If you’re in the market for new hardwood flooring, you need to know that there are two basic types: solid hardwood and engineered hardwood. We are going to focus on engineered hardwood, since it is quickly becoming the most popular type used in homes and businesses today. Engineered hardwood is made up of a few different layers of wood and is covered with a top layer of veneer hardwood. You can get engineered hardwood in just about any species, which makes it a very attractive option for homeowners.
Benefits of Engineered Hardwood Floors
One of the main benefits of engineered hardwood floors is that they can withstand more wear and tear, including moisture. If you live in a location that has high humidity levels, or even if you want to install hardwood floors in a place like a basement, then engineered hardwood should be your first choice. They can handle moisture a lot better than solid hardwood, but it is still advisable to clean up any water that may come in contact with the floor as soon as possible, to prevent rotting or warping of the planks.
Engineered hardwood floors are also typically easier to install, because they can be placed on top of existing flooring in your home in some cases. Cosmetically, engineered hardwood is pretty resistant to scratching and only requires a minimal amount of preventative maintenance for them to retain their shine. They don’t require a lot of major maintenance, like refinishing, and they will last even longer if you take care of them on a daily basis by keeping the surface clean from dust and debris as much as possible.
Disadvantages of Engineered Hardwood Floors
Believe it or not, there aren’t many disadvantages to having engineered hardwood floors installed in your home. One of the things that you have to be aware of is the thickness of the top layer. If the veneer is too thin, then it may wear more quickly and require a more frequent refinishing. You want the lifespan of your hardwood floors to be as long as possible, so getting a thicker veneer and a durable species of hardwood upfront will give you the maximum amount of time to enjoy your floors.
Concerns About Engineered Hardwood Floors
The main concern about engineered hardwood flooring is getting the correct species of hardwood and also making sure the veneer is thick enough for what you need. Floors obviously get a lot of foot traffic, so you don’t want to get a thin veneer that will wear down more quickly. Also, if you have kids or pets, then you will need to take a deeper look at the different types of species to determine which ones scratch more easily and which ones are more durable for spills and messes.
Maintenance for Engineered Hardwood Floors
Maintaining engineered hardwood floors is not as difficult as some people may think. Just like any type of floor, the life of the floor will be increased if you use some preventative maintenance. Take your shoes off before you walk on the floor, place rugs or mats at each entryway and wipe off your feet before you enter the hardwood floor. These minor steps will help prevent scratching because dirt and debris can easily get on the floor. The more dirt and dust that accumulates, the better the chances are that the floor will get scratched when you walk across it.
Luckily, engineered hardwood does not generally require a lot of refinishing. You should consider giving it a deep clean once or twice a year with a good hardwood floor vacuum and even mopping it as needed. But overall, just sweeping or vacuuming the floors occasionally will go a long way in maintaining the natural beauty of the floor.
Main Reasons for Buying Engineered Hardwood Floors
Engineered hardwood floors are cheaper than solid hardwood, and they generally require less maintenance. You really aren’t sacrificing much visual appeal either. In fact, a lot of people believe that engineered hardwood looks better than solid hardwood overall, but that’s a personal preference. If you’re looking for a long-lasting floor that doesn’t require you to clean it daily in order to keep it looking great, then engineered hardwood is the way to go.