Engineered Wood Flooring FAQ's
Flooring - Engineered/Hand-Scraped
- What is engineered hardwood flooring?
- What does greater stability mean?
- How many layers does engineered flooring have?
- Does engineering destroy the natural beauty of hardwood floors?
- What is the typical thickness of the hardwood veneer?
- Can I refinish an engineered floor
What is engineered hardwood flooring?
Engineered hardwood flooring is a product made up of a core of hardwood or plywood, and a top layer of hardwood veneer that is glued on the top surface of the core. The top veneer is available in almost any hardwood species. The product thus has the natural characteristics of the selected wood species as opposed to a photographic layer. The "engineered" product has been designed to provide greater stability, particularly where moisture or heat pose problems for solid hardwood floors.
What does greater stability mean?
The instability of solid hardwood is usually moisture or heat related. Under adverse conditions, solid hardwood floors can warp, cup, swell or split apart. Engineered hardwood flooring overcomes these problems by constructing a multiple-ply plank which counteracts twisting and remains flat and intact. This makes engineered hardwood flooring a better choice for installation over radiant heat sources, over concrete whether it's below grade or above, and in rainy climates.
How many layers does engineered flooring have?
In addition to the top hardwood veneer, engineered wood flooring typically has three to ten core layers of plywood or hardwood. More layers give greater stability.
Does engineering destroy the natural beauty of hardwood floors?
No, the top hardwood layer is the same genuine hardwood you have in solid hardwood floors. This top veneer is available in most species of natural hardwood. Additionally, since wood materials are used more efficiently, using engineered wood floor is an environmentally friendlier option.
What is the typical thickness of the hardwood veneer?
The hardwood veneer, or top layer of hardwood, can typically be 0.6mm to 4.5mm or more in thickness. A quality hardwood veneer will provide many years of wear.
Can I refinish an engineered floor?
It depends upon the thickness of your hardwood layer. Most hardwood surfaces in the US are never refinished. With the high quality finishes that are offered and the extensive process that refinishing a floor entails, damaged areas are often removed professionally. If sanding is desired, the professional sanding procedure typically removes 1/32 of an inch. Thus, if your floor has a 2mm layer you can sand the floor 1-2 times.
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