Benefits of Engineered Hardwood
Cost. Engineered hardwood is often less expensive due to the plywood base. With solid hardwood, you’re paying for an entire plank made up of that material, whereas with engineered, that expensive layer is on top where everyone can see it — showing you off, making you look fancy, but the less costly, durable plywood is holding it up. It’s like instead of buying your entire outfit from Banana Republic, you got your underwear from Old Navy. The part people see looks fancy and expensive, while the part underneath is holding strong, doing its job.
DIY Installation. No contractor? No problem! Engineered wood is installed with a tongue and groove system – the material can either be loose laid or can be installed with glue as well.
Versatility. This isn’t Goldilocks here. Things do not have to be “just right”. Engineered wood can be installed on all levels, making the possibilities endless.
Less expansion/contraction. Compared to solid hardwood, engineered hardwood is less likely to expand and contract. However, upon installing the product, we advise you leave about ½” space for expansion to ensure if it expansion and contact it has “breathing” room.
Options. Engineered hardwood comes is hand scraped, textured, smooth and distressed surfaces, giving you the option of adding a bit of special touch to the product and complement your decor.
Green. Engineered wood flooring is a more environmental friendly product – that means Al Gore and all your recycle-loving friends will approve, and looks just as good on your floor!
Drawbacks of Engineered Hardwood
Cannot be refinished. Unlike solid hardwood which can be refinished, engineered wood has a thin wood veneer on top of the product. Attempting to refinish the engineered wood could potentially damage the product.
Mindset. Some people prefer to know that hardwood is strictly made out of wood, just like purchasing designer jeans, you want to make sure it’s authentic. Though engineered wood is not made out of 100% solid wood, it still gets the job done and, usually, at a lower cost. For me? I’d rather take a price cut and still have a stylish floor to show off rather than paying for those designer jeans with a higher price tag.
Best Uses for Engineered Hardwood
All levels. Entry, upstairs, downstairs, in the sky, on a boat, here or there, anywhere!
Any climate. Engineered hardwood is a great source for installing over radiant heating system, and humidity is no issue for this beasty floor!
Rooms without a lot of water (full bathrooms and kitchens are not advised). Keep in mind with wood flooring it is not ideal for the product to be installed in any areas where flooding or excessive amount of water will be present.
