them. 

Other concerns: 

• Prone to gapping or cupping in seasonal humidity. 
• Finish tends to wear unevenly in high-traffic areas. 
• Mixed results with DIY installation due to inconsistent locking systems. 

Bottom line: Great price, but poor longevity. Suitable only for short-term or low-traffic use. 

2. TrafficMaster 

Another Home Depot exclusive, TrafficMaster is known for bottom tier laminate and vinyl, and their engineered hardwood options are notoriously hit-or-miss. These floors often feature questionable construction quality, and warranties that may not offer much peace of mind. 

Common complaints: 

• Easily chips at the edges. 
• Weak click-lock systems that come undone. 
• Inconsistent plank thicknesses. 

Bottom line: Spend a bit more upfront and you’ll avoid costly replacement down the line. 

3. Millstead 

Though the brand has a wide selection, Millstead has been called out for inconsistency in plank millingandpoor core construction. Many users have reported warping and splitting within a year or two of installation. 

Major drawbacks: 

• Limited wear layer thickness (often under 2mm). 
• Reactive to small humidity changes. 
• Limited style/color options. 

Bottom line: Looks good on the shelf, but may not perform well in real-life conditions. 

4. Bruce (Low-End Lines) 

Bruce is a legacy name in hardwood flooring, and many of their higher-end engineered products are good quality. However, their big box store versions often use inferior core materials and thinner veneers, which means they don’t hold up nearly as well. 

What to watch for: 

• Check wear layer thickness (some are less than 1.5mm). 
• Factory finishes that scuff easily. 
• Loose-fitting tongues and grooves. 

Bottom line: Know exactly which line you’re buying—Bruce can be great, or regrettable. 

5. Hampton Bay 

Like other house brands, Hampton Bay’s engineered hardwood often prioritizes cost over performance. Reviews frequently mention peeling finishes,squeaky boards, and color fading within a few months. 

Key issues: 

• Poor scratch resistance. 
• Delamination in humid conditions. 
• Limited installation support or customer service. 

Bottom line: Often looks great in-store, but fails to meet real-world expectations. 

What to Look for in a Reliable Engineered Hardwood Brand 

Steering clear of engineered hardwood flooring brands to avoid is only half the battle. Here’s what you should look for: 

• Veneer Thickness: At least 2mm, ideally 3mm+, for longevity and potential refinishing. 
• Core Construction: Multi-ply or HDF with moisture resistance and strong bonding. 
• Finish Quality: UV-cured aluminum oxide or ceramic-infused finishes for maximum wear resistance. 
• Reputation & Reviews: Look for consistent 4–5 star ratings from verified buyers. 
• Warranties: At least 25 years residential, preferably with structural coverage. 

Brands We Recommend

If you're looking for engineered hardwood that performs beautifully and lasts for decades, consider these standout names: 

• Mirage – Superior craftsmanship, low-VOC finishes, made in Canada. 
• Kentwood – Wide range of premium styles with durable, eco-conscious construction. 
• Hallmark Floors – Innovative core tech, artisan finishes, and excellent warranties. 
• Lauzon – A sustainability-focused Canadian brand with industry-leading finishes. 
• Somerset – Known for value, quality, and USA-made hardwood products. 
• Superior Flooring – Hand-selected veneers and long-lasting finishes with a refined aesthetic. 

We’ve seen these floors installed in real homes over and over—and they’ve consistently stood the test of time. 

Final Thoughts: Buy Smart, Not Cheap 

Engineered hardwood is a smart investment in your home’s beauty and value—but only if you choose the right brand. Unfortunately, there are many engineered hardwood flooring brands to avoid and while it can be tempting to go for the lowest price, flooring is one area where quality really matters. You don’t want to deal with peeling finishes, warped boards, or warranty frustrations a year from now. 

At Rejuvenation Floor & Design, we believe in helping you make confident, educated flooring decisions. Whether you're remodeling one room or your entire home, our showroom experts are here to help you compare brands, samples, and specs before you buy. 

Contact Rejuvenation Floor & Design 

Visit our flooring store in Portland, Oregon,  or get a free in-home estimate with our flooring specialists. We’ll walk you through the best engineered wood options for your home, lifestyle, and budget—no pushy sales tactics, just honest guidance.