Hardwood floors add value to your home and last a long time. Solid wood flooring typically lasts 30 to 100 years and can be sanded down and refinished many times over its lifetime.
Engineered hardwood, however, has a plywood core and can stand up to changes in temperature, humidity, and moisture. This makes it a more versatile floor.
Cost
Depending on the materials used, engineered hardwood can cost significantly less than solid wood flooring. It can also be more affordable than some other types of flooring, such as carpeting or laminate.
The initial cost of engineered hardwood depends on a variety of factors, including material type, installation costs, and any added features such as a lifetime warranty, specialized texture, or artistic staining technique. The installation process can take three to five days, depending on the size of the room and how many floors are being installed.
For homeowners on a budget, the affordability of engineered wood makes it an ideal option. The price tag on engineered wood flooring is typically $3 to $5 per square foot, compared to the $8 to $15 per square foot that solid hardwood often costs.
One drawback of engineered wood is that it may not last as long as solid hardwood. However, this can be mitigated by choosing a quality product that a reputable manufacturer makes. Generally, premium engineered hardwood will look and feel as similar to solid wood floors as possible.
While the longevity of engineered wood isn’t as great as solid hardwood, it has several advantages over other types of flooring. For example, it’s resistant to moisture, so it can be installed in areas of the home that would normally be off-limits for solid wood, such as basements.
Additionally, engineered wood can be sanded and refinished several times, just like traditional solid wood floors. This can help restore your floor’s appearance and extend its lifespan.
Another benefit of engineered hardwood is that it can be laid directly over most existing subfloors. This means that you can install new floors without having to worry about the cost of removing and disposing of the old flooring. Finally, engineered wood is easier to install than solid hardwood. Unless you’re an experienced carpenter, it’s best to leave this job to a professional installer.
Durability
Engineered hardwood is less susceptible to humidity than solid wood, which means it can withstand more temperature and moisture changes. This makes it great for below-ground rooms like basements and finished attics. It also works well in spaces with radiant heating. However, you’ll want to check with a flooring expert that the product you choose is compatible with your system.
How long your engineered wood floors last will depend on the quality of materials, the thickness of the veneer, and your maintenance habits. As a general rule, high-quality engineered hardwood can last 30 years or more if you properly care for them.
If you choose a premium quality engineered hardwood floor, like the Kahrs Life range, you can expect it to hold up well under foot traffic and heavy furniture. In fact, they are usually more durable than traditional hardwood floors because the top wear layer is made from a more durable type of wood.
As with solid wood, how well your floors hold up under heavy loads and furniture will be determined by their Janka hardness rating. The higher the Janka score, the harder and more durable your flooring will be.
It’s important to remember that the acoustics of your home can affect how long your engineered hardwood will last, but generally, they hold up pretty well. They don’t absorb sound as well as other floor types, but they still do a good job of reducing noise and keeping it at a minimum.
Unlike laminates, which have what is known as a photographic image layer on the top that can become scratched, stained, or damaged, engineered hardwood has a real wood top layer that can be refinished. This allows for repairs without removing all of the planks.
While the durability of engineered hardwood will vary based on manufacturer and product, most have a thickness of at least 3mm that can be sanded and refinished. Some may be able to be resanded and refinished 3-6 times, depending on the thickness of the veneer.
Maintenance
Unlike carpeting, engineered hardwood does not retain dirt and dust. This is due to the fact that there are no grooves or fibers for the debris to hide in. Therefore, it’s essential to sweep and vacuum your floors regularly. This frequency depends on the foot traffic in your home, but two to three times a week is generally a good idea. If you have pets or children, cleaning your floors may be necessary more frequently.
It is important to remember that the life of your engineered hardwood flooring will depend on your ability to maintain it. As with solid wood flooring, it can last 30 to 100 years or more if it is properly cared for and cleaned.
However, a poor quality or incorrect installation job can decrease the lifespan of your engineered hardwood floor. This will result in the need for more frequent refinishing and could cost you more than solid wood flooring in the long run.
Like traditional hardwood floors, engineered wood can fade with too much exposure to sunlight. This is a problem that can be difficult to resolve and will result in your floor losing its natural color over time. It is important to use curtains or blinds to reduce the amount of direct light in your home, and consider adding some rugs to cover bare areas that get more sun exposure.
Another consideration is that if you decide to refinish your engineered hardwood floors, it’s best to wait until you have at least 50% of the original thickness left on the surface. Otherwise, you risk damaging the core and ruining the integrity of your floor.
One other issue with engineered wood is that it can be prone to warping. This is especially true if you live in an area with high humidity levels. In order to avoid this, it is recommended that you place a moisture barrier beneath your engineered wood.
Overall, engineered hardwood is a beautiful and durable option for any home. While it doesn’t add as much value to your home as solid wood flooring, it can still help increase your home’s resale value. By following the tips above, you can maximize the longevity of your new wood floors.
Installation
When installed correctly, engineered hardwood can look as good as solid wood floors. They are often less expensive and can be used in areas where solid wood would not work well (such as the basement). It is a good idea to hire a flooring contractor to install your new engineered wood floors. This way, you can be sure that your floors are properly nailed down and the proper adhesives are used. The floor should also be sanded and sealed with a polyurethane coating to protect it from damage.
The installation process is fairly straightforward for most contractors. First, the concrete floor must be swept and mopped to remove any dirt or debris. Then the adhesive is applied, and the planks are laid down until the entire room is covered. Most manufacturers recommend that the glue be rolled with a 100-pound roller after installation to ensure that it is completely adhered to the concrete. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for this step to prevent problems.
Once the glue has dried, the installer will sand and finish the floor. This will make it look beautiful and increase its durability. It is important to use the right type of finish for your engineered wood floors, as different finishes can have a big effect on how long they last.
Another benefit of engineered hardwood is that it can be refinished, just like traditional wood flooring. When refinished, your new wood floors will look as good as new again. This is a great advantage over other types of flooring, such as tile and vinyl, which can only be refinished so many times before they start to look worn out.
One disadvantage of engineered wood is that it does not withstand moisture and traditional wood floors. This can be a problem in areas of the home that are usually damp, such as kitchens or basements. However, it is possible to get waterproof engineered wood flooring, which can be a good option for these types of rooms.
Engineered wood flooring has a life expectancy of up to 80 years. The higher-quality varieties can even last a lifetime with proper care. However, the quality of engineered wood flooring varies from brand to brand, so you should always check reviews before making your final decision.