Engineered Hardwood Floors - Incredibly Important Facts You Should Know

Engineered hardwood floor is a type of hardwood floor in which multiple layers of planks are joined together with veneer. This is a popular type of hardwood floors that many people use. Here are 4 incredibly useful facts about this wood flooring that will give you better understanding of what it really is.


1. Engineered hardwoods are not that difficult to install. Homeowners can actually install them without the need to consult professionals at the site. The installation process can be carried out both on existing hardwood and imperfect sub floors. You can save your money learning how to install them yourself, but of course it's not that easy either.


2. Engineered hardwoods are manufactured to retain undulations in climatic conditions; hence, these wood floors provide you with more stability than other types of hardwood. Lots of the people who used them have similar things to say.


3. There is a great difference between engineered hardwood flooring and laminate floors. Engineered hardwood floors are made of hardwood veneer, which are glued together with a high-density fiberboard. Laminate floors do not have hardwood surface area.


4. Engineered hardwood floors are constructed with different species of hardwood trees from which you can access the one of your choice. I always encourage people to take the time in picking the one they like, not the one that's available.


So, if you have decided to install engineering hardwood in your home then this article would have provided you with some facts you need to know. More information about engineering hardwoods can be accessed from online reviews on hardwood flooring made online.

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Engineered Hardwood Flooring - Designed to Provide Great Flooring Stability

Have you ever wondered what engineered hardwood flooring is? It is flooring that is made up of a core of hardwood, plywood or HDF that has a top layer of hardwood veneer that is glued to the surface of the core. You can find engineered hardwood flooring in just about any species of hardwood. The end product has the natural characteristics of the hardwood you selected instead of just a photographic layer. This engineered product has been designed to provide the flooring with greater stability, especially in areas of moisture or heat that would pose a problem for conventional solid hardwood flooring.


The difference between a laminate flooring, solid hardwood flooring and engineered hardwood flooring is this: a laminate core floor is usually made of High Density Fiber or HDF. The top layer is a photographic layer that mimics the appearance of the product it is replicating. This can be wood, vinyl, or tile for example. This product is usually about 3/8 inch thick and has a tongue and groove locking system that doesn't use glue. This enables you to install and reinstall the flooring several times if you wish. A laminate is the least expensive of flooring options.


Solid hardwood is the natural wood species throughout the whole flooring. This too usually comes with a tongue and groove installation. A solid hardwood floor has good sanding and refinishing capabilities. It tends to be more expensive, and solid hardwood flooring has limitations to where it can be installed due to moisture or heat issues.


Engineered hardwood flooring usually has three or more core layers. The more layers you have, the greater the stability you can expect. The core layers of engineered hardwood flooring can be made of plywood, high density fiberboard or hardwood. The best part of engineered hardwood flooring is that is does not destroy the natural warmth and beauty of a traditional solid hardwood floor. The top layer is the same genuine hardwood you would have in solid hardwood flooring.


You can add the warmth and grace of more expensive solid hardwood flooring at a fraction of the cost when you decide to use engineered hardwood flooring. With all the money you save, you may want to think about remodeling the rest of your home.

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Engineered Hardwood Flooring- A Problem Free Hardwood Alternative

Simply because of their dimensions, your room's walls and floor are its most noticeable features. And one of the quickest ways to rejuvenate a tired room is to change its floor. While carpeting or area rugs are a great way to introduce color and textural interest to your floor, engineered hardwood flooring is another.

You may have been an admirer of the appearance of hardwood flooring, but steered away from it after hearing tales of the way it expands and shrinks in warm and cold weather, and how it may warp in damp climates. Relax, because the construction of engineered hardwood flooring immunizes it against such shortcomings.

What Is Engineered Hardwood Flooring?

Engineered hardwood flooring is composed of a hardwood "wear layer", from 1/16" to 3/16" thick, laminated or glued to plywood. The plywood backing is assembled in a crossing pattern, usually of 3 or 5 plys.

This construction gives the engineered hardwood flooring both additional stability and resistance to climactic changes. It also allows engineered hardwood flooring to be used on a below-grade or concrete sub flooring, because it is the plywood and not the hardwood which is in contact with the sub-floor. That concrete basement floor can finally get a bit of class!

Just like solid hardwood flooring, engineered hardwood flooring cam be sanded and stained or varnished. It is available in the same widths and thicknesses as regular hardwood, in wither plank or strip style floorboards. Some engineered hardwood flooring is even designed with a snap tongue and groove to simplify its installation.

