The new way to use engineered flooring.
Choosing the perfect flooring for your home can be a tricky decision, but engineered flooring has a ton to offer. Here are some of the benefits of engineered hardwood flooring and how it can be a great fit for your home.
What is Engineered Flooring?
Engineered hardwood flooring is made of a combination of hardwood, plywood, and a top layer of hardwood glued on top. Engineered flooring can be made with a top layer of just about any species of hardwood and it typically retains characteristics of each variety of wood as well. Why is engineered flooring different? It is engineered to be more stable than regular hardwood and resist damage from moisture and humidity more easily.
Why is Engineered Flooring Better Than Laminate or Solid Hardwood Flooring?
Just like we said above, engineered flooring is more stable than solid hardwood flooring. Engineered flooring is better for wood installations that are below grade like in basements or below-ground family rooms. Engineered hardwood flooring is also a great choice for locations that are particularly sensitive to heat and humidity, like damp basements or rooms with radiant heating systems. Engineered flooring is also ideal for concrete subfloors.
Why is Hardwood Unstable?
Hardwood flooring can be less than stable due to its susceptibility to moisture and humidity. Solid hardwood floors can suffer major problems including warping, cupping, swelling, or splitting. Engineered hardwood uses many planks of wood bonded together to maintain strength and stability no matter what the weather is.
How Can Engineered Flooring Be Installed?
Engineered flooring has various installation methods that can be used including:
- Nailing down planks over a plywood subfloor that is at least ¾” thick with roofing felt placed underneath
- Glued down over plywood or concrete subfloor with a urethane-based adhesive and a vapor barrier
- Floating the engineered flooring over a plywood or concrete subfloor with an underlayment and vapor barrier
Fisher Lumber for All of Your Engineered Flooring Needs
Leland Fisher Lumber has served homeowners and contractors in the Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia areas since 1894. We have excellent lumber, all of the building materials you need, top-notch tools, and the expertise to help you pick the right supplies for your project. Give us a call at 301-424-6500 or visit us online for more information. To see more tips for your DIY project, visit us on Facebook, Pinterest, Google+, Houzz, and Twitter!