Understanding Durability Ratings When Selecting Engineered Hardwood Flooring
When selecting engineered hardwood flooring for your home, one of the most important considerations is durability. Engineered hardwood combines the beauty of solid wood with increased stability and resistance to moisture, making it an extremely versatile and durable flooring option.
However, not all engineered floors are created equal when it comes to durability. Understanding the different durability ratings and classifications is crucial for choosing a product that will stand the test of time and suit your lifestyle.
What Impacts the Durability of Engineered Hardwood?
There are several key factors that determine the durability and lifespan of engineered hardwood flooring:
Wood Species
The species of wood used in engineering the flooring plays a major role in its hardness and durability. Denser exotic species like Brazilian cherry, tigerwood, and cumaru are the toughest and most scratch-resistant. Domestic oak, maple, and hickory also make durable engineered options. Stay away from softer woods like pine that dent and show wear more easily.
Wear Layer Thickness
Engineered wood consists of multiple layers of wood pressed together. The top layer of hardwood is called the “wear layer” and this is the one that gets walked on. Wear layer thickness can range from 1 to 6 mm for residential engineered flooring. In general, thicker wear layers can better handle impacts and surface wear before needing refinishing.
Quality of Construction
How all the layers are bonded and the precision of milling impacts the overall integrity and durability of engineered floors. Reputable brands with warranties demonstrate reliable construction that will prevent delamination or cracking over decades of use.
Finish Material
The urethane aluminum oxide coating applied to the floor must be flexible, scratch-resistant, and high-quality to protect the wood from indentations, scuffs, chemicals, and UV light. Multiple coats of durable finish increase wear protection.
Engineered Hardwood Durability Rating Systems
There are a few industry standards for measuring and indicating the durability of prefinished engineered hardwood floors:
Janka Hardness Scale
This is the most common rating used for all wood floors. It measures the force needed to embed a 0.444” steel ball halfway into a sample of wood. The higher the rating, the harder and more scratch-resistant the wood. Anything over 1000 is suitable for residential flooring.
AC Ratings
This durability classification system was developed by the Hardwood Council to indicate wearing performance. It rates engineered flooring from AC1 to AC5, with AC1 only suitable for light residential use and AC5 representing extreme commercial-grade durability.
NWFA Performance Rated
The National Wood Flooring Association created performance criteria for wood floors based on independent testing results. Floors that pass meet high standards for durability, stain resistance, light resistance, and more.
Factors to Consider When Selecting an Engineered Floor
Keep the following in mind when choosing an engineered product to meet your durability needs:
Traffic
Consider the amount and type of activity the floors will see. Foyers, kitchens, and family rooms demand higher durability than bedrooms. Having pets will also increase wear and tear.
Purpose
Is this flooring for a residential space or a commercial business? Office and retail spaces require commercial-grade engineered hardwood designed for heavy commercial foot traffic.
Maintenance
No floor is indestructible without proper care. Be realistic about your ability to follow the manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines. More durable floors require less upkeep but still need some periodic attention.
Decoding Durability Specs
Here is what to look for when evaluating the durability of engineered hardwood floors:
Janka Rating
As explained above, look for ratings over 1000 for sufficient durability. Red oak scores a 1,290, hickory is 1,820. For the best durability, choose exotic species with Janka ratings above 2,000.
Wear Layer
Thickness For residential use, a wear layer of 1-2 mm is sufficient for lighter traffic areas, while 3-4 mm is better for heavy-use rooms. Commercial engineered flooring has 4-6 mm thick wear layers to withstand constant walking and furniture moving.
AC Rating
AC1 is only suitable for bedrooms and closets. Go with AC2 or AC3 for living rooms, dining rooms, and rec rooms. Kitchens and foyers should be AC3 or AC4. The highest AC5 classification can withstand commercial spaces.
NWFA Performance Rated
This stamp of approval following stringent testing indicates excellent durability and performance. NWFA rated floors are graded as Light Commercial, Commercial, or Heavy Commercial to match various usage demands.
Warranty
Quality engineered wood floors come with warranties of 15-50 years. Longer warranties typically indicate better expected wear performance before possible failure.
Best Wood Species for Durability
These are great durable species to look for when shopping for engineered hardwood:
Brazilian Cherry (Jatoba)
Janka: 3,540
With nearly triple the hardness of red oak, Brazilian cherry can withstand decades of trampling and will look great for generations. Its stunning color and grain patterns make it a popular species for both commercial and residential spaces demanding rugged floors.
Hickory
Janka: 1,820
This heavy-duty domestic hardwood earns some of the highest marks for strength and shock resistance. The dense, stiff fibers of hickory produce an extremely durable floor able to mask scratches and dents. It offers a lighter, more affordable option compared to exotics.
Maple
Janka: 1,450
While not as hard as exotic woods, maple still holds up well to general residential use. The fine, smooth grain wears nicely underfoot. Canadian maple is slightly denser and more durable than domestic varieties.
Oak
Janka: 1,290
Red oak engineered flooring resists abrasions and impacts better than other domestic woods like pine. The pronounced grain structure also helps hide small scratches. White oak rates even harder at 1,360 on the Janka scale. Oak overall performs well at a value price point.
