Engineered Hardwood Flooring

Welcome to Discount Floors 2U’s comprehensive guide to engineered hardwood flooring. As your trusted flooring experts, we’re here to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision when investing in engineered hardwood flooring for your home. Whether you’re renovating, building, or simply exploring your flooring options, this guide will walk you through the ins and outs of engineered hardwood, helping you understand its benefits, costs, and more.

A close up image of engineered hardwood flooring

What Is Engineered Hardwood Flooring?

Engineered hardwood flooring is a versatile and durable alternative to traditional solid hardwood. It consists of multiple layers of wood veneer, glued together in a cross-grain construction. This unique design provides added stability and resistance to moisture, making engineered hardwood suitable for installation in areas where solid hardwood may not be ideal (e.g. kitchen or bathroom).

Pros And Cons of Engineered Hardwood Flooring

Engineered hardwood flooring offers several advantages over traditional solid hardwood floors. One of the primary benefits is its enhanced resistance to moisture and warping, making it suitable for installation in areas prone to humidity and temperature fluctuations, such as basements, kitchens, and bathrooms. Additionally, engineered hardwood is often more affordable than solid hardwood, making it a budget-friendly option for homeowners seeking the look of hardwood without the higher price tag. However, engineered hardwood does have its drawbacks. It typically has a thinner wear layer than solid hardwood, meaning it is too risky to refinish which will void any warranty that came with the flooring. Additionally, some engineered hardwood products may have a less authentic feel compared to solid wood. At Discount Floors 2U, we aim to provide you with transparent information to help you make an informed decision about whether engineered hardwood flooring is the right choice for your home.

PROS

  • 30+ Year Lifespan (with proper care & maintenance)

  • Enhanced Stability

  • Moisture Resistant

  • Wide Range of Styles and Finishes

  • Eco-Friendly Options Available

CONS

  • Initial Cost Higher Than Other Flooring Options

  • Quality Varies by Brand

  • Too Risky To Refinish (Not Recommended)

Engineered Hardwood Flooring vs Other Flooring

At Discount Floors 2U, we understand the importance of choosing the right flooring for your space. Let’s delve into why engineered hardwood flooring stands out from other options.

Solid Hardwood Flooring

While solid hardwood flooring offers timeless beauty and durability, it’s prone to warping and expansion in environments with fluctuating humidity levels. Engineered hardwood flooring, on the other hand, consists of multiple layers that provide enhanced stability and moisture resistance, making it a practical choice for areas prone to moisture.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring mimics the look of hardwood but is made from synthetic materials. While laminate is budget-friendly and resistant to scratches and fading, it lacks the authenticity and warmth of real wood. Engineered hardwood flooring offers the best of both worlds – the natural beauty of wood with added durability and stability.

Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring is entirely synthetic and comes in various styles, including wood-like designs. While vinyl is waterproof and low-maintenance, it doesn’t offer the same warmth and character as real wood. Engineered hardwood flooring provides a more authentic wood look and feel while still offering resistance to moisture and temperature changes.

In summary, engineered hardwood flooring from Discount Floors 2U offers the beauty of hardwood with enhanced durability and moisture resistance. With proper care, it can withstand the challenges of everyday life while maintaining its timeless elegance.

Engineered Hardwood Flooring Costs

The cost of engineered hardwood flooring varies depending on factors such as the quality of materials, brand, and installation method. On average, expect to pay between $4 to $12 per square foot for engineered hardwood flooring at Discount Floors 2U. Estimate the cost of hardwood flooring material with our easy-to-use hardware floor cost calculator.

A couple shopping for engineered hardwood flooring
Engineered hardwood flooring samples

Common Species Used in Engineered Hardwood Flooring

Popular species of hardwood used in engineered flooring include oak, maple, hickory, and walnut. Each species offers unique characteristics in terms of color, grain pattern, and durability, allowing you to choose the perfect flooring for your space. There are also unique and exotic hardwood species used to make engineered hardwood flooring. We offer a variety of engineered hardwood flooring options, including both common and unique hardwood species, to suit your individual style and preferences.

Engineered Hardwood Flooring Recommendations (where to use)

We believe that engineered hardwood flooring offers versatility and durability suitable for various living spaces in your home. Engineered hardwood is an excellent choice for high-traffic areas such as living rooms, kitchens, and hallways, where its durability and resistance to moisture make it a practical option. Additionally, the timeless look of hardwood flooring complements any décor style, from classic to contemporary, adding warmth and elegance to your living space. Whether you’re renovating your entire home or just updating a single room, engineered hardwood flooring from Discount Floors 2U can enhance the beauty and value of your property for years to come.

