The Rise of Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered wood flooring usage is on the rise because it closely mimics the goodness of solid hardwood flooring and is more environmentally sustainable production-wise. The insatiable need for that timeless elegance and hardiness of hardwood flooring has given rise to loads of innovation in the flooring arena. Sources of solid wood flooring are in decline due to deforestation, yet the market demand is at an all-time high.

Engineered wood is a more sustainable source of flooring material utilizing 75% less hardwood material than solid wood flooring. It can also be manufactured using faster-growing hardwoods like poplar, birch, and eucalyptus.

For decades this hardy flooring material has played second fiddle to solid wood flooring. Right now it is the most popular flooring material in the world. The only region where traditional wood flooring still holds sway is in North America. And with the increased rate of building and remodeling, the underdog is bound to catch up to it soon.

How is Engineered Wood Flooring Made?

Unlike solid wood flooring, this innovative flooring material is not comprised of one solid block of wood but several bonded layers of ply. Its top and bottom layers are made of 100% natural solid wood.

It visually resembles solid wood flooring, and its resale value is high. Its manufacturing process gives it many good attributes which is why many homeowners, builders, and designers love to use engineered wood flooring.

What are its advantages?

• Moisture resistance
  It has very stable base layers making it impermeable to moisture and its consequent damage. It can be laid throughout your house with less fear of it rotting or warping.

• Ease of installation
  Due to its build, it shrinks, warps, and flexes less than solid hardwood floors. This makes it much easier to install since it will expand and contract less. There are many ways to install it too. You can staple, glue, nail, or fold and lock it in place, unlike other flooring materials.

• Comfort and elegance
  Regarding comfort and style, it does rank up there with solid hardwood flooring. It is not a good conductor and so will remain relatively warm during cold seasons.

• Resale value
  It is usually marketed as real wood, which attracts many potential home buyers.

Any disadvantages?

• Repair and refinishing
  The top hardwood layer in engineered wood flooring can be sanded and refinished once or twice only because it does wear out fast. This pales in comparison to solid hardwood floors that can be sanded and refinished many times over.

• Durability
  While durable, this flooring cannot compare to the hardiness of solid wood floors. Its thin solid wood surface can chip off or de-laminate with time.

Engineered wood flooring is perfect for homeowners and builders who have a more practical bent. This flooring material's characteristics will endear it in more rooms than solid wood. It is also affordable and will return value. It may lack the longevity of solid wood flooring, but in a world where tastes in décor are in upheaval, it gives you that versatility that many other flooring materials cannot.

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