Engineered Hardwood Floors are More Economical, Easier to Install

Engineered hardwood flooring is a hybrid surface that is essentially a sandwiching of finished woods with layers of plywood or high-density underneath. Anywhere from three to seven layers constitute the core layers. The core is cross-layered beneath the wooden surface, which provides a number of advantages over plank hardwood flooring.

The main advantage of engineered hardwood flooring over its simple hardwood counterpart is that it is more resistant to high moisture levels, meaning it is less prone to warping, cupping. It is also better able to adjust to temperature extremes, which cause expansion and contraction. As hardwoods age, they shrink, but engineered hardwoods do not do so. Because of this characteristic, they may be installed in areas such as damp basements, over radiant heat sources and in tropical climates or in buildings such as cottages or summer homes that are not environmentally controlled all year. The actual structure of engineered hardwood flooring actually adds to the structural integrity of the home because of its durability.

Ease of installation is another advantage brought about by the composition of engineered hardwood, as it is more flexible regarding sub-flooring requirements. Thinner varieties must be nailed down to the substrate but with thicker options, nailing is not required. What this means is the surface may be installed as a floating floor on top of an existing surface as long as the floor is level and stable. Gluing the floor to the substrate is another option. This fact makes concrete subfloors a suitable substrate on which to installed engineered hardwood. Installation can also occur over terrazzo, marble, plywood, OSB, existing vinyl, vinyl tile, or ceramic tile floors. As long as the substrate is clean, level and dry, there is no need to worry about attaching the flooring.

Less expensive than its fully hardwood counterparts, engineered hardwood flooring can be more economical to install in a home, yet exhibit the same beauty and warmth as plank flooring because the visible surface has the same appearance as traditional hardwood flooring. Because only a thin layer of hardwood is used in the final product, homeowners can use expensive woods at a fraction of the cost. These floors are often finished with wearable coverings such as UV-cured polyurethane and aluminum oxide, making them extremely durable. They are also more economical to maintain. Engineered floors only need to be finished once or twice during their lifetime. Virtually any hardwood can be used on the top layer, thus making the variety of appearances endless.

If you're considering timber flooring perth, make sure you check out the benefits of engineered hardwood flooring. The Lifewood product features a long and wide plank with premium grade face timber that is guaranteed.