Engineered Hardwood Flooring – Toscana Remodeling
Are you familiar with engineered hardwood flooring? You’ve probably walked on it before, but you also probably mistook it for real hardwood. Yes, engineered hardwood can deceive you in such a manner. It’s meant to look identical to hardwood; however, there are many noteworthy differences.
Layering
Engineered hardwood flooring can be thought of as a hybrid of hardwood and laminate. Like laminate, engineered hardwood is layered. Like hardwood, engineered hardwood is meant to, well, look like hardwood. Frankly, the engineered floor takes only the best qualities from each laminate and hardwood.
A single plank of engineered hardwood consists of a bottom layer of moisture-resistant hardwood, a top layer made of real hardwood, and several plywood layers in between. The veneer is usually coated with at least 5 polyurethane-based coats to prevent wear.
The moisture-protective bottom layer makes the floor type unique as it can be used in humid environments like kitchens and bathrooms. Also, its laminate construction prevents shrinking and expanding—weaknesses of true hardwood planks.
Durability
Engineered hardwood lasts for a very long time. In fact, it typically carries as much as a 30-year guarantee. Its hardness compares to that of true hardwood, and its layering triumphs hardwood in qualities like moisture resistance and scratching.
Again, engineered hardwood flooring presents extra flexibility than hardwood. While hardwood can be utilized in kitchens and/or bathrooms, it’s usually thought of as a risk and therefore hardly ever completed. There is not any such risk with engineered wood. Don’t go so far as putting in it outside, but it will be capable of standing up to the moisture amount introduced by a kitchen or a bathroom.
Maintenance Requirements
You’ll love to hear this. All it takes to maintain an engineered hardwood floor is a mop and a vacuum. Given the floor’s moisture resistance, you won’t even have to give a second thought to how long it takes for the floor to dry. Run a mop over the floor a few times each week and it should stay in pristine condition. Vacuuming is fine, but make sure the bristles are in “off” mode, as they will scratch the floor if constantly used.
You will still need to clean up spills right away, just as you would with true hardwood. There is definitely extra leniency, but moisture can still seep into the engineered floor; it just has many more layers to seep through compared to hardwood.
Price Comparison
Engineered hardwood will typically vary from $4-$15 per sq. foot. Similar, but on the lower end of the everyday cost of hardwood. Engineered hardwood has the benefit of a lower installation cost, with less of a need for staining and sealing.
One drawback of engineered hardwood flooring, though, is that it can only be refinished about one or two times. Reason being, the veneer layer is so thin that it might completely vanish if refinished more times than it should. Just some food for thought; make sure you talk to an expert before having an engineered hardwood floor refinished.
Versatility in Design
Even with all of these standout qualities, the fact that engineered hardwood floors have the exact look of hardwood plank floors puts it over the top. Take into consideration all the positive qualities and a buyer really can’t go wrong with engineered hardwood flooring.
It’s not restricted whatsoever. You can choose any kind of hardwood material and apply it to the engineered version. This includes oak, cherry, maple, walnut…you name it! Add the selected hardwood as the top layer (veneer) and your home will have the same look as a home with hardwood plank flooring. This results in a comfortable, timeless, visually appealing look that will last for years.
Toscana Remodeling
If you are sold on engineered hardwood flooring, Toscana Remodeling in Dallas, TX is your top source for buying and installation. Our experts will complete a free estimate and installation to present you with your brand-new floor. If you’re not quite sold, we’ll even be able to answer any questions you might have regarding this type of flooring. Call Toscana Remodeling now at (972) 406-8881 to make it happen! Also, visit our blog for additional useful flooring and home remodeling info.
Conclusion: Engineered Hardwood Flooring
In conclusion, engineered hardwood flooring offers plenty of benefits including durability, easy maintenance, and versatility in design. With Toscana Remodeling, you can trust in professional installation and expert advice to transform your space.