Engineered hardwood has a high position in today’s flooring market because of its resistance to temperature fluctuations and moisture damage. It comes in an extensive variety of wood species, constructions, specifications, grades, and finishes. With numerous choices available, choosing the right engineered hardwood flooring for your space can be a tricky job.
In today’s blog post, we’ll guide you through some of the most important things to consider when purchasing engineered hardwood. If you’re wondering how to determine if a particular type of engineered flooring product best suits your space and needs, you’ll find this post helpful.
- Composition
Always look out for high-quality plywood. Changes in moisture and temperature cause stress on the plywood when the top layer of hardwood veneer is glued down to it. This means when the top layer dries on the surface, it releases stress on the board. Low-grade plywood is incapable of handling the stress. Therefore, it has a higher chance of delaminating, which is when the different layers of the board (including the top layer) come apart over time.
- Top Layer
Engineered hardwood flooring products are composed of multiple layers of high-density fibreboards that add strength and durability. The top layer of the board, also known as the ‘wear layer’ is composed of solid hardwood. When buying engineered hardwood, you should compare the quality of the top layer of different boards. Note that thicker top layers offer better longevity as they can be sanded more times over the years than boards with thin top layers.
- Dimensions
These boards are available in a wide range of dimensions to suit different kinds of spaces. Although dimensions mainly affect aesthetic appeal rather than functionality, there are certain things you should keep in mind when choosing engineered hardwood boards.
Longer and wider boards are easier and faster to install and come with a contemporary feel, but they’re comparatively expensive. They also display more of the wood grains, giving the surface an attractive appearance, similar to natural timber.
Shorter and narrower boards, on the other hand, come with a traditional feel, lack the attractiveness of longer and wider boards and are more affordable.
- Finish
Engineered wood flooring comes in different finishes and you can choose one based on your aesthetic and protection needs. The boards are available in either pre-treated or untreated condition.
Pre-treated boards are factory finished with lacquer or certain oils which create a protective layer on the surface, preventing them from scratches or accidental damages. You can directly install these boards without having to treat them further. However, there are some types of pre-treated boards that require the application of additional finishes after installation.
Untreated engineered hardwood boards have no finishes applied at the factory. You can apply a finish of your choice after installation. These boards offer a higher level of protection and aesthetic appeal.
Engineered hardwood is a very popular flooring choice these days as it’s more durable than solid hardwood and requires far less maintenance. Keep these points in mind when buying engineered flooring for your home.
If you’re in Brampton, visit our reputed local store which offers authentic Canadian made engineered hardwood from renowned brands.
