Five Reasons to Buy Engineered Wood Floors

Are you leery of buying engineered wood because you think it’s not “real” wood? Think again. Engineered wood floors are made by stacking several layers of wood and binding them together using high heat and high pressure. The top layer is made of high-quality wood like oak or maple, while the bottom layers are made of cheaper or recycled woods.

There are several advantages to this type of construction. Read on to find out why engineered wood flooring might be the best option for your home.

1. Easy to Install

Engineered wood floors are much simpler to install than traditional hardwoods. They’re ideal for the do-it-yourselfer, and installation can usually be completed in less than a day.

Engineered wood floors have a tongue-and-groove construction that allows them to click into place easily and without nails. In most cases, engineered wood floors also come pre-finished. There’s no sanding or finishing work to do.

Engineered wood floors can be installed on all types of sub-flooring, including concrete. Unlike traditional hardwoods, they do not require an extra layer of sub-flooring.

2. Easy to Maintain

Engineered wood floors do not require waxing or regular maintenance. Unlike hardwood floors, you don’t need to mop them. In fact, most manufacturers recommend that you don’t. Simply sweep the floors regularly and apply a manufacturer-approved cleaner when dirt begins to build up. If there’s a spill, wipe it up immediately using a damp cloth.

Also, the tongue-and-groove construction of hardwood floors allows for easier replacement of damaged pieces. You won’t have to worry about refinishing or replacing the whole floor - simply swap out boards in damaged areas. However, contrary to what some people think, engineered wood floors can be refinished.

3. Less Expensive

Engineered wood floors offer the look and feel of solid wood at a lower price point. You’ll save money on the project, and most people who walk into your home won’t be able to tell the difference. Engineered wood floors look far more like traditional hardwood than manmade products like laminate.

Budget anywhere from $4 to $10 per square foot for materials, depending on quality. Installation adds another $3 to $5 per square foot and removal and haul away of your old floorings costs about $2 per square foot.

4. Moisture Resistant

Engineered wood floors are less sensitive to moisture than solid wood floors. They are less likely to expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity. And unlike traditional hardwood floors, they’re safe to install in moisture-prone areas such as basements.

5. Consistent quality:

Engineered wood floors are finished in the controlled environment of a factory, so the quality of the finish is consistent. It doesn’t vary from batch to batch, or from one retailer to another. With solid wood floors, the quality of the finish is only as good as the installer you hire. If the work is done by someone who is inexperienced, you’re likely to see defects.

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