Engineered wood floor is an engineered hardwood floor is not solid hardwood. The top layer is finished real wood so that you get the look and feel of a hardwood floor. The bottom layer, or core, is made up of stacked layers of plywood.
The benefit is that the core will expand and contract according to humidity levels in the air so as not to cup or warp the top layer of solid hardwood.
This makes engineered wood flooring great for basements or other damp areas in a home where one might not normally install solid hardwood due to possible moisture issues.
Almost all types of engineered wood floors can be installed floating or glued down. In this way, installation is easier for the do-it-yourself consumer. The top layer is already sanded and sealed. Therefore, once this flooring is installed, it can be walked on and used immediately.
Facts About Engineered Wood Floors
Engineered wood can be sanded a number of times (Usually 4 to 8, depending upon thickness) to remove dings and scratches. Hiring a flooring professional to sand and refinish the floor is recommended.
Engineered wood flooring is durable on the surface with reference to the finishing product used and the characteristics of the selected hardwood top layer. There are many types of engineered wood and ways to install it. You get what you pay for, though it is almost always more expensive than laminate. Certain styles can be removed from the home, if you are moving for example, to be installed in another location.
