Hard surface flooring comes in a variety of styles, from authentic white oak hardwood to durable luxury vinyl that closely resembles real hardwood right down to grain patterns. When there are numerous alternatives available, it can occasionally feel overwhelming and a lot of questions pop up. What, for instance, are the differences between solid and manufactured hardwood?
Solid hardwood is a single piece of wood with no layers, as opposed to engineered wood floors, which are made of layers of both hardwood and plywood.
Adding hardwood flooring to a space is a terrific way to give it a classic flair. What factors should you take into account while choosing between engineered and solid hardwood? Learn more about engineered wood here:
- Construction made of engineered hardwood has a long lifespan and excellent performance.
- It is made of many layers of wood, each of which is arranged in a distinct orientation. Because of its design, engineered hardwood is shielded against moisture-related warping and bowing that may occur with a hardwood floor.
- Its design enables installation in various grade levels of the home, even below ground with a protective moisture barrier added, giving it an advantage over solid hardwood.
- Similar to how a true hardwood floor does, a hardwood veneer offers an engineered floor the beauty and appearance of natural wood.
- Engineered hardwood is simple to maintain and care for.
What Styles Are Supported by Engineered Hardwood?
For your home, engineered hardwood may provide a range of styles, including:
Hickory, oak, maple, and other modern wood types are available.
Matte, semi-gloss, and high-gloss finishes are all readily available in various combinations.
Engineered hardwood is available with a range of surface treatments, including wire-brushed, distressed, and hand-scraped, which give your floor a more rustic appearance.
Additionally, engineered hardwood is one of the best flooring alternatives to install over radiant heating for homeowners in colder areas. However, be sure to verify with your local flooring specialists to make sure the product you’ve chosen is compatible with your heating system.
You can pick a hardwood floor that best complements your house, no matter what your decorating preferences are—from cozy minimalism to transitional modern. No matter where in the house engineered hardwood is installed, you can be sure it will make a lovely, striking statement and have a tough surface.
What Is the Engineered Wood Flooring Thickness?
Solid hardwood is normally 1/2″ to 3/4″ thick, whereas engineered flooring is typically 3/8″ to 3/4″.
What Is the Lifespan of Engineered Wood Flooring?
Engineered hardwood floors can last a lifetime, depending on the quality of the flooring used, the thickness of the veneer covering them, and how well you maintain them. Any floor in your house can last a long time depending on all three of these elements.