Home improvement adds not only visual appeal but also functionality to any living space. Replacing an old, drab floor with engineered hardwood flooring can be considered as a ‘massive transformation’. These engineered flooring cannot be distinguished from the solid plank floor and tend to be beneficial in more than one way. They work out affordable, durable and can enhance the looks of an interior in a classy and elegant manner.
Engineered Hardwood Flooring
What is engineered Flooring?
Before deciding on this option, it is important to have some information on what this engineered flooring is. The top layer of this flooring is of solid wood with a wide range of thickness. This thickness depends on the quality of the flooring. Besides the thickness between 3 to 7 mm you also find flooring with a 15mm thickness. There are several layers of thin wood underneath the veneer which are glued together to form the base. To ensure the stability factor you have these layers running 90 degrees to one another. As you have different choices in these engineered hardwoods flooring, we list a few tips to make this process easier.
- Layer of Wear: The top layer, also known as Veneer is made of solid hardwood hundred percent. A cheaper option is when the top layer is made of several planks of wood. For durability and long-lasting factor is better to opt for a flooring which has the top layer made of a single plank of wood. This can be sanded multiple times and thus works out long lasting.
- The Under core: It is equally important to consider the layer of wood used under the veneer. There are different qualities available in the under core, but ensure you make the right choice as this determines the stability of the engineered hardwood flooring. A multi-laminate ply used for the under core works out reliable and stable. In case you have decided on installing an under-floor heating system you need to maintain the quality of the engineered wood. A plywood core works well for all homes as these are less prone to shrinking or swelling due to the ever-changing temperatures.
Choosing the Apt Dimensions:
Engineered Hardwood Flooring.
You have these types of flooring available in different dimensions. You need to consider your property before you decide on a specific dimension. Without any compromises made on the quality of the flooring you can save some money by choosing floorboards which are narrow and short. These boards also work well for a contemporary and traditional feel. Longer and wider boards though easy to install are a little costlier. These boards have a better look as they show more of the natural grain of the board.
Finishes for engineered hardwood flooring:
You have a choice between the untreated and the treated engineered flooring. Opting for pre-treated boards works well as they can be protected from damage made by marks and there is no requirement of any labor for further treating these boards. With un-treated boards you have a choice of choosing the finish you wish.
These engineered flooring are a favored choice for many homeowners as you can opt for one in accordance to your requirement. There is a level of flexibility offered with this type of flooring. As these are available in the ‘pre-treated’ type you can walk on them as soon as these are laid. There is no waiting involved. Finally, these flooring work out a cost-effective solution for a change in the existing flooring. But all you need to install these engineered hardwood flooring by trained installers and do not try any DIY techniques to do the same.
