Reasons Why You Should Opt for Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Most homeowners favor hardwood flooring because of its aesthetic appearance and durability. It adds beauty and elegance to a house and can be installed in almost every room. The most durable and cost effective alternative to hardwood is engineered flooring. Engineered hardwood is a mixture of pre-finished plywood and finished wood. There are several options of engineered hardwood that a homeowner can choose from including maple, hickory and oak. This broad variety allows homeowners to choose a type of floor that suits his needs. Here are some reasons why installing engineered hardwood flooring is good for your home.
Longevity and Durability
This flooring type is highly durable and can withstand wood defects such as crowning, warping and bowing. It is made up of two layers of finished wood on the upper side and pre-finished plywood beneath. The extra plywood layer supports the main wood that is on top hence making it more durable. Once installed engineered hardwood flooring can last for a long period of time.
Easy to Install and Maintain
This flooring type is not only easy to install but also easy to maintain. A homeowner can undertake installation on his own depending on the type of flooring he has selected. Most planks can be bought pre- finished which means less work is involved. In case the plank needs replacing or repairs the task is much easier to complete with an engineered floor. Its pre-finished properties enable the floor to be used immediately after installations. However, unfinished solid wood flooring requires sealing before being used, thus more time is needed for installation.
Can be Installed in Moderate Humid Areas
Even though hardwood flooring is not suitable for highly moist areas such as a bathroom, engineered flooring can be installed in moderately moist rooms. Therefore, it is ideal for kitchens and the basement. As compared to other wood floor types, this flooring offers high durability if installed in such rooms.
Cost Efficient
Engineered hardwood flooring is less costly as compared to solid hardwood. Depending on an individual’s installation needs and whether the floor is finished or not, engineered hardwood can save a homeowner a substantial amount of cash. Consequently, if a homeowner has a limited remodeling budget, he can always go for this type of hardwood.
Variety of Installation Options
Engineered hardwood flooring may be installed using several methods unlike other types of hardwood flooring that typically require nailing the planks to a subfloor for total effectiveness. You can either have it installed like a floating floor or glue it down. These installation techniques make this type of floor the most ideal for “do it yourself” enthusiasts.
Generally, engineered flooring is very warm, and it doesn’t produce any unwanted noise. A radiant heating unit can also be installed underneath the flooring hence adding more value. The durability of engineered floors can’t be beat. Maintain them well, and they will last you for a very long time.
This article was brought to you by Tina, a contributor for Floor and Decor Outlets of America, a leading flooring retailer specializing in engineered hardwood flooring, solid hardwood floors, and various tiles like porcelain and ceramic.