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A Guide to Engineered Flooring

Engineered Flooring

Engineered Flooring

From high-heel scratches to muddy animal tracks, our floors go through a lot of wear and tear. That’s why it’s so important that flooring is made from top quality materials. When deciding on flooring for your home, engineered flooring is both a smart and aesthetically appealing choice.

What is engineered wood flooring?Unlike conventional solid wood flooring, engineered hardwood is more complex, comprised of 3 to 12 layers that are glued and pressed together in a cross-grain construction. The inner layers are typically crafted from hardwood and plywood, while the top face is made up of hardwood veneer from your chosen type of wood. Engineered wood can be found in a broad range of wood species and styles.

Advantages of Engineered Flooring


Appearance.
Engineered wood and solid plank flooring have virtually the same appearance—even the most seasoned experts have trouble distinguishing the two upon sight alone. Engineered wood floors are available in different surface effects and both domestic and exotic types of wood, including oak, bamboo, and walnut. You can find engineered flooring in many different sizes and colors.

Environmentally friendliness. Because engineered flooring uses half as many trees as solid wood floors, it helps conserve wood and protect our forests.

Durability. When compared to solid plank flooring, engineered wood floors have the advantage of being more stable and resistant to changes in temperature and high moisture levels. This makes them particularly well suited for use in homes in areas with high levels of humidity. Engineered flooring does not warp or swell, making it a low-maintenance flooring choice. Because of their thick wear layer, many brands of engineered wood flooring can be sanded and refinished up to five times, ensuring they will last for decades to come.

Allergy friendliness. Unlike carpeting, engineered wood does not trap dust and pollen, making it an ideal choice for those with allergies.

Versatility. You can install engineered flooring over other floors, such as dry concrete, tile, and vinyl. It can be installed at any grade level, whether below, above, or at ground level. Since engineered wood does not expand or contract as much as solid wood, it allows for a much wider plank. Solid hardwood, on the other hand, is more sensitive to moisture and shouldn’t typically exceed five inches in plank size.

Cost efficiency. In general, engineered wood flooring is less costly than solid wood floors. Since it only requires a thin slice of genuine wood, you are able to install more exotic and valuable species of wood for a fraction of the price.

Choosing the Right Type of Engineered Wood Flooring


If you are thinking of installing engineered wood flooring in your home, you should compare manufacturers carefully. Quality engineered floors have thicker wear layers made of genuine wood, enabling home owners to sand and refinish their floors to keep them looking attractive for up to 100 years.

If you need help selecting the best style, brand, and type of flooring material for your home, do not hesitate to contact Sea Island Builders. Pulling from our years of experience, we can help you choose the flooring that will best suit your needs before guiding you through the installation process.

 

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