What Are Engineered Floors? (7 Things Installers Know!)

In today’s rapidly changing housing market, homeowners and builders alike are urgently seeking flooring solutions that combine durability, aesthetic appeal, and cost-effectiveness.

Engineered flooring has surged in popularity as a viable alternative to traditional hardwood, and understanding its nuances is essential for anyone looking to renovate or build.

With the rise in awareness of sustainable building practices and the demand for materials that can withstand the test of time, engineered floors have become a focal point for both installers and homeowners.

Yet, despite their growing prevalence, many still remain in the dark about what engineered floors truly are and the secrets that professional installers have come to know.

If you’re looking to make informed decisions regarding your flooring choices, now is the time to delve into the world of engineered floors.

Section 1: What is Engineered Flooring?

As a flooring contractor with years under my belt, I’ve seen trends come and go.

But engineered flooring?

That’s here to stay.

Let’s break down what it is, and why it’s different.

Engineered vs. Solid Hardwood vs. Laminate

Think of solid hardwood as a single piece of wood, milled from a tree.

Beautiful, yes, but also prone to expanding and contracting with moisture changes.

Laminate, on the other hand, is basically a photograph of wood glued to a composite core.

It’s cheap and can look decent, but it lacks the real wood feel and durability.

Engineered flooring is the sweet spot in between.

It has a thin layer of real hardwood (the “wear layer”) bonded to a core made of multiple layers of plywood or high-density fiberboard (HDF).

This multi-layered construction makes it much more stable than solid hardwood.

The Construction Process

Imagine a stack of pancakes, each layer carefully chosen for its purpose.

The top layer, the wear layer, is the star – that’s the real hardwood you see and walk on.

This layer can be anything from oak and maple to hickory and walnut, and it comes in various thicknesses.

The thicker the wear layer, the more times you can sand and refinish the floor down the road.

Underneath the wear layer are the core layers.

These are typically made of plywood, HDF, or even softwood.

The core layers are arranged in a cross-grain construction, meaning the grain direction alternates in each layer.

This is what gives engineered flooring its stability and resistance to warping.

Advantages of Engineered Flooring

Why is engineered flooring so popular? Here’s the lowdown:

Stability: It can handle moisture better than solid hardwood, making it suitable for basements and kitchens.
Moisture Resistance: While not waterproof, it resists moisture far better than solid wood.

Ease of Installation: Many engineered floors come with click-lock systems, making DIY installation a breeze.
Cost-Effective: It’s generally less expensive than solid hardwood.

Environmentally Friendly: Uses less hardwood than solid options.

Section 2: The Seven Essential Insights

Installers Know

Alright, let’s get to the juicy stuff.

Here are seven things I’ve learned over the years that every homeowner should know about engineered flooring:

1. Understanding the Installation Process

You might think installing engineered flooring is as simple as clicking planks together.

And sometimes, it is!

But there’s more to it than meets the eye.

Installation Methods

There are three main ways to install engineered flooring:

Glue-Down: This involves applying adhesive to the subfloor and then pressing the planks into the glue.

It’s the most stable method but also the most labor-intensive.
Nail-Down: This is similar to installing solid hardwood, where you nail the planks to the subfloor.

It’s a good option for above-grade installations.
Floating: This is the most popular method, where the planks are clicked together and “float” over the subfloor.

It’s quick, easy, and doesn’t require any adhesive or nails.

The Importance of Acclimation

I can’t stress this enough: always acclimate your engineered flooring before installation!

What does that mean?

It means letting the flooring sit in the room where it will be installed for several days (usually 3-5 days, but check the manufacturer’s instructions).

This allows the flooring to adjust to the room’s temperature and humidity, preventing it from expanding or contracting excessively after installation.

Trust me, skipping this step can lead to major problems down the road, like buckling and gapping.

2. Choosing the Right Underlayment

Underlayment is a thin layer of material that goes between the subfloor and the engineered flooring.

It’s like a cushion for your floor, and it plays several important roles.

The Role of Underlayment

Sound Absorption: Reduces noise transmission, making your home quieter.
Moisture Barrier: Protects the flooring from moisture coming up from the subfloor.

Comfort: Adds a bit of cushioning under your feet.
Leveling: Can help smooth out minor imperfections in the subfloor.

Types of Underlayment

There are several types of underlayment available, each with its own pros and cons:

Foam: Inexpensive and provides good sound absorption.
Cork: Natural, eco-friendly, and provides excellent sound and thermal insulation.

Rubber: Durable and provides excellent sound absorption and moisture resistance.
Combination: Some underlayments combine different materials to offer a balance of benefits.

Choosing the right underlayment depends on your specific needs and budget.

If you live in an apartment, sound absorption might be your top priority.

If you have a concrete subfloor, moisture resistance is crucial.

3. Acclimation and Environmental

Considerations

Let’s dive deeper into acclimation.

