Your interior designer has specified hardwood flooring for your home or retail space. You like the idea of it but are wondering if solid or engineered hardwood makes sense for how you use your rooms.
Engineered hardwood flooring at a glance
- Unlike solid hardwood flooring planks, which are constructed from a single piece of solid wood, engineered flooring is layered.
- The top/veneer layer is 100% wood.
- Underneath that is a multi-layered plywood core, sandwiched above another layer of wood.
- Each layer is positioned in a different direction. This layered construction provides additional stability, so the planks are less likely to expand, warp, or shift due to changes in the environment, such as basements with high moisture.
- Engineered hardwood offers installation flexibility. It can be glued down over concrete or a wood subfloor, or nailed or stapled over a wood subfloor.
- The flooring can also be floated, locking together tightly without adhesive or nails.
- Similar to laminate, a floating engineered hardwood floor can be laid over various subfloors including concrete, wood, tile, and vinyl. Note that the room and subfloor must be properly prepared before piecing the planks together.
- Engineered hardwood can be sanded and refinished several times, providing a long-lasting floor that stands up to high traffic and looks great for years.
- The planks are available in a broad range of styles and finishes to set off your décor beautifully.
- Engineered hardwood is easy to care for and maintain.
All these attributes make engineered hardwood an excellent alternative to solid hardwood flooring, which is slightly more expensive. It also delivers superior performance over laminate flooring, which is not ideal for areas below grade.
Hardwoods for every style of home
You’ll find engineered hardwoods in popular wood species such as hickory, oak, and maple, in a variety of finishes from matte to high gloss, and different stains. It also comes in different plank widths to suit your style.
Part of the beauty of hardwood flooring (whether solid wood or engineered hardwood) is that it is so versatile in looks and finishes. It adds timeless visual interest to kitchens and bathrooms, living spaces, and commercial locations; and it blends nicely with interior design from classic to contemporary.
In addition, surface effects are available that provide rustic looks, a vintage vibe, or a more industrial appearance if you are looking for something different. And, because it is a highly durable, sturdy product, engineered hardwood maintains its impressive good looks across multiple rooms and applications.
Engineered hardwood flooring in the Hudson Valley
At Affordable Granite & Cabinetry, we carry three premium brands of engineered hardwood flooring: Mirage, Mullican, and Bruce. You can see samples in our Fishkill showroom, and our flooring specialists can show you how this product will beautify your home, office, or retail location for years to come. Visit us at 38 Route 9 for great ideas, or schedule a design consultation to see what’s possible.