Installing Engineered Hardwood Flooring

Engineered hardwood flooring can either be floated, meaning it is not actually glued to the sub-floor; it can also be stapled, nailed, or glued. Its price per square foot is similar to that of regular hardwood, but its installation costs are significantly less, averaging about $1.75 per square foot. The lower installation cost is a result of the flatness, and excellent grain and color match of engineered hardwood flooring boards.

If you're still having a hard time picturing how engineered hardwood flooring looks, you can do an online search for flooring retailers in your area who carry it. The site at http://www.penningtonhardwoods.com will give you plenty of information about engineered flooring. You can also use its online directory to find suppliers near you who can help you put together everything you need to get your engineered hardwood flooring installed.

If you love the look of hardwood, but hate the idea of floors that shrink, expand, and even warp, engineered hardwood flooring can be the perfect solution!

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Engineered Hardwood Flooring - How to Select It For Your Needs

Engineered Hardwood Flooring

Engineered hardwood flooring is a product made of a core of hardwood, plywood, or high density fiber and a top layer of hardwood veneer that is glued on the top surface of the core. It is available in almost any hardwood species. The product has the natural characteristics of the selected wood species as opposed to a photographic layer. The "engineered" product has been designed to provide greater stability, particularly where moisture or heat pose problems for hardwood floors.

Wood floors come in two basic types:

o Solid wood flooring
o Engineered wood flooring

Solid Wood Fl is fabricated from 3/4" thick solid wood and tongue and groove sides to join the boards. Some manufacturers make a thinner version that is 5/16" thick. The main advantage of solid wood flooring is its ability to be re-sanded and refinished over many years. It is not uncommon for solid wood floors to last 50 years or more. Solid wood floors come unfinished or prefinished in almost any wood species.

The main issue to consider with solid wood floors is its susceptibility to expansion and contraction due to humidity changes in the home. To accommodate for movement, these floors are typically installed with a 5/8" to 3/4" gap around the perimeter of the floor along the wall. This gap is covered by shoe molding and baseboards.

The 3/4" thick floors should not be installed in a below grade condition, such as a basement. However, the thinner 5/16" wood floors may be used in that application. When installing a solid wood floor over new or existing concrete, be sure the manufacturer's recommendations on limits of moisture in the concrete are followed.

Solid wood flooring is available in three main types:

o Strip flooring is denoted by the thickness and width of the wood planks. Strip flooring has a set width, but the thickness can vary. Strip flooring ranges in thickness from 5/16" to ¾" wide. It is available only in widths of 1 1/2", 2", and 2 1/4".

o Plank flooring comes in two thicknesses, but unlike strip flooring, the widths can vary. It is available only in thicknesses of 1/2" or 3/4" and a range of widths from 3" to 8".

o Parquet flooring has a very different look from typical hardwoods. They are made up of geometrical patterns composed of individual wood patterns composed of individual wood slats held in place by mechanical fastening or an adhesive.

Laminate flooring is not real wood, at least not in the way that hardwood and engineered wood are. It is comprised of a thin top layer of resin-infused paper, all on top of a wood chip composite. Technically, it is wood. It is an amazing simulation of wood. The resin layer is essentially a photograph of wood. Laminate flooring is an alternative to wood flooring. It is scratch resistant and it works well in topically moist environments like bathrooms and kitchens, unlike hardwood flooring. Additionally, laminate flooring is very easy to install.

Engineered wood flooring solves a lot of the problems hardwood and laminate flooring have:

o Solid Hardwood does not tolerate moisture well.
o Solid Hardwood can have uneven quality
o Laminate Flooring does not tolerate moisture well
o Laminate Flooring is fake wood and can not be sanded.

Basics of Engineered Wood Floors

Engineered hardwood floors are constructed similar to that of basic plywood with the top surface being actual hardwood. Products come in two to ten ply construction depending on the manufacturer. Many manufacturers have increased the surface (also known as veneer or wear layer) layer that will result in some engineered floors lasting as long as the traditional ¾" solid flooring. One of the most important factors contributing to the longevity of any hardwood floor is the amount of refinishable material.

Solid 3/4" hardwoods have approximately 1/4 of an inch above the tongue and groove construction. Once it is sanded to that level, nails or staples begin to appear and should be replaced. The better and thicker engineered hardwood floors have 1/8" to 3/16" above the tongue and groove. Since the veneer is real wood, it can be sanded up to two to three times.

