Hardwood flooring is very popular today. Clients often ask about the differences between traditional hardwood flooring, engineered hardwood and laminate. The following will offer some useful information between the three:
Q. What is engineered hardwood flooring?
A. Engineered hardwood flooring is a product made up of a core of hardwood, plywood or HDF and a top layer of hardwood veneer that is glued on the top surface of the core and is available in almost any hardwood species. The product thus has the natural characteristics of the selected wood species as opposed to a photographic layer. The “engineered” product has been designed to provide greater stability, particularly where moisture or heat pose problems for solid hardwood floors.
Q.What is the difference between a laminate, solid hardwood and an engineered hardwood floor
A. Laminate- core of product is typically made of High Density Fiber (HDF). The top layer is a photographic layer that should appear identical to the product it replicates, be it wood, vinyl, tile, etc. The product is generally 3/8” thick and is a floating install with tongue and groove glue less locking system which allows you to install and uninstall the floor several times if desired. This product is typically the least expensive. Solid Hardwood- the product is the solid natural wood species throughout the entire piece of flooring, typically with a tongue and groove installation. Good sanding and refinishing capabilities. The product is typically more expensive and has some limitations as to where it can be installed due to moisture issues.
Q. What does greater stability mean?
A. The instability of solid hardwood is usually moisture or heat related. Under adverse conditions, solid hardwood floors can warp, cup, swell or split apart. Engineered hardwood flooring overcomes these problems by constructing a multiple-ply plank which counteracts twisting and remains flat and intact. This makes engineered hardwood flooring a better choice for installation over radiant heat sources, over concrete whether it’s below grade or above, and in rainy climates.
Q. How many layers does engineered flooring have?
A. In addition to the top hardwood veneer, engineered wood flooring typically has three or more core layers. Of course, there is greater stability with more layers. The core layers may be plywood, high density fiberboard, or hardwood. For example, Vanier engineered flooring has five to seven hardwood core layers.
Q. Does engineering destroy the natural beauty of hardwood floors?
A. Not at all. The top hardwood layer is the same genuine hardwood you have in solid hardwood floors. This “show” veneer is available in most species of natural hardwood.
Q. What is the thickness of the hardwood veneer?
A. The hardwood veneer, or top layer of hardwood, can typically be 0.6mm to 4.5mm or more in thickness. A quality hardwood veneer will provide many years of wear. For example, Vanier engineered hardwood flooring has a Select and Better 2mm hardwood veneer and comes with a 25-year finish warranty.
Q. Can I refinish an engineered floor?
A. It depends upon the thickness of your hardwood layer but the fact is that 95 % of hardwood surfaces are never refinished. With the high quality finishes that are offered and the extensive process that refinishing a floor entails, damaged areas are often removed professionally. If sanding is desired, typically, the professional sanding procedure removes 1/32 of an inch. Thus if your floor has a 2mm layer you can sand the floor 1-2 times.
The information is very clear and direct to the point, I learned something today.One advantage of engineered hardwood floor is that you can install it in any room, either above or below ground. It is also easy to install.
Posted by: kitchen tile flooring | 08/19/2011 at 06:25 AM
It’s a known fact that the first thing people look at when they come to view your house is the floor! Flooring forms the base of the interior scheme and with the many choices can be easy to get carried away and forget about the practical aspects to be considered. And Engineered hardwood floors is the best choice.All doubts have been cleared after reading the above information regarding engineered hardwood floors.
Posted by: Engineered wood floors | 09/06/2011 at 04:43 AM