Wooden flooring never goes out of style. Wooden floors in the living room look classy and sophisticated. It creates a perfect blend of vintage grace and modern style; it is also perfect for cold winter days. But original hardwood flooring is not only expensive but also high maintenance.
As a substitute for hardwood many go for laminate or vinyl flooring. Engineered wood flooring is now quite popular owing to its easy availability and durability and also due to the fact that it gives a solid hardwood like finishing.
If you are planning to renovate your home and thinking about engineered wood flooring, then here are some basic things to keep in mind.
1. Texture
Engineered wood has many layers. The topmost is called the veneer that gives a proper finishing or texture. There are multiple layers of solid plywood that create the core to make it more stable and durable.
2. Appearance
The thin layer of veneer on the top of the plywood gives an original hard wood-like appearance. It is hard to differentiate between the two. It gives your home a classic touch.
3. Durability
Owing to the thickness of the flooring, these floors are more durable and offers better stability. Engineered woods have better water resistance. It also shows great stability against heat. The plywood base strengthens the structure. Like the hardwood floor, it is also prone to scratches and dings but they are easy to remove.
4. Cost
Engineered wood is quite expensive but compared to solid hardwood it costs a little less. Considering its durability it is worth investing in. In the long run, engineered woods are beneficial as it holds good resale value.
5. Installation
The hardwood floor requires hardwood floor installers and it is quite complex to do it oneself. The engineered wood floor has refinished top that makes it easier to use without having to wait for it to be sealed and sanded first. The engineered wood is quite easier to use it is DIY friendly and just needs to be glued together.
6. Maintenance
The presence of plywood makes it risky to use these floors in the bathroom. However potential damage can be avoided by pairing with waterproof mats and shower doors. These are well suited for slightly moist areas. The thinness of the veneer can lead to damage due to sanding.
A professional should be appointed to take care of it. As per expert recommendations, it should not be sanded more than once or twice. However, the veneer is quite vulnerable to dog claws and nails. If you have a pet dog you should reconsider installing engineered wood flooring.
Making the right choice
While choosing the right wood for flooring, keep the thickness and the dimension of the wood flooring in mind. The veneer that is made up of real wood is available in various type depending on the color, finish and wood type. You can choose from a wide range of oak, walnut, cherry, maple, tigerwood or acacia shades.
