Engineered Wood Flooring
While engineered wood looks very much like hard wood, this thinner alternative is actually more impervious to water. How? Engineered wood is composed of several layers that are cross stacked, glued, and laminated. That way, they stand up to humidity well in rooms like the basement. Engineered wood is available in strips or planks. Its quality is determined by the thickness of the boards, especially the top veneer layer.
Pros: Laminated engineered wood consists of a thin veneer of real wood attached to a substrate of plywood. It features a multi-ply layer that allows for expansion and contraction as changes in temperature and moisture levels occur; preventing changes in the shape and form of the flooring – no cupping or bowing of the boards. This type of flooring material is considered to be the most suitable choice for interiors with uncontrolled environments such as basements. Unlike hardwood flooring you can install engineered flooring over radiant heating systems. It’s long lasting, attractive, and you’ll find a wide variety of options in color, cut, finish, and surface texture. Along with all the functional benefits the cost of this material is equally satisfying – often much less expensive than their solid hardwood counterparts.
Cons: Engineered wood has a slicker surface than hardwood, and when installed without a sub floor it has a hollow sound. It also has a thin veneer that can only be sanded and refinished once. Further sanding will expose the plywood substrate.
Decorative Concrete Flooring / Vinyl Flooring / Linoleum / Engineered Wood Flooring / Carpet Flooring / Laminate Flooring / Ceramic Tile / Stone Flooring