Is Engineered Wood Real Wood Flooring?

When engineered wood flooring was first introduced, it was thought of as a poor substitute for hardwood flooring. However, with changing times and advancement in manufacturing techniques, there’s no place for that perception any longer.

Today, engineered hardwood flooring is your best option when you want floors that look just like solid wood floors without costing a bomb.

What is Engineered Hardwood Flooring?

Engineered hardwood is not solid wood in its true sense. The top surface features a layer of solid wood. This layer of timber with all its knots, grains and imperfections makes these floors look exceptionally similar to hardwood floors.

Why is Engineered Hardwood So Popular?

Apart from the cost, there are several benefits that make engineered hardwood a top choice among customers.

Extreme Durability

The construction process of engineered hardwood floors makes them extremely durable and long lasting. Apart from the top layer of solid hardwood, the core comprises several layers of top quality plywood that are fused together in a crisscross manner to make the planks extremely sturdy. This also makes your floors dimensionally very stable and capable of bearing a heavy load.

Moisture Resistance

Another huge benefit of engineered hardwood floors is its extreme resilience to heat and humidity. You can install these floors in almost any living space including greenhouses and basements. It is less prone to swelling or warping under hot and humid conditions.

You can also install them in kitchens if you buy engineered hardwood floors with a lacquer finish. The layer of lacquer further protects these floors from moisture ingress, scratches, stains and other wear and tear that is common in a busy and moisture-prone area like the kitchen.

Choice of Timber

Engineered hardwood features some of the toughest timber species used for flooring. Most floors feature robust species such as oak, maple, birch or walnut on the top surface. Soft timbers such as pine are hardly used to make engineered hardwood floors.

This adds further strength to these floors apart from the construction process.

Ease of Installation

There are several options when it comes to installing engineered hardwood floors. The floors can be installed over most existing floors including concrete. Installation options include tongue and groove, click-lock and nail-down installation. They can even be installed as a floating floor over a sub-floor.

Most installations are quick, simple and cost-effective and require no glue. In fact, you can use your new floor on the very day it is installed.

Resale Value

With all the benefits and stunning resemblance to solid hardwood floors, engineered hardwood floors have their own appeal and value. A well-maintained engineered hardwood floor is sure to add value to your property.

At Stories Flooring, we offer you an extensive collection of engineered hardwood floors from some of the leading manufacturers. Available in diverse finishes, timbers and surface treatments, these floors are sure to add a touch of class and elegance to your home.

Visit our showroom today or explore our collection. We would be happy to provide sound advice so you can choose an engineered floor that suits your personality and budget.