At Flooring America, we understand the importance of having the right floor for your space. As a trusted provider of flooring solutions, we continuously aim to empower our customers with the knowledge to make well-informed decisions. In this comprehensive guide, we address your burning FAQs about engineered wood flooring covering installation, maintenance, durability, and its environmental impact.
Before we dive into specific engineered flooring tips, let's present a clear picture of what engineered flooring is and why understanding its various aspects is crucial when deciding on flooring materials for your home.
There are two categories of hardwood flooring: solid hardwood flooring and engineered hardwood flooring. Both are made from real wood, but the difference is that solid floors are simply cut pieces of wood. By comparison, engineered floors are manufactured by combining multiple layers of wood together, usually starting with a plywood base. The top layer, often referred to as the veneer, is made of the species of wood desired to be seen. The bottom layer is also made of wood, but not necessarily the same species as the top layer. In the middle is a core built from 5 to 7 layers of plywood that crisscross in different directions. Engineered hardwood comes in a variety of species and colors that allow you the freedom to design your space!
Engineered flooring's versatility allows it to be installed over concrete subfloors. However, certain precautions need to be taken to ensure a successful installation. These precautions include moisture testing, installation of a moisture barrier, acclimation of engineered planks, subfloor preparation, and control of installation temperature and humidity.
While DIY enthusiasts may be tempted to install engineered flooring themselves, professional installation is highly recommended. Installing engineered hardwood can be a complex and difficult process. Wood is one of the trickiest types of flooring to install, and it’s easy to make a tiny mistake that could ruin the look you were hoping for. By hiring a professional, you’ll get peace of mind that the job is being done right, with no need for costly fixes or do-overs. Plus, hiring a professional allows you to kick back and relax while the pros handle all of the hard work and clean-up.
Your current floors will need to be removed, followed by the application of prepping materials and adhesives. We strongly recommend letting our experienced professionals handle the flooring installation process for you. This ensures quality results — without the stress or effort. If you’re ready to replace your floors with engineered hardwood or solid hardwood, ask the professional flooring installers at Flooring America how we can help.
Certain tools and materials are required for installing engineered flooring. These might include but are not limited to:
Adhesive or Click-lock System: Depending on the type of engineered flooring you choose, you'll either need adhesive for gluing the planks to the subfloor or a click-lock system for a floating installation.
Utility Knife: Perfect for cutting underlayment and trimming excess material during installation.
Tape measure and square: Accurate measurements are essential for a successful installation. A tape measure ensures that you cut your flooring materials to the right size, while a square helps you maintain straight lines and angles.
Flooring nailer: A specialized tool designed to drive nails or staples into the flooring material and secure it to the subfloor
Saw: Depending on the layout of your room, you may need a circular saw, jigsaw, or miter saw for cutting the flooring planks to fit around obstacles like door frames or corners.
Underlayment: This is a crucial layer that provides support, moisture protection, and sound absorption for your engineered flooring. It acts as a barrier between the subfloor and the flooring material.
Let's address your engineered flooring concerns pertaining to how to care for your new floors.
Thanks to their smooth, even surfaces, engineered hardwood floors are a snap to keep clean. In general, we recommend light daily cleaning with a soft broom or microfiber mop or towel, which will help to remove dust and grime. While engineered wood is resistant to moisture, it’s best to avoid cleaning with steam or water to minimize the risk of damage. For the best results, you should always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, which should provide detailed cleaning instructions.
For more severe damage that goes beyond superficial scratches, such as deep gouges or extensive water damage, it is highly recommended to contact a professional. A professional can assess the extent of the damage more accurately and determine whether a repair will suffice or if a full replacement of the damaged sections is necessary. This ensures that the flooring remains in top condition and continues to add beauty and value to your home.
Engineered hardwood flooring is very durable as it is constructed with multiple layers of wood. The top layer is a veneer of solid wood that can be finished in a variety of species. The exact durability is determined by the hardness of the hardwood veneer species, as some species are harder than others.
To increase your flooring’s durability, try capping your furniture with felt pads, which will reduce damage from friction and scraping.
Engineered flooring is celebrated for its durability and longevity. When properly maintained, it can last anywhere from 20 to 30 years—sometimes even longer. The lifespan of your engineered flooring will largely depend on the thickness of the veneer layer, the quality of the construction, and how well it is cared for over the years.
Engineered flooring possesses water-resistant properties making it suitable for areas prone to moisture. The crisscross construction of the core layers in engineered hardwood floors creates a highly stable core that is less likely to expand, contract or shift when exposed to moisture, humidity and temperature. This makes engineered wood flooring a great option in rooms that are subject to moisture (like basements) or over concrete slab and radiant heating systems.
Of course, keep in mind that the natural enemy of wood floors is water and other forms of moisture. Prolonged exposure to water or fluctuations in humidity can cause hardwood floors to swell or warp, often causing irreversible damage to the floor. In most cases engineered hardwood may resist damage due to moisture better than solid wood floors, but good maintenance of engineered hardwood still requires diligent cleaning up of any spills on the floor and only dry-mopping. It is also important that moisture testing be done on the subfloor before installing any hardwood floors to ensure the conditions of the floor will not damage the wood over time.
Engineered hardwood flooring can be environmentally friendly when sourced and manufactured responsibly. At Flooring America, we understand the importance of sustainability and prioritize eco-friendly options in our product selection. Our engineered flooring options often utilize responsibly sourced wood materials such as fast-growing species, reducing the environmental impact associated with traditional hardwood flooring.
The VOC emissions of engineered flooring can vary but are generally lower than many other flooring options, contributing to indoor air quality.
We all know that cost plays a big role in deciding which floors to purchase. Staying on budget is easy with our selection of engineered hardwood floors!
When it comes to flooring options, engineered flooring offers a compelling balance of affordability and quality. While initial costs may vary depending on factors like wood species and finish, engineered flooring often proves more cost-effective than traditional hardwood flooring due to its construction.
Additionally, engineered flooring is often easier and less expensive to install compared to hardwood, as it can be floated, glued, or stapled down, reducing labor costs. When considering the long-term value, durability, and ease of maintenance, engineered flooring emerges as a cost-effective choice for homeowners seeking both style and savings.
Yes, additional costs may include underlayment, adhesives, and labor charges, which are essential components of a successful engineered hardwood flooring installation.
Underlayment provides crucial support, moisture protection, and sound absorption, ensuring the longevity and performance of your flooring investment. High-quality adhesives are necessary for securely bonding the flooring to the subfloor, enhancing stability, and minimizing the risk of issues like warping or shifting over time. Labor charges encompass the skilled expertise required for proper installation, ensuring precision and attention to detail for a flawless finish.
While these additional costs are factors to consider, they contribute to the overall value and durability of your floors, making sure they last.
By understanding engineered flooring from various aspects, we hope to empower you to make confident decisions about your flooring choices.
Remember, at Flooring America, we guarantee that you'll adore your floors! Hopefully, we've answered all of your engineered flooring questions, but if you have more, call or visit your local showroom for personalized assistance.
