So what is engineered hardwood? Well, it’s more affordable than solid hardwood and is more dimensionally stable than solid wood. Engineered hardwood is also less prone to moisture than solid hardwood, and it has wider plank widths than solid wood. Here are some reasons to consider this product when deciding on a new flooring system:
Cheaper than solid hardwood
While the price difference between solid and engineered hardwood may be significant, there are many advantages to choosing man-made products. Unlike solid hardwood, which tends to be more expensive, man-made products are cheaper to install. This is because the wood used in man-made flooring is composed of plywood.
Unlike solid wood, which is a single piece of wood, engineered hardwood has the advantage of being dimensionally stable, and more resistant to changes in temperature. It’s ideal for below-grade rooms and concrete slab installations.
Engineered hard wood can be installed in standard widths, while solid hard wood is usually only 5″ wide. Solid hard wood is not as versatile as engineered flooring, and the difference is apparent in the price.
Another benefit of engineered wood is that you can sand it several times, whereas solid hardwood can only be refinished a few times. Also, while solid hardwood requires a subfloor or grade, engineered hardwood can be installed directly onto concrete, over radiant heat systems, or below grade. Besides being cheaper, engineered hardwood is easy to maintain. However, if you have a tendency to spill coffee or food on your floor, you may not want to sand it all the way down.
Moreover, installing engineered wood is a lot easier than installing solid hardwood. You can do it yourself if you know how to install the flooring yourself. Depending on the thickness of the planks, engineered wood will cost you between $2.50 and $10 per square foot. This includes labor costs.
You can also choose between unfinished or site-finished hardwood flooring. In either case, though, you will be paying around $8 to $12 per square foot for the flooring.
More dimensionally stable than solid hard wood
Compared to solid hard wood, engineered wood is more dimensionally stable and responds better to temperature and humidity fluctuations. Solid hard wood is susceptible to warping and gapping when temperatures or humidity levels change.
Engineered wood is more stable and dimensionally stable, making it a better choice for humid areas and underfloor heating. If you’re not sure which is better, consider laying engineered hard wood on a plywood subfloor.
Because man-made wood contains multiple layers of wood/plywood, it can deal better with moisture, temperature changes, and humidity. Click here for a map of the relative humidity in the United States. That makes it an excellent choice for installations over a concrete slab. Man-made wood is also more readily available in standard widths, while solid wood may only be five to six feet wide. Because of this, it’s easier to work with. It’s also less expensive than solid wood.
Regardless of the material, you should consider how much time and effort you can spend on maintenance and repairs. The more durable your flooring is, the longer it will last. This is especially important if you’re installing hard wood floors for a long period of time.
When choosing man-made hard wood, consider its benefits and disadvantages. For one, it’s easier to install. Because man-made hard wood is more stable than solid, it can be installed in basements, a situation that solid hard wood cannot handle. And it also offers wider and longer planks.
Resistant to humidity
One of the best things about man-made wood is that it resists humidity better than solid hard wood. You can install man-made hard wood anywhere in your home. Not only is it moisture-resistant, but it comes in a variety of colors, textures, and finishes. Click the link: https://www.pinterest.com/ for access to online mood boards that can help you plan your new floor’s look and style.
And you don’t have to worry about water damage from a flood. Because of its moisture-resistant properties, you can install man-made hard wood over any type of floor surface.
Man-made hard wood is particularly resistant to humidity. While solid hard wood can expand and contract with weather conditions, man-made hard wood doesn’t. This prevents warping and cupping. That makes it a great choice for homeowners. The natural look of solid wood may not suit your decor, but man-made hard woods will stand up to both high and low humidity. And they’re also cheaper! So which is better? Read on to find out.
Another benefit of man-made wood is that it is more stable than solid wood. It can withstand higher humidity changes throughout the year. This is because man-made hard wood is made of multiple layers of wood that are fused together to provide support and stability. Unlike solid wood, man-made hard wood won’t expand and contract due to changes in humidity. However, the added moisture resistance doesn’t mean that man-made wood is completely water-resistant.