When you’re on the hunt for classic, long-lasting flooring, engineered hardwood is the most suitable contender.
But, like any flooring material, it too has its benefits and drawbacks, which should be explored to make an informed decision. At The Reno Superstore, we always encourage our customers to understand their flooring choice thoroughly before they buy.
So, let’s explore the pros and cons of engineered hardwood flooring, to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.
Beginnings of Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Engineered hardwood flooring is an increasingly popular choice since first hitting the market in the 1960s – and for good reason. Since traditional wood was difficult to install in buildings with concrete floors, it was widely used in such basements and first level floors. It has evolved phenomenally since then.
Is Engineered Hardwood More Sustainable Environmentally?
Green building materials are fast becoming a major demand for homeowners and designers alike. Engineered hardwood is sustainable to an extent and has the potential to reduce carbon emissions. Unlike traditional hardwood, engineered hardwood is produced with much less harm to the environment, as it requires less wood.
Many brands also source their timber from sustainable forests to make their product more environmentally friendly. If you’re looking to invest in top engineered hardwood brands, then you may find these qualities.
Let’s have a look at the benefits and drawbacks of engineered hardwood flooring.
Advantages
- It’s Cost-Effective
Budget is always a deciding factor for flooring choices; second to your needs. Compared to solid wood flooring, engineered hardwood is a low-cost solution.
In terms of labour and materials combined, engineered hardwood is more cost-effective when you are buying the engineered version of the same wood species. For instance, teak oak engineered floorboards are cheaper than solid oak ones. But an exotic engineered plank will be more expensive than a regular solid oak timber floor.
- It’s Temperature and Moisture-Resistant
Not all areas of your home are built the same way, as some (like kitchens and bathrooms) face more humidity than others. How much the room is used and its environment affects the floorboards.
Thanks to the several composite core layers of engineered hardwood, it is less susceptible to changes in temperature and humidity. Solid hardwood flooring, with all its beauty and charm, is sensitive and tends to shrink with rising temperatures and swell with humidity. This leads to gaps and curls.
That being said, engineered hardwood isn’t immune since the veneer is real hardwood. But the overall swelling and shrinking is far less in solid hardwood variants.
- It’s Versatile
Engineered hardwood is available in a range of thicknesses, sizes, and grades. Because of this reason, you will find it in a variety of projects, both residential and commercial. If you want to know how to choose engineered hardwood flooring for your space, ask one of The Reno Superstore’s experts for help.
- It’s Long-Lasting
Floors, including vinyl and engineered hardwood ones, need to be long-lasting. Installing any type of flooring is a pricey and time-consuming venture.
Engineered hardwood is a sound investment since it is durable. But remember, proper installation, product quality, and where it is installed are all contributing factors to its longevity.
| Pro-tip: Choose a higher thickerness of engineered hardwood planks for areas that face higher- traffic on a daily basis. Commercial installations are slightly different from residential ones, so make sure to convey your concerns to your contractor for the best results.
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- It’s Low Maintenance
Hygiene is an important consideration for every household and commercial space. Investing in flooring that’s easy to clean is always desired.
Engineered hardwood flooring is easy to clean and maintain. Avoid using too much water and bleach to maintain the integrity of the product.
- It’s Easy To Install
If you are a pro do-it-yourselfer then installing this type of floor can be a fun project, if you have previous experience installing floors. If not then it’s best to hire a professional as improper installation can seriously damage your floors. At The Reno Superstore, we offer affordable installation services in and around Toronto and Mississauga.
Disadvantages
- There Are Limited Repair Options
Over the years, every floor faces wear and tear. But is it fixable? Engineered hardwood is… to a certain extent. One of the major benefits of solid hardwood flooring is that it can be refinished and sanded a number of times within its lifespan.
Engineered planks can be refinished and sanded, too, depending on the veneer’s thickness. After this top layer is gone, it needs to be completely replaced.
- It Offers Slightly Less Resale Value
Are you selling your home? Realtors claim that 54% of prospective homeowners are ready to shell out more money for hardwood floors. Compared to solid hardwood, engineered hardwood offers slightly less resale value.
Is It Right For You?
It’s entirely up to you to decide what you want in your home. Engineered hardwood is a great flooring option and can work well for a wide range of spaces. But before you invest, ask yourself:
- Is my lifestyle suitable for this type of flooring?
- Where do I plan to install it?
- What is my immediate need? In other words, why do I want to install this type of flooring?
- Do I have the budget for it?
The answers will help you decide on the best flooring for your given space.
Engineered hardwood is a sturdy, fast-selling option that’s being installed in more and more homes and businesses. But at the end of the day, it needs to suit your lifestyle. Want to know more? Reach out to us and we will help you find the right flooring for your space. Visit The Reno Superstore’s retail stores in Mississauga and Toronto for all your flooring needs.