Engineered floors are the ideal solution for hardwood flooring on concrete. The dimensional stability of the way they are constructed. Each ply layer is pressure glued and set in the opposite direction. Engineered hardwood floors expand and contract with high humidity, as opposed to hardwood flooring. The more plies the greater stability.

Installation of most engineered hardwood floors are done by the glue down or floating floor method. It is very important to note that not all engineered products have the same type of installation specifications. Some floors may be floating, glue direct, or staple only. Maunufacturers specifications should be followed explicitly. The majority of prefinished engineered hardwoods have limits on lengths at 42 to 48 inches, opposed to most solid hardwoods at 72 to 84 inches. Typically, lower end flooring will have shorter pieces. Typically, longer lengths are preferred as they offer a more appealing look on completion.

What is a floating floor? It is a method of installing a floor rather than a specific type of flooring material. In this method, the individual planks or boards attach to each other - either by means of gluing or snapping together, but do not attach to the sub floor on which it is being installed. This is in contrast to a solid wood floor which requires nailing down to the sub floor. A jigsaw puzzle is one great comparison. With a jigsaw puzzle, pieces connect to each other, but not to the table. A floating floor is like a jigsaw puzzle. An advantage of the floating floor method of installation is it allows for the floor to move and expand in response to changes in the room's humidity.

Wood Flooring Hardness Rating

The hardness of wood flooring is measured by something called the Janka Test. A.444 inch steel ball is driven into the wood to half the ball's diameter. The test measures the force needed to embed a steel ballot half of its diameter in the piece of wood being tested, with rating measured in pounds of force per square inch. So with this rating, the higher the number the harder the wood.

Wood hardness is important since one of the key considerations in selecting the species of wood floor, you should be aware how much resistance the wood has to scratches and indentations. For example, if you have a dog with long nails then scratching the floor is a consideration and you should select a species with a higher rating such as hickory, maple, oak, or ash.

While it may seem logical to pick the hardest wood, certain factors should be considered:

o Soft wood can be hardened to some degree by the application of polyurethane finishes

o Hard wood is nearly always much more expensive than the softer and medium grade woods.

o Hard wood is more difficult to saw, drill, and nail than other woods, requiring more time and labor, therefore more money.

Hardwood Floor Appearances Can Differ

Hardwood veneers have the same surface appearances as solid hardwood flooring because they are both natural hardwoods. Different appearances result from the different ways the hardwood is sawn. The different sawing methods are:

o Flat Sawn (also referred to as plain sawn) - can be flat grain, which has a cathedral or gothic effect or vertical grain which has a radial or edge grain effect.

o Rotary Cut - method of cutting wood in which the hardwood layer is peeled off the log using large wood lathes. This peeling method shows dramatic, wilder graining.

o Off-Set Rotary Cut - method of cutting wood which gives a sliced appearance and grain pattern with the added cross grain stability of sliced, without the sliced cost. Hardwoods are more dimensionally stable across the grain, and off-set rotary cutting takes advantage of this property. The yield is lower than a regular rotary cut creating a slight price increase vs. standard rotary.

o Sliced Cut - method of cutting wood in which the hardwood layer is sawn like regular lumber. This shows finer graining.

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The Beauty of Engineered Hardwood Floors

Although natural hardwood floors have been around for a long time, modern engineered hardwood flooring has become a more popular option. The way engineered flooring is manufactured gives it characteristics that aren't inherent in natural hardwoods. It is also much less expensive to install in your home, and it can even be used in places, such as basements, where moisture is a problem.

Engineered hardwood and natural hardwood flooring materials are constructed in different ways. With natural hardwood floors, the planks are entirely made from a piece of hardwood. Engineered flooring, on the other hand, only employs real hardwoods in the top layer. This layer gives engineered hardwoods the same look and feel as solid hardwoods but at a substantially-reduced cost. Engineered hardwoods are available with top layers made of oak, pine, ash, teak, or bamboo. The bottom layers of the product are fabricated from other woods which can be easily replenished in nature and are much more budget-friendly.

The core layers of engineered flooring could be medium- or high-density plywood or fiberboard, and the number of layers can be different depending on the manufacturer. Most commonly the floors will be fabricated with three layers of wooden core. However, it's possible to find flooring that has a core consisting of five to seven layers of wood products. The number of layers used in the core has a definite impact on the durability of the engineered hardwood flooring.

Weather changes can affect the condition of natural hardwood floors causing it to expand or contract to the point where it can warp or buckle. An advantage of engineered hardwood floors is that the core gives the flooring more ability to expand and contract without causing serious damage. Since engineered flooring can adapt to all climates much better than natural hardwoods can, it can be used in far more places and conditions.

