Are you considering updating your old flooring to give it the warmth and beauty of wood at a reasonable price? If you are looking for an affordable alternative to solid hardwood flooring, then engineered hardwood flooring is a safe bet. Unfortunately, this versatile flooring option is often misunderstood, and its benefits overlooked. To clear the air, we’ve outlined the top 4 common misconceptions about engineered hardwood flooring:
1. Engineered Hardwood Flooring is Fake Wood
This type of flooring may not consist of 100% solid wood, but it doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have real wood in it. What sets engineered hardwood flooring apart from solid hardwood is the overall construction. While solid hardwood plank is made from a single, thick piece of hardwood, engineered hardwood is essentially a composite product that comprises of a core of hardwood or plywood at the top with a condensed layer of hardwood veneer fixed to the top surface.
2. Engineered Hardwood is a Short-term Solution
Engineered hardwood flooring may not be as durable as solid hardwood flooring, but it doesn’t mean that it isn’t long lasting. The top layer of engineered hardwood is made of sturdy solid wood that offers structural solidity, while the layer of hardwood veneer offers a premier quality finish that defies wear and tear. Many engineered hardwood floorings are backed by warranties of more than 30 years, proving that this is an enduring flooring option that you can choose if looking for a long-lasting flooring solution.
3. Engineered Hardwood Cannot be Refinished
This is not entirely true. Whether engineered hardwood can be refinished basically depends on the thickness of the planks. While refinishing is not advised for planks that are too thin, engineered hardwood planks that are thicker than 2mm can be refinished. For instance, a plank with 2mm veneer can be refinished at least once.
4. Engineered Hardwood Has Limited Applications
As a matter of fact, engineered hardwood is a versatile flooring option that can be used even in areas where you wouldn’t install wood. It can be installed in virtually any room, including kitchens and basements, and is a great alternative to solid hardwood flooring when anticipating larger swings in relative humidity. Furthermore, it can be installed on concrete subfloors as well.
Engineered hardwood flooring is an affordable, durable and highly versatile flooring option. Hopefully, this post has cleared any misconceptions you might have heard about this remarkable alternative to solid hardwood. Visit us today so you can choose from our wide range of affordable, durable and highly versatile engineered hardwood flooring options.