08 May, 2024
For any home, hardwood flooring is a classic and beautiful choice. Natural hardwood not only creates a cozy, inviting feel but enhances the value of your home ! However, it is easy to be undecided between engineered hardwood and solid wood when choosing the right kind of flooring for your upcoming project. Although there are benefits to both types of hardwood, there are some circumstances in which engineered hardwood floors are the preferable option. In this blog, the experts at Rejuvenation Floor and Design in Portland, Oregon will cover the distinctions between engineered and solid wood flooring as well as explain when it makes sense to install engineered hardwood flooring rather than solid wood. What is Engineered Hardwood? Let's first explore how engineered hardwood is made. Several layers of stacked wood veneer are used to create engineered hardwood flooring. There are 3 main sections of engineered hardwood flooring. The top layer, called the wear layer , is the solid hardwood layer, with a standard minimum of 1.2mm. Natural floors with a thicker wear layer are thought to be more durable and superior because they may be sanded and refinished later if needed. Regardless of the wear layer's thickness, most engineered wood floors can be re-sanded and refinished. Since actual hardwood makes up the top layer, it has the same beauty and organic qualities as solid wood flooring, with the exception of deep knots. But what really makes engineered hardwood unique are the layers beneath it, which are often composed of plywood or high-density fiberboard (HDF), or in the case of Mirage hardwood flooring, the core can be made of another solid wood, such as Baltic Birch. The central core refers to the central layer of engineered flooring, where in most cases, the layers are deposited at a 90-degree angle to the layer above or below it to guarantee optimal dimensional stability. Each lamella is built up in a cross-directional manner within the central core. Plywood, high density fiberboard, and softwood are combined to form the core of an engineered wood floor. This contributes to the stability for which an engineered floor is known. The third layer is called a backing layer , which is added for strength and durability. Because of its special composition, engineered wood is very flexible and makes for a more stable floor—especially in areas where moisture levels fluctuate. By combining robust core layers with a genuine wood surface layer, engineered hardwood provides a flooring alternative that is less likely to warp, cup, or develop gaps. It gives homeowners more performance and versatility in addition to the visual appeal of hardwood. Engineered hardwood may be tailored to match your preferred design and fulfill the exact requirements of your space, whether you prefer the classic elegance of oak wood floors, the warmth of maple wood floors, or the distinctive grain patterns of hickory wood floors. Additionally, all engineered floors have a substantial lifespan when properly maintained, making them an investment worth making! When To Choose Engineered Hardwood Flooring When comparing engineered hardwood to solid wood flooring, there are specific attributes to consider. The extra layers give engineered hardwood more stability, durability, and moisture resistance. Where solid wood might not be suitable in some areas such as basements or below-grade installations, engineered hardwood is a good option because of its layered design, which reduces the natural expansion and contraction that can happen with variations in humidity and temperature. When compared to solid wood flooring, engineered hardwood flooring makes more sense in the following scenarios: Basements and Wet Areas : Moisture resistance is one of the primary benefits of engineered hardwood floors. Solid wood floors are less appropriate for basements and other damp locations because they can expand and shrink when exposed to moisture or humidity. Conversely, the robust structure of engineered hardwood prevents warping and cupping from occurring even under extreme moisture variations. It's a great option for areas with greater humidity like basements. Below-Grade Installations: Like basements, below-grade installations are spaces, like lower-level rooms or subfloors, that are below ground level. Since these spaces tend to have higher moisture content and the possibility of humidity problems, solid wood flooring is generally not advised in them. Because of its multi-layer composition, engineered hardwood resists moisture better and may be put below grade with safety. Installations of Wide Planks: If you like the look of wide plank flooring, engineered hardwood is frequently a better option. In comparison to narrower planks, wider planks are more prone to expansion and contraction. Engineered hardwood's layered structure improves stability and lessens the possibility of cupping or gapping that can happen with wide boards made of solid wood. Houses with Radiant Heat Systems: If your home has radiant heat beneath your hardwood flooring, engineered hardwood is a great choice. These systems warm the space by using radiant heating components buried in the subfloor. Due to variations in humidity and temperature brought on by radiant heat, solid wood floors may be more prone to warping or cracking. Because engineered hardwood is constructed in layers, it can endure temperature changes that come with radiant heat systems. In addition to cost, you should think about the environment and other factors when determining whether to utilize solid wood or engineered hardwood flooring for your upcoming project. Examining costs: Although they can cost more, solid wood flooring has a timeless elegance about them. Engineered hardwood is an affordable substitute for real hardwood if you still want the beauty and authenticity of hardwood but are on a budget. It's more reasonably priced while maintaining a comparable visual appeal. Environmental Considerations: Engineered hardwood may be a more environmentally friendly option for wood flooring if you have concerns about sustainability. Real wood is used for the top layer of engineered hardwood, but rapidly growing, renewable materials like plywood or HDF are frequently used for the underneath layers. Furthermore, compared to solid wood flooring, engineered hardwood uses less trees, making it a more environmentally friendly choice. Seek the Assistance of a Skilled Portland, Oregon Hardwood Flooring Specialist The allure of solid wood floors cannot be disputed. On the other hand, engineered hardwood makes more sense in some circumstances. For guidance on selecting the finest option of hardwood flooring speak with a Rejuvenation Floor and Design before deciding which option is best for your home. Call us, Portland's preferred hardwood flooring supplier , at (503) 989-8997 and visit our showroom for our extensive selection of solid, engineered, LVT, laminate and bamboo flooring. Our specialists have over 25 years of experience and can make your wood floor fantasies a reality!