Engineered hardwood is becoming an increasingly popular choice for home flooring
Engineered hardwood is becoming an increasingly popular choice for home flooring. Part of this is the many benefits of engineered hardwood, including that it is less expensive than solid hardwood. Engineered hardwood is a combination of a hardwood surface layer on a composite board, making it cheaper without losing the hardwood aesthetic. But like many cheaper alternatives, engineered hardwood sometimes gets a bad rap. Here are the facts.
Look-A-Likes
Some people think that engineered lumber can’t possibly match the look of solid wood, but that’s not true. The technology used to make it has advanced enough that the average person wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between the two. Any differences that exist are truly negligible.
Durable Option
Engineered hardwood is very durable, which is another unfounded concern that many people have about it. The surface of the product is still real wood, so it doesn’t lack durability. The composite layer underneath is also very durable. It’s so durable that many manufacturers offer an awesome warranty, sometimes as much as 30 years.
Easy Installation
Installation of engineered hardwood is actually easier than solid hardwood flooring. It comes pre-finished and usually has an interlocking design making it super easy to install. You won’t have to fit odd pieces together, sand, or finish engineered hardwood, so the labor involved in installation drops dramatically.
Variety of Uses
Engineered hardwood can be used in more places than solid hardwood. For instance, solid hardwood cannot be installed below grade but engineered hardwood can. Engineered hardwood is also often an excellent choice for kitchens, where you wouldn’t usually risk a solid hardwood. You can also install it over a concrete subfloor without issue, making it much more versatile than solid hardwood.
Can Be Refinished
Most people assume that since it is only a layer of hardwood on the top, that engineered hardwood can’t be refinished or resurfaced. The truth is that most varieties actually can be refinished if needed. The number of times you can refinish depends on the thickness of the wood veneer, but if you find you need to, you’re likely able to.
Depend on Leland Fisher Lumber For Your Lumber and Hardware Needs!
Leland Fisher Lumber is full-service lumber and hardware supplier. We’ve serviced homeowners and professional contractors in Montgomery County, Howard County, and Frederick County since 1894! Whether you want to remodel your home or upgrade your business, we have the professionalism and expertise to make any architectural vision come to life.
Be sure to visit Fisher Lumber’s Designer Showroom featuring displays of Andersen Windows, Therma-Tru entry doors, Simpson and Masonite exterior doors, as well as a wide selection of interior doors featuring Simpson, Masonite, Lemieux, and JELD-WEN. Our knowledgeable experts are ready to assist you! Contact us at 301-424-6500 and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.