Engineered wood flooring has recently gained popularity as a flooring option for modern homes. This type of flooring offers the beauty and warmth of natural wood while also providing added benefits that make it a superior choice to solid hardwood in many cases. This article will explore why engineered wood flooring is a popular choice for modern homes.
What is Engineered Wood Flooring?
Engineered wood flooring is made from layers of wood glued together with a top layer of natural wood. The top layer can be made from various wood species, including oak, maple, cherry, and others. The top layer of natural wood gives engineered wood flooring the same look and feel as solid hardwood, while the underlying layers provide added stability and durability.
Benefits of Engineered Wood Flooring
Durability
One of the primary benefits of engineered wood flooring is its durability. Because it is made from layers of wood that are glued together, it is less susceptible to warping and movement caused by changes in temperature and humidity. This makes it ideal for areas with high moisture levels, such as basements and bathrooms, where solid hardwood flooring may hold up better.
Wide Range of Styles and Finishes
Another benefit of engineered wood flooring is its availability in various styles and finishes. You can choose from various wood species and colours, from light and natural to dark and rich. You can also choose from various finishes: smooth, hand-scraped, and wire-brushed. The top layer of natural wood in engineered flooring can also be stained to achieve a wide range of colours, from natural wood tones to darker shades. This makes finding a style that complements your home’s interior design easy.
Ease of Maintenance
Another benefit of engineered wood flooring is that it is easy to maintain. With regular sweeping and occasional mopping, your engineered wood floors can maintain their beauty for years. This is because engineered wood flooring is less susceptible to scratches and dents than solid hardwood flooring. Additionally, if a section of the flooring is damaged, it can be easily replaced without replacing the entire floor.
Environmentally Friendly
Engineered wood flooring is also an environmentally friendly choice. Because the top layer of natural wood is typically skinny, less wood is needed to produce a plank of engineered wood flooring than is needed to produce a plank of solid hardwood flooring. Additionally, because the underlying layers of engineered wood flooring are made from plywood or other sustainable materials, less wood is needed overall.
Cost-Effective
Finally, engineered wood flooring is more cost-effective than solid hardwood flooring. While the cost of engineered wood flooring can vary depending on the wood species and finish chosen, it is generally less expensive than solid hardwood flooring. Additionally, the ease of installing and maintaining engineered wood flooring can save homeowners money in the long run.
Conclusion
In conclusion, engineered wood flooring is a popular choice for modern homes due to its durability, wide range of styles and finishes, ease of maintenance, environmentally friendly nature, and cost-effectiveness. Its versatility and practicality make it an excellent choice for any room in the house. If you are considering new flooring for your home, engineered wood flooring is worth considering.