Engineered Wood Flooring

When the engineered wood flooring is built, either hard wood or soft wood is placed in the inner layers of the flooring, then a thicker top layer is glued on to ensure durability.  This type of flooring is available in most hardwood species that are typically used in flooring allowing a range of sizes, colors and styles to choose from.  Because of the way it is made, engineered flooring is a lot more durable and resistant to moisture than solid wood flooring.  It is an ideal flooring to use when installing wooden flooring in your basement.  It is also ideal flooring in tropical regions where it can be humid. 

If an engineered wood flooring is installed within your home and is well taken care of, its life span can be anywhere from thirty to forty years.  However be careful when you first purchase the flooring, as there are some companies that produce the flooring with thin top layers that can become a bad choice over the years as you are not able to sand and refinish the flooring, you will only have the option to recoat the flooring.  However, a wood flooring made with thicker top layers will allow you to refinish your flooring at least four or five times.  So be sure to purchase a good thick quality of engineered wood flooring.  Look into buying flooring with a well trusted name, although it may cost a bit more than the cheaper unknown brand, you will end up saving in the long run as your flooring will be stronger and last longer. 

As with all wood flooring, engineered wood flooring comes in a selection of up to three grades, the first grade being the best quality with few knots and less discoloration, and the third grade being the wood with several knots and visible mineral streaks throughout.  The better the grade, the higher the price range.  You can mix the pieces if you wish not to stick to one specific look.  Mixing the graded flooring also gives your floor a more natural look. 

When installing your engineered wood flooring, you can easily install the flooring over vinyl or tiles.  You will want to be certain that the floor you are laying the wooden flooring on is hard, secure and flat.  However, it is recommended that the flooring be glued down to concrete flooring or stapled down onto a wood sub floor. It is never advised to install wooden flooring over carpet, although it is a possibility.  With any type of flooring make sure that the installation is done properly to guarantee the best use of the product.