Engineered wood flooring offers you the classic elegance and beauty of solid hardwood combined with enhanced stability. It can be used in places where solid wood cannot be installed. This is due to the fact that it is both a natural and a man-made product.
Engineered wood is like a sandwich. The top, or surface layer, is made of a genuine fine hardwood veneer, which retains all the beauty and character of its particular type of wood. This veneer is glued to a core made of three or more layers of hardwood, plywood or high-density fiberboard. The quality of engineered flooring directly affects the cost and warranty. Generally, the more layers there are, the higher the quality. During its fabrication, the layers are placed at different angles, and the result is increased stability. This greatly reduces the wood’s chances of warping due to humidity. This feature allows engineered flooring to be used in basements and even bathrooms. That was impossible when only solid hardwood was the option for wood flooring. This stability also enables it to be laid over concrete floors or floors with radiant heating. In fact, any suitable existing floor that is stable and flat can be used under engineered flooring. The flooring is milled for a perfectly tight fit and quick installation. You can dance on your floor the same day it is installed!
Most engineered wood flooring is finished in the factory and the finishes used are generally much more durable than any that can be applied on the job site. The factory finishes carry guarantees, varying in length from ten to thirty years.
Durability is not just dependent on the hardness of the finish but also on the species of wood chosen for the veneer layer. Generally, the density of the wood determines its hardness. Harder woods and glossier surfaces show damage sooner than softer woods and surfaces with less sheen. Those with a more pronounced grain, and finishes with a satin luster or an antique patina are less likely to show wear and tear. Areas in the home that have considerable use, such as entryways, can be further protected by the proper use of suitable mats and throws. If an area sustains surface damage, it can even be refinished. Because the top layer of engineered wood flooring is made from fine hardwoods, there is a vast selection of varieties from which to choose. The colors are natural, subtle and run the full gamut of neutral tones. Different sawing methods create distinctly different appearances in the grain of the same wood, providing even more possibilities. For the decor of your home, this means that your flooring will enhance any design choice and blend easily with your own personal style.
Once you have selected and installed your floor, you will be delighted to learn how easy it is to clean. Wood flooring naturally has a hard and smooth surface and so it easily repels dirt and dust. It also does not provide a haven for dust mites and other microscopic invaders. This inherent feature of wood improves air quality and helps make your home healthier and safer.
Regular sweeping or vacuuming and an occasional dry mopping are usually all that are required to maintain wood flooring in its finest condition. Wood flooring generally does not need to be cleaned with water. If, however, any further cleaning is necessary, manufacturers provide the names of appropriate products. Clearly, engineered wood flooring offers you the advantages of fine hardwood without its drawbacks. If you are seeking unrivaled beauty, value, durability, strength and flexibility all in one product, consider an engineered wood floor for your home.
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