Engineered Hardwood Flooring Buying Guide
Engineered hardwood flooring is a popular choice for homeowners who want the timeless beauty of natural hardwood with added resistance to moisture and temperature fluctuations.
This guide will walk you through the pros and cons of engineered hardwood flooring to help you make an informed decision that fits your vision and your budget.
What Is Engineered Hardwood?
Engineered hardwood flooring is a composite material made of both natural wood and plywood layers, whereas solid hardwood is made of a single, solid plank of wood. Engineered hardwood is available in a wide range of wood species, finishes and plank sizes, offering the look and feel of traditional hardwood with added benefits.
The multilayer design of engineered hardwood allows it to be more stable than solid hardwood, reducing the risk of expansion and contraction due to changes in humidity. It is also much easier to install than natural hardwood, typically coming with snap-together sides.
Engineered hardwood flooring features a natural hardwood surface across the top, making its appearance virtually indistinguishable from natural hardwood floors. This natural top can be sanded and refinished—and this can be done multiple times, depending on the top layer's thickness.
Factors to Consider When Buying Engineered Hardwood
Wear Layer Thickness
The wear layer is the topmost hardwood veneer that determines how durable and long-lasting the flooring will be. In contrast to luxury vinyl flooring, which has a clear wear layer PVC or another durable material over a photo layer, engineered hardwood flooring's wear layer is the hardwood layer itself.
The thickness of the wear layer will determine how resilient the flooring is to larger dents and scratches. The thicker the layer, the better it will withstand wear and tear as well as more significant marring. Thicker wear layers of 4mm or more also allow for sanding and refinishing once or twice, dramatically extending the lifespan of the floor. Engineered wood flooring with a thinner wear layer tends to be more budget friendly but does not provide the option for sanding and refinishing.
Look
The look of engineered hardwood flooring is the same as the look of solid hardwood flooring, including the natural grain pattern and texture. Engineered hardwood often comes in a variety of tones, allowing you to create a darker, more romantic look or a brighter, vibrant feel. These floors also come in multiple widths, with wide planks creating a modern, spacious feel, and narrow planks offering a more traditional look. Additionally, some engineered hardwood options feature wire-brushed or textured surfaces that help hide scratches and natural imperfections, making them ideal for households with pets or children.
Finish Type
There are typically two types of engineered hardwood flooring: prefinished or site-finished options. Prefinished floors are factory-coated, making them easier to install, while site-finished floors allow for customization but require more time and effort during installation.
All Tile Shop engineered hardwood flooring is matte finished, which showcases the hardwood's natural beauty. Engineered hardwood with a thicker top layer can be refinished to achieve different effects, such as a high-gloss finish or satin, which is a nice balance between matte and glossy finishes.
Installation Methods
Engineered hardwood can be installed in several ways, depending on the subfloor and whether you intend to install the flooring yourself.
The floating floor method involves clicking the planks together without adhesive, making it a DIY-friendly option. This method allows for easy installation over existing flooring and can be replaced or removed with minimal effort.
Glue-down installation provides a secure bond and is ideal for concrete subfloors. This method ensures strong adhesion, reduces noise and adds stability to the flooring.
Nail-down installation is best for plywood subfloors and ensures a strong hold. This installation method provides a secure fit but requires a high level of expertise to ensure proper alignment and to minimize floor movement.
Moisture Resistance
Compared to solid hardwood, engineered hardwood has better moisture resistance. While engineered hardwood floors are not ideal for areas that experience routine high humidity, like bathrooms and laundry rooms, they are still much better equipped to withstand increases in humidity. However, prolonged exposure to standing water can still cause damage. To protect your flooring, clean up spills immediately and consider using a dehumidifier in particularly damp areas.
Maintenance
Engineered hardwood requires regular sweeping or vacuuming to prevent dirt buildup, which can scratch the surface over time. Avoid excessive moisture when cleaning, as prolonged exposure to water can still cause damage despite engineered hardwood's improved moisture resistance. Use a damp (not wet) microfiber mop with a manufacturer-approved wood floor cleaner to maintain its finish.
To further protect your engineered hardwood, consider placing rugs in high-traffic areas, especially near entryways and sinks, where spills are more likely to occur. Furniture pads can help prevent dents and scratches caused by heavy furniture. And avoid using tape or other adhesives, as these can discolor the finish.
Budgeting
The cost of engineered hardwood flooring can vary significantly depending on factors such as wear layer thickness, wood species and finish. The Tile Shop offers engineered hardwood flooring options ranging from a little over $3 to about $7 per square foot, although other retailers may have prices as high as $16 per square foot. You should also factor in the cost for finishing materials, such as trim.
The main factor impacting the price of engineered hardwood flooring is the tree species used and the thickness of the hardwood veneer. Thicker veneers and harder wood will result in a higher price but will also provide higher quality in terms of stability and longevity.
The total cost of engineered hardwood flooring will depend on whether you are performing the installation yourself or having it professionally installed.
DIY Installation
DIY Installation is the most cost-effective approach—assuming you have the knowledge and skills to complete the job. Mistakes in DIY floor installation can lead to costly re-dos or even the need to call in an expert to fix mistakes. That said, floating engineered hardwood floor installation is an approachable project for moderately experienced DIY enthusiasts. Just be sure to follow installation and manufacturer instructions closely.
Professional Installation
Professional installation will be a bigger investment, but it will also save time and effort. You can expect to pay between $15 and $25 per square foot depending on your region and the materials you choose. Having a professional install your flooring is an excellent choice for those who are not interested in taking on a home renovation project themselves or who need to have the project done quickly.
Where to Install Engineered Hardwood
The natural warmth of wood is a welcome addition to just about any room, but there are some spaces where it is better to install engineered hardwood than others. Engineered hardwood is an ideal flooring material for low and medium traffic areas such as living rooms, bedrooms, and dining rooms. However, engineered hardwood is not a good idea for areas that are prone to exposure to moisture through spills or high humidity such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms, as the exposure to moisture can cause warping.