Engineered Hardwood Flooring FAQs

What is Engineered Hardwood Flooring?

Engineered hardwood flooring looks just like traditional hardwood flooring, but it’s constructed in a different way. It’s made of a plywood core with a relatively thin layer of real hardwood on top, whereas traditional hardwood flooring is made of a solid piece of hardwood.

How Long Does Engineered Hardwood Flooring Last?

Engineered hardwood floors can last up to 30 years with the proper care. However, the exact lifespan depends on the quality of the flooring, the thickness of the veneer (the protective layer), the type of room it was installed in, and how well you maintain it over the years.
Engineered hardwood flooring can usually only be refinished once or twice before the thin layer of hardwood is exhausted, so it does not last as long as traditional hardwood flooring.

How Much Does Engineered Hardwood Flooring Cost?

It typically costs about $4-$10 per square foot. However, this doesn’t include the cost of labor or other potential expenses, such as replacing the subfloor.

Is Engineered Hardwood Flooring Water Resistant?

Engineered hardwood flooring isn’t waterproof and doesn’t do particularly well in humid or moist rooms, such as basements and mudrooms. However, it’s less vulnerable to swelling and warping than traditional hardwood flooring. If it has an extra thick layer of veneer on top, it will be better protected against spills and any possible water damage.

Does Engineered Hardwood Flooring Resist Scratches?

This type of flooring resists scratches and scuffs to a certain degree. It’s durable, but keep in mind the surface is made of real hardwood, making it more susceptible to wear and tear than harder materials, such as concrete and ceramic.

How Do You Clean Engineered Hardwood Flooring?

You’ll want to sweep and mop it regularly to keep it clean. When mopping, make sure to use a damp mop rather than one that’s soaking wet. If you accidentally get the floor too wet or notice any standing water, try drying those areas off as quickly as possible to avoid any water damage. You should also use a special wood cleaner occasionally in order to keep your floors in great condition. Remember, do NOT use a steam cleaner on your engineered hardwood floors, or you could risk long-term damage.

Is Engineered Hardwood Flooring Easy to Install?

It’s installed via a click-and-lock method, making it quick for your flooring company to install. Sometimes engineered hardwood flooring is attached to the subfloor, but many times, it’s installed as a floating floor. Installing it as a floating floor simplifies and avoids the installation process of having to nail or glue to the subfloor.

What’s the Resale Value of Engineered Hardwood Flooring?

It typically won’t add resale value to your home in the way traditional hardwood flooring would. That being said, it usually isn’t a turnoff for potential buyers, either. It’s typically favored over options like carpet and vinyl floors.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Engineered Hardwood Flooring?

Pros:

• Just as beautiful as traditional hardwood flooring
• Available in many different styles
• Can last up to 30 years
• More affordable than traditional hardwood flooring
• Durable
• Easy to clean
• Relatively easy to install

Cons:

• Can’t be refinished as many times as traditional hardwood flooring
• More expensive than other types of flooring, such as laminate
• Won’t add value to your home the way traditional hardwood flooring would
• Not completely waterproof or scratch-resistant
• Not ideal for moist or humid rooms

Get Beautiful Engineered Hardwood Floors for Your Home

If you want stunning engineered hardwood floors, the team at In and Out Floors has got your back. We offer engineered hardwood flooring in many different finishes and wood types, making it easy for you to find one that matches your home.

We know choosing the right flooring for your home is a big choice, but that doesn’t mean it has to be overly stressful or expensive. We simplify things by offering free quotes, bringing the showroom to you, and providing plenty of helpful advice along the way. Contact one of our team members in Warren or Utica,  Michigan to learn more and get the process started!

The post Answers to Your Questions About Engineered Hardwood Flooring first appeared on In and Out Floors.

Lots of homeowners are drawn to hardwood flooring since it’s stylish and long-lasting, but many people quickly realize it’s out of their budget. Fortunately, engineered hardwood flooring is a popular alternative to traditional hardwood flooring that offers many benefits, such as more affordable pricing. These two types of flooring look similar, but there are key differences that set them apart. Let’s go over what engineered hardwood floors are, then compare them to traditional hardwood floors so you can choose the right one for your home!

Details About Engineered Hardwood Flooring

What is Engineered Hardwood Flooring?

Engineered hardwood flooring consists of a relatively thin layer of real hardwood (veneer) attached to the top of a high-quality plywood core. The exact thickness of the veneer and the construction of the core depends on the manufacturer.
When choosing engineered hardwood flooring, look for one with a thick veneer, as this will increase the lifespan of your floors. The thicker the veneer is, the more you can sand them down and refinish them. Engineered hardwood floors can typically be refinished once or twice before the veneer becomes too thin. However, if the veneer is very thin from the start, you might just have to replace them rather than refinish them when the time comes.
It’s important to ask different companies about the construction of the cores in their engineered hardwood floors. You’ll want one with a durable yet flexible core so that it can withstand humid and damp conditions.
When you’re shopping around for engineered hardwood floors, ask for plenty of samples so you can compare the thickness of the veneer, the layers and thickness of the core, and the overall appearance.

The Benefits of Engineered Hardwood Floors

There are many reasons why homeowners love engineered hardwood floors, such as:

• Style – Engineered hardwood floors look beautiful. They also come in a variety of stains, finishes, and thicknesses, so you’re sure to find one that matches your home’s décor. Just like with traditional hardwood, you can choose from different wood species and grain patterns to find your perfect style.
• Affordability –Engineered hardwood flooring mimics the real deal for a fraction of the cost, making it a popular flooring choice.
• Easy to Clean – This type of flooring is low maintenance and easy to clean. Simply sweep and mop on a regular basis, then use a wood cleaner when a deeper cleaning is needed. Just remember to avoid using steam or excessive amounts of water while cleaning your wood floors.
• Durability – Due to its sturdy core, engineered hardwood flooring is quite durable. It resists water damage and warping more effectively than other types of wood flooring.
  Compared to some other flooring options, such as economy laminate, engineered hardwood flooring is more kid-friendly, pet-friendly, and suitable for high-traffic areas. The material is very resistant to scratches and scuffs—especially if additional layers of finish have been added to it.
• Long Lifespan –This type of flooring typically lasts between 20-40 years. The exact lifespan depends on the veneer thickness, finish layer, and how well it was taken care of.
• Easy to Install – If you’re a DIYer, you’ll be happy to know that this flooring is relatively simple to install. It can be installed with a nail-down method (like traditional hardwood floors), or it can easily be installed as a “floating floor” or glued to a concrete floor. If you opt for professional installation, you can expect the project to be finished in a matter of days rather than weeks.

Differences Between Engineered Hardwood and Traditional Hardwood Flooring

Now that you know the benefits of engineered hardwood flooring, let’s compare it with traditional hardwood flooring. Here are the key differences:

Traditional Hardwood Flooring:

• Lasts about 30-100 years
• Can be refinished 2-3 times
• More expensive
• Prone to warping in humid or damp conditions

Engineered Hardwood Flooring:

• Lasts about 20-40 years
• Can be refinished up to 2 times
• More affordable
• Resists warping in humid or damp conditions

Get a Free Quote from In and Out Floors Today

Do you want to add engineered hardwood floors to your home? The experienced team at In and Out Floors has got you covered. We’d be happy to show you different floor samples, answer any questions you might have, and professionally install new flooring in your home. We have two convenient locations in Warren and Utica, MI, and we’ll come to you to provide a free estimate and help you select your perfect floors.  Contact us for a free quote today!

The post Why Homeowners Love Engineered Hardwood Floors first appeared on In and Out Floors.