Engineered hardwood flooring is a type of hardwood flooring that consists of two or more connected layers. This flooring is very long-lasting and the finest option for both homes and offices. The highest-quality engineered wood flooring has several benefits, including ease of installation, increased stability, environmental friendliness, and high performance. Here, we’ll cover the main factors you should consider when buying engineered wooden flooring and also the four main questions that matter a lot while buying engineered wood flooring.
What to Consider Before Buying Engineered Wood Flooring?
Here are the few essential factors that you must consider before buying engineered wood flooring:
- Durability: It’s important to pick the right flooring because engineered wood flooring generally has a top layer of hardwood. Your chosen flooring should be capable of withstanding the intended foot traffic and usage intensity.
- Moisture resistance: If the area is prone to high humidity or moisture, it is necessary to choose a flooring product with a higher moisture resistance rating. It’s very important to evaluate the moisture level where the wood flooring will be installed. Engineered wood flooring is more resistant and durable than solid wood flooring.
- Installation method: Assess the installation method that will be utilized. There are many ways to install engineered wood flooring, including gliding, glue-down, and nail-down. Every installation technique has benefits and drawbacks of its own, so it’s crucial to pick the flooring that works with the technique you want to use.
- Style and Appearance: Consider the style and appearance of the engineered wood flooring. There are a wide range of options available, including different wood species, finishes, and plank widths. Choose a product that complements the overall aesthetics of the space.
- Cost: Verify the cost of the engineered wood flooring. Depending on the product’s brand, quality, and style, prices might vary greatly. Setting a budget and selecting a product that fits inside it are crucial.
- Maintenance: Take into account the engineered wood flooring’s care needs. While certain goods would need periodic refinishing or specialized cleaning supplies, others might be more low-maintenance. Pick a product that suits your maintenance preferences and way of life.
- Environmental Impact: Think about how the engineered wood flooring will affect the environment. To verify that the wood used in the flooring originates from ethically managed forests, look for goods that have received certification from agencies like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
- Warranty: Verify the warranty that the manufacturer has listed. A longer warranty can provide customers peace of mind and could be a sign of a higher-quality item.
- Installation Expertise: Assess the expertise needed to install the engineered wood flooring. Choose a product that is comparatively easier to install if you wish to install the flooring yourself. Also, if you are about to hire a professional installer, make sure they have experience with engineered wood flooring.
- Noise reduction: Think of the noise reduction features of the engineered wood flooring. Some products have built-in underlayment or sound-dampening features that can help decrease noise transmission between floors.
4 Most Important Questions to Ask Before Buying Engineered Wood Flooring
These are the four essential questions to ask before buying the wood flooring:
1. Is Engineered Wood the Right Option for Me?
Engineered wood flooring is created to look and feel like hardwood flooring from the outside. However, its design only incorporates a thin veneer of hardwood, and its stabilizing and balancing cores provide firmness and stability as well as exceptional performance. Installing engineered flooring is easy thanks to a technology called PlankLoc that ties together growing boards without the use of nails or glue. Engineered wood flooring is a fantastic option since it can survive the ravages of time and take a battering. Depending on the quality and maintenance you provide it, it can last for many years.
2. Where Can I Install Engineered Wood?
Compared to solid hardwood, engineered wood is considered a better choice for high-moisture situations. It boasts strong resistance to moisture as well as temperature fluctuations. The kitchen, living room, foyer, staircase, bedroom, basement, and other indoor rooms can all be treated with engineered wood.
3. What Type of Glue Was Used to Attach the Layers?
There are so many flooring manufacturers that are producing lower-quality materials like toxic glues. Before buying, check the material and what type of glue is used to attach to the layers. Make sure that glue is of high quality and also free from formaldehyde and other toxins. Also, make sure it provides good bonding.
4. Is it Possible to Refinish Engineered Floors?
Some engineered hardwood floors are best for the top layer thickness and more suitable for the refinishing process. When your wear layer is more thick, you can refinish it two to three times over its lifespan. But, refinishing the wear layer, which is less than two millimeters more than one time, can cause damage. So as for consequences it just depends on the frequency of refinishing and also on how wide and slim it is.
Closing Thoughts!
It’s crucial to take into account your budget, the flooring’s intended purpose, the flooring’s durability and care needs, and the flooring’s impact on the environment before buying engineered wood flooring. You can make the most satisfactory decision and select the engineered wood flooring that best suits your needs and preferences by asking these four crucial questions.
