Engineered Hardwood Flooring Defined

Engineered hardwood flooring represents more than an excellent alternative to solid hardwood flooring, especially when you’re about to install below grade or on concrete. Engineered hardwood floors consist of a top layer of a real hardwood species and a core made of multiple plywood layers laminated together to form a durable plank, or HDF (high density fiberboard). The stacking of the layers counteracts the natural tendency of hardwoods to expand, contract, warp, or cup when exposed to different factors of the environment. In conclusion, engineered hardwood flooring is an excellent alternative in geographical areas with excessive moisture. Furthermore, engineered floors might offer a floating floor option, allowing installation on a concrete subfloor, as long as the subfloor is clean, dry, and level.

Engineered flooring is very resistant to moisture and it is recommended to use a vapor barrier between the subfloor and the engineered hardwood flooring. There is also an option to glue-down engineered hardwood flooring directly to a concrete subfloor. With the glue-down option, the adhesive can work as a built-in vapor barrier, filling in the role otherwise played by underlayment. Engineered hardwood flooring gives you the option of installing over radiant heat sources.

Engineered hardwood flooring presents even more advantages, including a lower price than solid hardwood. Engineered hardwood flooring can provide at a fraction of the price, all the exceptional aesthetic value of solid hardwood flooring. It is the best choice for ease of installation as well, and is a natural choice for basement installations over concrete.

Engineered hardwood flooring is the perfect idea if you want to duplicate the look and feel of solid hardwood but are limited by environment or if you are bound by budgetary constraints. Engineered hardwood flooring stands alone as a completely different style of flooring, with unique advantages that even solid hardwood can’t beat.