how durable is engineered wood flooring

When it comes to choosing the perfect flooring for your home, there are many factors that you need to consider. This is why we have created this blog post on how durable engineered wood flooring is so you can make an educated decision about which type of flooring will work best for you and your family.

An Overview Of Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered wood flooring is a type of natural wood that has been manufactured to be much more durable than the regular hardwood version. This works by taking blocks of softwoods and turning them into strips that are then glued together to create a very dense surface with many layers for extra strength.

This process also allows manufacturers to cut costs because they can use less expensive softwood trees instead of pricier hardwoods like oak or walnut. Plus, these floors may last up to three times longer than their cheaper counterparts!

Solid And Engineered Wood Construction

Solid and engineered wood is both robust and durable flooring materials. Solid wood is constructed from a single piece of lumber, while engineered floors consist of three or more layers glued together.

Engineered Wood Construction: Layers include the top layer (the veneer), the bottom core layer, and an optional third hidden strengthening layer called laminates which strengthens the other two layers by sandwiching them between two sheets of fiberboard or plywood that contain resin glue on one side with paper on the opposite surface to protect it from moisture damage.

Engineered Wood vs. Laminates

Engineered wood is often confused with laminate flooring, but it is pretty different. Engineered floors are made of three layers:

  • A bottom layer that holds the wood together and provides stiffness.
  • A middle layer that absorbs shock from walking on the floor.
  • A top layer of high-quality wood veneer that looks great.

Laminate flooring has only two layers and does not absorb shock because there are no “dead” spots in between to reduce noise levels underfoot or provide insulation from cold drafts.

Engineered Flooring Finishes

Some engineered wood flooring is finished with a clear coat that makes it resistant to scratches and moisture. Engineered wood floors are not always the same thickness as their solid counterparts, making them less durable if they do not meet your expectations of wear from previous experience in installing hardwood floors.

The finish on an engineered floor will determine how easily these boards can be scratched or damaged by liquids spilled onto the surface. Clean spills immediately when possible to avoid damage caused by liquid absorption into the wood fibers. Damaged areas cannot be sanded down like you would see on traditional natural-finish products because it’s impossible to tell where there has been any water absorption into the board due to its uniform texture inside and out.

A Durable Choice For All Types Of Homes

The quality of the hardwood floor is not only determined by its durability. It’s also judged based on how easy it can be cleaned and the maintenance needed to keep it in prime condition. Engineered wood floors are a durable option for any home because they are resistant to water damage, scratches from pets, or furniture; do not require as much upkeep, and come with an extended warranty that guarantees against wear and tear.

In addition, engineered wood floors are more cost-effective than solid hardwoods when considering installation costs per square foot overall.

The Bottom Line

Engineered wood is an excellent choice for homeowners looking to add value and beauty to their homes. The best-engineered wood floors will last 20-30 years, with most lasting about 25 years or more. Like any flooring, you must maintain your new purchase by keeping the surface clean and free from scratches.