What is engineered wood flooring?
Flooring has been revolutionized over the last decade. People love wood flooring, but apart from its relatively expensive pricing, hardwood floors require heavy maintenance and are at risk in terms of moisture and heat.
In the engineered wood flooring vs hardwood debate, this new alternative is gaining ground as technology improves.
Note: You can often order free engineered wood flooring samples when available to help you decide!
It basically consists of a core of high density fiber board, plywood or wood, plus a top layer of a wood type of choice. The layers are glued together. Plywood is not as strong as solid wood and is therefore less attractive for usage in core compilation.
The end product is a plank with the natural appearance of a hardwood floor, but that is in some respects more durable than a hardwood floor. The reason for this is that the composite materials of the core layer provide a more solid and stable base.
What Is Engineered Wood Flooring? The Role Of The Core
You have to look closely at the various layers of these floor planks. In fact, between three and five core layers of the composite base material can be used to provide the stability needed for your floor. The stronger and more robust this core section, the stronger your floors will probably be. With the revolutionary breakthrough of using high density fiber board in the core base, the durability of engineered hardwood flooring has been substantially increased, according to reviews.
Moisture and heat are always risk factors with a natural hardwood flooring installation. Wood can buckle, warp and splinter. Engineered products make use of natural wood fibers which are mixed with synthetic polymer resins. These are then carefully molded together in a strong, bonded core. This process dramatically reduces the risks associated with both heat and moisture. Another benefit is that this composite material is much easier to cut and shape than solid hardwood.
If you follow the enthusiasm of engineered hardwood flooring reviews, it becomes clear that this type of flooring has been generally accepted in home remodeling circles and may even be moving towards being a market leader as technology evolves. Reviews emphasize the fact that quality flooring has therefore become more affordable.
The veneer of hardwood that is glued to the core can be chosen from almost any of the commonly known wood species. Some are harder and stronger than others. For example, in reviews Vanier Brazilian Cherry engineered hardwood floors are mentioned as robust, due to the hardness of the top layer of veneer. These floors will do well in high traffic areas.
So, what is engineered wood flooring? An installation that can give you the natural beauty and classic ambiance of almost any real hardwood type, combined with modern wood product technology and a lower price.
