Advantages of Engineered Hardwood Flooring

Function

Engineered hardwood flooring works well in areas that solid wood shouldn't be used. Basements, kitchens, bathrooms, areas over concrete and utility rooms are good places for engineered wood flooring because it resists humidity and moisture. You can get it unfinished, choose a color and finish it yourself, although most brands come prefinished with a coating that protects the wood from moisture.

Benefits

Engineered flooring is good for your health. It resists dust and other allergy triggers. Because grains run in different directions, dimensions of engineered hardwood flooring are more stable than solid wood floors, but it has the same benefits. It's easy to clean by sweeping or vacuuming and using a slightly damp mop. It's very durable if cared for properly, and when the finish wears out it can be refinished more than once, although not as many times as solid wood flooring can. One of the biggest benefits is that it costs a lot less than solid hardwood flooring, but looks the same.

Types

Engineered flooring is available in many styles. Strip flooring usually comes in 1 1/2-, 2 1/4- or 3 1/4-inch wide strips. This linear flooring creates the look of more space. Plank flooring is linear, but it's wider than strip flooring. It's usually available in 3-, 4-, 5- or 6-inch widths. Parquet flooring is made of pieces that form a geometric design and can be placed to form any design you want.

Installation

Engineered hardwood flooring is easier to install than solid wood flooring, and there are different ways to install it. You can staple the flooring to a wood subfloor, glue it over a concrete slab or install it on top of flat flooring, such as vinyl flooring or ceramic tiles. It can also be floated over an existing floor by gluing together boards without attaching them to the permanent floor.

Considerations

Engineered hardwood flooring is easy to maintain if you follow some precautions. Put rugs inside and outside of all doors to prevent sand and grit from getting on floors and wearing down the surface. Don't wear high heels or shoes with cleats on your floors. Put felt protectors on furniture and keep your pets' nails clipped. Place area rugs in high traffic areas. Wipe up spills as soon as they happen and use only wood floor cleaner approved by the manufacturer of your engineered flooring.