Engineered Wood

The look of wood flooring in a home is immaculate, like the bow on top of a perfectly wrapped present. It has the unique ability to catch the eye of any onlooker and evoke a sense of warmth and subtle serenity.

There are two types of wood flooring — solid wood flooring and engineered wood flooring — and each type can have an authentic wood appearance. However, there are major differences between the two, because one is specially engineered to be more durable and resistant to moisture. Engineered wood is perfect for damp basements and other areas with high humidity, not to mention the fact that it can easily be stapled over a wood sub-floor or glued over concrete slabs.

Engineered wood is composed of about three to twelve layers of ply, which are cross-layered and cohered. The veneer is glued to the top inner core layer, and the wood wear layer is the one that is specialized to deal with heavy foot traffic. Depending on the amount of activity the floor sees, it can last for up to twenty or thirty years — a logical investment for a homeowner with an eye toward the future. Understanding the two methods of manufacturing engineered wood is helpful in determining which kind of floor to purchase.

In the process of manufacturing sliced cut veneer, the top layer of the log is sawn off. This method is said to more effectively display the grain and authentic look of the wood. Another perk of choosing this manufacturing process is that slicing the top layer from the log actually produces a thicker wear layer for the floor. In the method known as rotary cut veneer, lathes can be used to peel a layer off the log. This style of manufacturing depicts a more wild grain look, which could better suit other styles of home décor.

One major difference between solid wood flooring and engineered wood flooring is the ability to sand the flooring down in order to prolong its life. Solid wood flooring is about ¾” thick, and if sanded down further than 5/16” deep, the nails will begin to show from the installation process. Engineered wood, on the other hand, has a wear layer that ranges from .66 mm to 6 mm, which means it could conceivably be sanded about five times before replacement.

Therefore, it is crucial for the homeowner to determine how much traffic the floor will receive. The more foot traffic, the thicker the wear layer should be. Keep in mind that not all engineered wood floors are the same; some are manufactured using cheaper wood or alternative methods. A quality engineered wood floor, however, is a worthwhile investment that saves money and can last for years — a dream come true for any homeowner who wants an attractive, authentic, durable look in their home.

Call (734) 243-3502 today to receive a free estimate on having engineered wood installed in your home or office from the pros at Finishers Unlimited.

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