What are Engineered Hardwood Floors?

Unlike solid wood floors that are milled from one solid (surprise!) piece of lumber, engineered hardwood floors are composed of multiple plies of wood with a solid wood veneer. Underneath the veneer, cross layers of plywood are pressed together to a strong and moisture-resistant core. These board typically vary between 3/4” to1/2”, with 3/4″ starting to emerge more frequently.

enginwood2

Engineered floors were originally developed to be installed on top of concrete floors, particularly in the basement of homes. However, in the last 20 years, the popularity of engineered hardwood floors has exploded and their use has expanded to almost every part of the home.

Benefits of Engineered Hardwood Floors

Solid hardwood floors don’t mix well with environments prone to moisture like basements, but engineered hardwood floors can go on any floor of your home. The construction of engineered hardwood floors makes them less likely to buckle, gap, or react to fluctuating humidity and temperatures.

Pre-finished engineered wood boards are also a great choice for families with pets or children. These boards are tough and are built with enhanced stability in mind which makes them slightly more resistant to wear, buckling, and rippling. Engineered wood floors can stand up to the most punishment kids can dish out, a dog’s sharpest nails, or just everyday spills and wear.

Engineered hardwood is also easier to install than traditional solid hardwood floors. You won’t need to leave any gaps for expansion due to humidity and engineered wood floors can be either nailed down or glued down. They can also be installed as “floating” floors.

Engineered Hardwood Styles

Engineered wood floors can compliment any setting from rustic country cabins to contemporary condos.

enginwood2

If you want to give your home a touch of traditional elegance, wide-plank pine engineered hardwood floors can give that “hand-scraped” look to complete your farmhouse remodel. Red oak floors are typically used in traditional homes, but with a dark stain and a matte top coat, they can look just as stunning in a contemporary setting.

Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We are the leading provider of Bathroom Vanities and Double Vanities in Louisville, Newport, and Cincinnati. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets. In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation!
Written By: Christopher Lush