Most people are reluctant to consider hardwood floors in humid or damp areas of their homes because they are afraid of them becoming damaged. You won't have that worry with engineered hardwood floors which makes them perfect for use in bathrooms and basements. They can also be put in right on top of a radiant heat system with none of the shrinking, buckling, or cupping you would expect if you used natural hardwoods.

Engineered hardwood floored doesn't require the use of glue or nails for its installation, so it can be put down over any type of surface. This is known as a floating floor, and the technique lets you install a floor in which you'll have no gaps between hardwood panels. The only compensation you'll have to make before putting down your new engineered floor is to add a vapor barrier between the flooring and the surface it's going to be installed on.

The reason that engineered hardwood flooring can be installed as a floating floor is that it's constructed using tongue-and-groove technology which easily locks the planks together. This type of construction makes the floor a snap to install quickly. In addition, if you decide to move to another home, it's easy to take your engineered flooring apart so that you can reinstall it in your new place saving you the expense of adding it in the future. If a plank gets damaged, it's a fairly easy task to replace it with a new one.

Engineered hardwood flooring is finished with a very durable coating that will help your floors continue to look beautiful even after they've been used for many years. If they should become worn, they can be refinished. Think twice before you try to refinish your floors yourself. Do you really want to subject your floors to your own lack of expertise? A professional refinisher will be able to do a much more durable job in far less time. Keep in mind, though, that engineered flooring can only be refinished so many times as the hardwoods are only one layer deep.

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How to Decide Between an Engineered Hardwood Floor and a Solid Hardwood Floor

If you're looking to purchase hardwood flooring then chances are you have come across two types of hardwood. The first is called engineered floor and the second is called solid floor. The two floors look 100% identical so to decide which floor will better suit your needs, you need to understand the difference between the two.



Engineered hardwood floor - This type of floor is also known as semi-solid floor because it is made from a three layer core of hardwood together with plywood or MDF and a top layer of hardwood veneer (the topmost layer of the engineered flooring) that is glued together. The engineering process gives the wood new properties which prevent it from shrinking or expending under certain temperature levels, therefore it is ideal for places where moisture or heat could pose problems.



Solid hardwood floor - This type of floor is also known as real hardwood floor because unlike engineered floor it is made from 100% wood. It's 100% wood construction which is normally made from one piece of oak timber gives the floor stronger properties compared to engineered wood which makes it ideal for places where the home structure could benefit from extra stability. Another characteristic of solid hardwood flooring is its ability to react well to sanding and re-coating a process which could give the floor extra longevity.



Because both types of wood floors look and feel identical it is more a question of where it is placed. There isn't much difference in term of price, but as we mentioned before, solid floors will react well to re-coating making them last longer and giving you the option to change their appearance.

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Engineered Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood Flooring adds an elegant touch to any space. The biggest things to consider when choosing your hardwood, though, are often overlooked. Many times, consumers will purchase their wood based solely on the color and thickness. The thickness of the wood can be very misleading.

It is often perceived that thicker wood means greater stability, and a more structurally sound product. In reality, a 3/8" engineered wood product can often be much more stable structural wise than a 3/4" solid product. The type of wood, and the type of construction can influence this.

For instance, if you have a 3/4" solid russian birch (which is one of the softest woods sold as flooring), the product will wear much, much faster than a 5-ply engineered 3/8" brazilian cherry wood.

For this reason, it is a much better rating system to view the wood's overall performance ability, which is evident through the warranty offered on the product. This can be much harder to judge when comparing cabin/tavern grade woods, as they often do not come with a warranty. In that particular situation, you can consider the warranties offered with the product's first quality counterpart.

Generally speaking, the longer the warranty, the better the structural ability of the wood. If it were likely to fail (show major signs of wear), then the manufacturer would be less willing to stand behind the product.

To this effect, engineered woods often come with a 25 year residential warranty, while many solid wood products carry only a 15 year. Also, most all commercially warranted hardwood flooring products are engineered. It is uncommon that you will find a solid wood floor that is recommended in a commercial application.

Going by these indicators, it can be seen that engineered wood is just as much structurally stable as solid wood, and should not be feared because it is not as thick.