DM Flooring - Pure Line Collection - Alabaster DMGP-701

Living Rooms

DM Flooring - Pure Line Collection - Lido DMGP-703

Kitchens

DM Flooring - Comfort Line Collection - Soleil DMGC-804

Hallways

Colors, Surface Textures, And Finish

We believe that the beauty of engineered hardwood flooring lies in its variety of colors, surface textures, and finishes. Let’s explore the options available to you:

Natural Colors and Characteristics

Each species of wood used in engineered hardwood flooring comes with its own unique color palette and natural characteristics. For example, White Oak offers a range of hues from light tan to medium brown, with prominent grain patterns and occasional knots adding character. Hickory features a rich blend of light and dark shades, along with pronounced grain patterns and distinctive knots. Maple boasts a smooth, consistent appearance with subtle variations in color, while Walnut exhibits deep, luxurious tones with intricate grain patterns.

White Oak

White Oak

White Oak

Hickory

White Oak

Maple

White Oak

Walnut

Surface Textures

Engineered hardwood flooring is available in various surface textures that enhance its visual appeal and authenticity. Wire-brushed textures gently remove the softwood from the surface, highlighting the natural grain patterns and adding depth to the flooring. Hand-scraped textures mimic the rustic charm of antique hardwood floors, with subtle grooves and ridges that create a weathered appearance. Smooth surfaces offer a sleek, modern look with minimal texture, perfect for contemporary interiors.

Finish

The finish applied to engineered hardwood flooring plays a crucial role in its appearance and durability. When it comes to finishes, polyurethane reigns supreme. This durable finish provides excellent protection against everyday wear and tear, making it ideal for busy households. Polyurethane come in various sheen levels, including matte, satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss, allowing you to customize the look of your flooring to suit your preferences.

With our wide selection of engineered hardwood flooring options, you can find the perfect combination of colors, textures, and finishes to complement your home’s style and décor. Visit Discount Floors 2U today to explore our collection and find the flooring that’s right for you.

Engineered Hardwood Flooring Brands

Discount Floors 2U proudly carries a diverse selection of engineered hardwood flooring from top brands, including Anderson Tuftex, Bella Cera, DM Flooring, Provenza, and more! Each brand offers its own unique styles, colors, and finishes, ensuring you find the perfect flooring to suit your taste and budget.

Engineered Hardwood Flooring FAQs

Engineered hardwood flooring consists of multiple layers of wood veneers stacked and glued together, with a top layer of hardwood veneer. This construction provides greater stability and resistance to moisture compared to solid hardwood, making it suitable for areas with fluctuating humidity levels.

Discount Floors 2U does not recommend refinishing engineered hardwood flooring due to the risks involved. Refinishing engineered hardwood flooring poses risks primarily due to the thickness of the veneer layer. If the veneer is less than 1/8 inch thick or thinner than 3 millimeters, it is too thin to refinish safely without risking damage to the floor’s integrity. According to other online sources, thicker veneers can be refinished, but the process must be undertaken with caution to avoid sanding through the veneer into the plywood underneath. Each refinishing attempt removes some of the veneer, limiting the number of times a floor can be refinished. Refinishing engineered hardwood flooring will most likely void any warranty that came with your flooring.

Engineered hardwood flooring with proper sealing and moisture protection can be installed in kitchens and bathrooms. However, it’s essential to follow manufacturer guidelines and ensure proper installation to prevent water damage.

Engineered hardwood flooring offers the natural beauty and warmth of real wood with added durability and stability. Laminate flooring is composed of synthetic materials with a wood-like appearance, while vinyl flooring is entirely synthetic. Engineered hardwood provides a balance between aesthetics and practicality.

Engineered hardwood flooring is more resistant to moisture and temperature changes than solid hardwood, making it suitable for installation in various environments, including basements and over concrete subfloors. It’s also generally more affordable and easier to install.

Regular sweeping or vacuuming to remove dirt and debris, along with occasional mopping using a damp cloth or mop, is typically sufficient for cleaning engineered hardwood floors. Avoid using harsh cleaning agents or excessive moisture, as these can damage the flooring.

Consider factors such as the thickness of the wear layer, the wood species used for the top veneer, the construction quality, and the desired finish and surface texture. Additionally, assess your lifestyle, budget, and the specific requirements of the installation area.

While some engineered hardwood flooring products are designed for DIY installation, complex installations or those requiring subfloor preparation are best left to professionals. Professional installation ensures proper fit, stability, and adherence to manufacturer warranties.

Thank you for choosing Discount Floors 2U as your trusted source for engineered hardwood flooring information. If you have any further questions or need assistance, feel free to call (210) 899-7532 or send us a message.