Tips for Improving Durability of Engineered Floors
Follow these top tips for keeping your engineered floors looking like new for longer:
Add protective mats
Place mats inside and outside entryways to prevent dirt, grit, water, and other debris from being ground into floors. Use furniture coasters and office mats under rolling chairs.
Maintain proper humidity
Keep indoor relative wood between 30-50% year-round. This prevents gaps or cupping from the planks expanding and contracting too much. Run humidifiers or dehumidifiers as needed.
Clean regularly
Dust mop, sweep and vacuum floors frequently to remove abrasive particles before they scratch floors. For deeper cleaning, use the manufacturer’s recommended wood floor cleaner and microfiber mops.
Avoid moisture issues
Immediately wipe up all spills, leaks and water tracked inside. Don’t allow potted plants or vases to sit directly on floors. Repair any sources of leaks like appliances or pipes that could cause flooding.
Reapply finish
Abide by the manufacturer’s timeline for recoating prefinished engineered floors to renew protective layers as they wear down. This helps prevent deep staining and damage.
Consider area rugs
Rugs placed in high-traffic zones create a protective buffer that preserves floors beautifully. Just be sure to periodically move them to allow even exposure to sunlight.
Engineered Hardwood Flooring Durability Issues To Avoid
While engineered hardwood is designed to be durable and long-lasting, there are still certain issues that can negatively impact its wear performance and longevity if not properly addressed:
Moisture Damage
Excess moisture is the number one threat to engineered wood flooring. Water leaks, flooding, overly high humidity, and poor subfloor prep can all cause planks to swell, warp, discolor, and delaminate. Carefully test subfloors for proper moisture content before installation.
Sun Exposure Fading
Much like solid wood, engineered floors will gradually fade and change color when exposed to too much direct sunlight. Use window treatments to limit intense ultraviolet light. Also maintain finish layers to provide protection from UV rays.
Heavy Impacts
Falling objects, stiletto heels, and heavy appliances can dent and crack planks over time. While engineered wood is highly dent-resistant, extreme impacts still pose a risk. Place protective pads under furniture legs and consider adding area rugs.
Pet Nails Scratching
Sharp claws and nails from active pets running across floors creates fine surface scratches. These become more noticeable as finishes wear thin from traffic and cleaning. Keep nails trimmed and paws clean, or restrict access for problematic animals.
Harsh Chemicals Degrading Finish
Using overly acidic or alkaline cleaners eats away at protective urethane layers. Amine-based products can yellow and distort finishes. Always use the flooring manufacturer’s recommended pH-neutral cleaner to preserve durability.
Solutions for Fixing Engineered Hardwood Durability Issues
If you do experience any durability problems with your engineered flooring, here are some solutions for restoring their beauty and function:
Spot Repairs
Light scratches or dents in planks can often be remedied using filler sticks and touch-up kits in matching wood tones. For deeper damage, individual boards may need to be replaced.
Sand and Refinish
When wear layers become too thin or damaged, sanding the floor smooth and applying new protective finish layers brings them back to life. This requires professional expertise.
Full Replacement
In cases of extreme warping or delamination resulting from water damage or subfloor failure, a complete redo may be required. Thankfully, engineered wood is relatively easy to replace versus solid wood.
Transition Strips
For high-traffic commercial settings, consider installing custom transition strips at entryways and between rooms. This sacrificial piece takes the brunt of wear instead of flooring.
Area Rugs
Placing durable rugs over worn paths to countertops, seating areas, and entries hides existing scratches beautifully while preventing further wear. Just be sure to move them periodically.
Preventative Maintenance
The easiest way to keep engineered floors looking pristine for decades is appropriate preventative care and maintenance:
Protect From Moisture
Seal concrete subfloors, repair plumbing, monitor humidity levels, and quickly clean up spills to avoid distortion or decay.
Sweep and Mop Regularly
Remove abrasive debris before it scuffs. Use proper hardwood cleaners, not excess water.
Furniture Pads and Mats
Attach felt pads to chair and table legs to prevent scratches. Use mats at entrances and workstations.
Control Sun Exposure
Close drapes over intense daylight areas. Maintain finish layers.
Pet Nail Care
Trim sharp nails frequently. Give pets a rug run space to do their scratching.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Check product labels and only use flooring-safe cleaners to not degrade finishes prematurely.
Engineered Hardwood Flooring Durability FAQs
Still have some lingering questions about choosing and caring for durable engineered floors? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:
Is engineered wood as durable as solid wood?
In general, both solid and engineered hardwood offer similar durability for residential use when properly maintained. However, engineered has increased resistance to moisture and climate fluctuations thanks to its multi-layer build. This results in better stability and often longer lifespans.
Can you refinish engineered hardwood?
Yes, engineered floors can be refinished by sanding down worn surfaces and applying fresh coats of protective finish just like solid wood. However, the number of times it can be refinished depends on the thickness of the wear layer, usually 1 to 3 times.
What’s the best thickness for durability?
For residential engineered flooring, a top layer thickness between 1mm to 4mm thick is sufficient to withstand normal household use for decades before refinishing is needed. Thicker wear layers over 4mm are primarily used in commercial settings seeing extremely heavy traffic.
