Engineered vs. solid hardwood flooring
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Engineered vs. solid hardwood flooring
Many mistakenly think solid is the only
version of hardwood flooring. Solid is harvested from trees, rolled into logs,
and then cut into various grain patterns. However, there is another version,
and it is taking a significant share of the wood flooring industry. Called engineered wood flooring, it appeals to
people who want both beauty and practicality.
Similar in appearance, a difference in performance
Differences
are due to construction. While solid is
one thickness throughout, which makes the fiber lie in a parallel position,
engineered in layered. At the top is your species-of-choice, called the veneer
layer; this gives the floor the same beautiful undertones, quirky knots,
swirls, and raised grains as you would find in solid. Underneath are three or
more layers and, here, Mother Nature gets a little help. Genuine wood is
combined with a bit of resin to form layers placed in a crosswise
position.
This gives the floor stability, better resistance to warping, and more versatility in installation since it can be placed in some higher-than-moisture places where solid cannot go. It can be refinished, adds the same value to your property as any other hardwood, and can last for decades.
There is an assortment of species, and it is usually factory finished. Planks are wider and shorter, although some manufacturers include more size variations. Because the floor is stable, there is no shrinkage and contraction to adjust to the weather, so acclimation is not needed. Both solid and engineered care is the same, including frequent sweeping with a soft broom and periodic deeper cleaning with a well-wrung mop and manufacturer-approved cleaner.
This gives the floor stability, better resistance to warping, and more versatility in installation since it can be placed in some higher-than-moisture places where solid cannot go. It can be refinished, adds the same value to your property as any other hardwood, and can last for decades.
There is an assortment of species, and it is usually factory finished. Planks are wider and shorter, although some manufacturers include more size variations. Because the floor is stable, there is no shrinkage and contraction to adjust to the weather, so acclimation is not needed. Both solid and engineered care is the same, including frequent sweeping with a soft broom and periodic deeper cleaning with a well-wrung mop and manufacturer-approved cleaner.
Installing solid and engineered wood floors
Solid wooden floors are the traditional tongue-and-groove, and extensive
subfloor restoration is sometimes needed. Engineered, however, offers the
additional fast and uncomplicated floating floor technique. Here, pieces click
together, mat then hover with no nails or glue needed. Subfloors, even often damp concrete ones, are
fine.
We have the hardwood flooring your Marietta home needs
Our customers ask us one is better than the other, but there’s no
definitive winner. It comes down to how
much you value certain characteristics!
Come by to visit us, and we’ll give you detailed explanations of both. The
Select Floors showroom is in Marietta, GA, convenient to areas in and
around Marietta, Roswell, Alpharetta, John’s Creek, and Woodstock, GA. We have an extensive
inventory of hardwood flooring
and
will be happy to give you a free flooring quote while you are here