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Engineered Hardwood Flooring: Reliable Floors to the Core

Many people quite rightly seek out solid hardwood flooring as the best means to add certain warmth, class, and an atmosphere of homey comfort to an interior. But, as many find out, hardwood flooring can have limitations in areas that are prone to climatic changes; when it is humid or damp, an unfortunate effect in hardwood is often the swelling or cupping of the hardwood flooring boards. When looking to invest in long-lasting and attractive flooring therefore, one of the things to look out for is a flooring material that is likely to respond to these sorts of environmental changes without losing any of its structural stability, or its attractiveness. A solution that many have discovered for versatility, attractiveness, and with a robust design noted for structural stability is engineered hardwood flooring. But what is engineered hardwood, and what makes it so resistant to the climatic forces which usually spell doom for solid hardwood flooring?

Engineered Hardwood Flooring: Anatomy Lesson

Engineered hardwood flooring is made up of two main elements: the top layer and the core. The core is made up of stacked layers of medium or high-density fiberboard, or sometimes plywood, which most often range from 3 ply to 7 ply construction. This stacking design acts as a means to allow the flooring to counteract the effects of humidity on the natural wood, allowing each board to expand and contract without warping or cupping. As you may guess, this makes for a hardwood floor that is suitable for an installation in an area that is not environmentally controlled, or that is characterized by higher levels of dampness or humidity, such as a basement installation. The top layer of engineered hardwood floors is a species of real wood. In this sense, engineered floors are as "genuine" as any hardwood floor, with real wood that lends a space a decorative dimension that most people interested in hardwood are looking for. So, with engineered hardwood flooring, you get the functionality and toughness that the core allows, as well as the refined beauty of the real hardwood top layer that is indistinguishable to the eye from solid hardwood.

Installing Engineered Hardwood Floors

An advantage that engineered flooring has over many flooring options is that you can install it in any room, either above or below ground. It is also generally designed to be installed quickly and easily. This is advantageous not only for the do-it-yourselfer, but also to the hardwood flooring contractor who may offer engineered hardwood as a means of moving from one flooring contract to another quickly, but without sacrificing quality. With many engineered hardwood flooring lines, there is no need for nailing the boards down to the subfloor. This has a couple of implications. First, that a concrete slab subfloor is a suitable substrate on which to install engineered hardwood, unlike solid hardwood. Second, that many engineered hardwood flooring lines can either be floated, as you would a laminate floor, or glued down. As long as you subfloor is clean, level and dry, engineered hardwood flooring is a versatile option that can yield successful results without the need to consider whether or not a subfloor is suitable for a nail-down installation.

In the case of a floating floor, remember to use a reliable vapor barrier between the subfloor and your flooring. The adhesives used in a glue-down option often add the advantage of acting as a built-in vapor barrier. Ask the professionals about the details on your chosen line of engineered hardwood flooring.

Locking Systems For Engineered Hardwood Flooring

Most types of engineered hardwood feature a tongue and groove locking system. These are designed for a level of precision that makes for a refined flooring surface that is free of unsightly gaps between the boards. Once again, versatility and practicality are the distinguishing features of engineered hardwood flooring. Often, these types of locking systems allow you to take up the boards at a later date when necessary, if you've chosen a floating floor option. So, you can take your floor with you when you're moving house, or allow you to more easily replace any damaged boards. When making a purchase, it is a good idea to ask whether your chosen line of engineered hardwood flooring allows for this feature.

Radiant Heat and the Engineered Hardwood Floor

Radiant heat is a welcome feature to many households and commercial interiors. But, when choosing a flooring option, it is important to note the impact that radiant heating may have in the short term as well as the long term. For solid hardwood, radiant heat can have a significantly negative effect; the radiant heating can severely dry out the hardwood, which in turn causes the boards to warp and cup as they would if they were exposed to excessive moisture. Luckily, engineered hardwood has been designed to counteract this tendency, just as it has in the case of humidity and dampness in a below-grade or non-environmentally controlled interior. Once again, the core of the engineered floor expands and contracts accordingly, while preserving the structural stability of the board and the attractiveness of the top layer.

Freedom with Engineered Hardwood Flooring!

With engineered floors, you are free to consider the possibilities of using hardwood in areas that would mean disaster for a solid hardwood floor. Engineered hardwood floors allow you all of the beauty and organic feel, as well as a greater range of options as far as the location of your installation. With the dual features of an attractive top layer that is a real hardwood species, and a core which is designed to shift and move with climatic changes, engineered hardwood flooring is perfect for a basement installation, or an installation in a summer home or cottage that is not environmentally controlled all year round. Along with these functional benefits, engineered hardwood floors are often less expensive than their solid hardwood counterparts, making them worth serious consideration on a budgetary level. With all of its features that allow these advantages, engineered hardwood truly stands as being in a class by itself.

Here is a list of things to consider when purchasing, installing and maintaining your engineered hardwood floor:

Do:
# Consider the area where you will be installing your engineered hardwood floor in terms of moisture levels and foot traffic - use this to help you to choose the species of flooring that is right for what you have in mind
# Allow for a certain level of wastage per square foot when placing an order, depending on your level of expertise. You are the best judge of how much this will be, but a good range in general is 7-10% for non-professional installers
# Read all installation instructions and warranty information very carefully
# Consult any information about your radiant heating system in order to learn the best practice when using it under an engineered hardwood floor
# Inspect your batch of engineered hardwood flooring for any defects before you begin an installation
# Make sure that your subfloor is clean, dry and level before you install your engineered flooring
# Clean your engineered hardwood floors frequently, seeing to spills immediately using DRY or DAMP mops, vacuums, and cloths
# Use rugs and runners to protect high traffic areas and access points to the outdoors. This will minimize the amount of dirt and grit that can negatively effect the finish of your engineered hardwood flooring

Don't:
# Use wax-based cleaners, harsh detergents, abrasives, or steel wool to clean engineered hardwood flooring
# Apply finish to an engineered hardwood floor that has already been finished at the factory
# Overwet engineered hardwood when cleaning - excessive moisture can still have a negative effect on your flooring, just as it would with solid hardwood
# Wear spike-heels or athletic spikes on your engineered hardwood floors

This is of course by no means a comprehensive list. When making a purchase or caring for an existing floor, it can be a great benefit to consult with the experts. Local flooring contractors and sales experts in the industry are two great sources of information when you are seeking to make an informed purchase or when organizing a cleaning regimen. It is always a good idea to talk with the professionals and use their years of experience in flooring to your advantage.

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Engineered Hardwood Flooring - Differences You Must Be Aware of

Engineered hardwood flooring is a common type of wood floor seen on the market today. If you are a first time shopper for hardwood flooring, an engineered wood may be something you haven't seen yet or aren't aware of the differences between it and solid wood floors. You may also think that all engineered hardwood floors are created equal. The differences between engineered and solid can affect installation, value, and cost. You will also see after taking a closer look that there can be significant differences between the available engineered hardwood flooring offerings in the industry.

So what are the differences between engineered and solid hardwood floors?

1. The main difference is the construction of the boards. A solid hardwood board is made as a solid piece from a single cut of a specific wood species. An engineered hardwood flooring product is made of multiple layers of wood. The top layer is the actual species of wood that you see. This top layer, or veneer, as it is called, is available in almost any species imaginable. Oak, Brazilian Cherry, Maple, and Walnut are some of the more popular selections you will find that are offered. The other layers beneath the veneer are usually plywood based or other solid wood material. These layers are formed on top of one another in a perpendicular pattern. This type of construction gives the floor a very stable design and also gives added strength against expansion caused by moisture and humidity.

2. The structure difference between solid and engineered affects how the product is installed. Solid floors are usually nail down only. Engineered hardwood flooring is offered in a multitude of installation methods. You will find engineered wood products as glue down, floating floor (no glue or nails), and even an occasional nail down. Engineered can be installed over a concrete sub floor as well, which makes it a perfect option for dry basements.

3. One drawback to engineered hardwood versus solid is the refinishing capability. Solid floors can be refinished many times over the life of the product, whereas most engineered woods can be refinished only once or twice.

4. Engineered will usually cost less than a solid hardwood flooring product. Since the top layer is the only layer with the true wood species, the material cost is less, therefore the end product to you the consumer is less. Engineered hardwood doesn't add the long term value to a home that solid does but the lower upfront price gives shoppers a nice alternative for tight budgets.

When comparing engineered hardwood flooring you need to consider a few things.

1. Look at the cross section of the board design. If the layers are all solid wood, it is probably a good, solid designed product. If some of the layers look like a brown, recycled paper material, or fiberboard you will want to stay away from these products. Engineered hardwood flooring is supposed to provide a solid, structurally sound floor. These fiberboard layers do not give you the quality structure that solid wood layers provide. The large home improvement stores are the main culprits who sell this type of inferior product. Just be on the lookout for board designs that have inferior layers.

2. The number of layers will sometimes differ between engineered hardwood flooring designs. A 5 layer product is a good choice. You may run across 3 layer designs as well. The 3 layer versions are acceptable, but 5 layers are better. The added layers give extra stability to the wood which is extremely important if you are installing the floor where there could be moisture or humidity concerns.

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