It’s not just about letting the boxes sit in the room.

It’s about understanding how temperature and humidity affect your floor.

Why Acclimation is Critical

Engineered flooring, like any wood product, expands and contracts with changes in humidity.

If you install it without acclimating it, it will expand or contract after installation, leading to gaps, buckling, or even cracking.

Acclimation Guidelines

Check the Manufacturer’s Instructions: This is the most important step.

Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for acclimation time and conditions.

Temperature and Humidity: Aim for a consistent temperature and humidity level in the room where the flooring will be installed.

Ideally, the temperature should be between 60°F and 80°F, and the humidity should be between 30% and 50%.
Stacking: Don’t stack the boxes of flooring too tightly.

Allow air to circulate around the planks.

Environmental Effects

Even after installation, temperature and humidity can affect your engineered flooring.

Here are some tips to keep your floor looking its best:

Maintain Consistent Humidity: Use a humidifier or dehumidifier to keep the humidity level in your home consistent.
Avoid Extreme Temperature Changes: Don’t let the temperature in your home fluctuate too much.

Use Rugs: Place rugs in high-traffic areas to protect the floor from wear and tear.

4. Maintenance and Care

Engineered flooring is relatively easy to care for, but there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure its longevity.

Best Practices for Cleaning

Sweep or Vacuum Regularly: This will remove dirt and debris that can scratch the floor.
Mop with a Damp Cloth: Use a damp cloth or mop to clean the floor.

Avoid using too much water, as this can damage the finish.
Use a pH-Neutral Cleaner: Use a pH-neutral cleaner specifically designed for engineered floors.

Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.

Products and Techniques to Avoid

Avoid Steam Mops: Steam mops can force moisture into the seams of the flooring, leading to damage.
Don’t Use Abrasive Cleaners: Abrasive cleaners can scratch the finish of the floor.
Avoid Wax-Based Products: Wax-based products can leave a dull film on the floor.

Don’t Let Spills Sit: Wipe up spills immediately to prevent staining.

5. Dealing with Common Issues

Even with proper installation and care, engineered flooring can sometimes develop problems.

Here are some common issues and how to address them:

Common Problems

Buckling: This is when the flooring lifts up from the subfloor, usually due to moisture.
Warping: This is when the flooring becomes distorted or uneven, also usually due to moisture.
Gapping: This is when gaps appear between the planks, usually due to shrinkage from low humidity.

Scratching: This is when the surface of the flooring is scratched, usually from furniture or pets.

Prevention and Solutions

Buckling and Warping: Prevent this by maintaining consistent humidity levels in your home and addressing any moisture problems in the subfloor.

If buckling or warping occurs, you may need to replace the affected planks.
Gapping: Prevent this by maintaining consistent humidity levels in your home.

If gapping occurs, you can try using a wood filler to fill the gaps.

Scratching: Prevent this by using rugs in high-traffic areas and placing felt pads under furniture legs.

If scratching occurs, you can try using a scratch repair kit or refinishing the floor.

6. Sustainability and Environmental Impact

More and more homeowners are concerned about the environmental impact of their flooring choices.

The good news is that engineered flooring can be a sustainable option.

Eco-Friendliness of Engineered Flooring

Uses Less Hardwood: Engineered flooring uses less hardwood than solid hardwood, which helps to conserve forests.
Recycled Content: Some engineered flooring products contain recycled content, such as recycled wood fibers or recycled plastic.
Sustainable Sourcing: Look for engineered flooring products that are certified by organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), which ensures that the wood is sourced from sustainably managed forests.

Certifications and Standards

FSC Certification: This certification ensures that the wood is sourced from sustainably managed forests.
CARB Compliance: This ensures that the product meets California Air Resources Board (CARB) standards for formaldehyde emissions.
FloorScore Certification: This ensures that the product meets indoor air quality standards.

7. Cost Considerations and Value

Finally, let’s talk about cost.

Engineered flooring is generally less expensive than solid hardwood, but it’s still a significant investment.

Cost Breakdown

Materials: The cost of engineered flooring varies depending on the species of wood, the thickness of the wear layer, and the quality of the core.

Expect to pay anywhere from $3 to $10 per square foot for the materials.

Installation: The cost of installation varies depending on the installation method and the complexity of the job.

Expect to pay anywhere from $2 to $5 per square foot for professional installation.
Maintenance: The cost of maintenance is relatively low, as engineered flooring is easy to clean and maintain.

However, you may need to invest in a scratch repair kit or refinishing services down the road.

Long-Term Value

While engineered flooring may have a higher upfront cost than some other flooring options, it offers excellent long-term value.

It’s durable, easy to maintain, and can last for decades with proper care.

Plus, it adds value to your home and enhances its aesthetic appeal.

Conclusion: The Future of Flooring

So, there you have it – a deep dive into the world of engineered flooring.

As I’ve explained, it’s a versatile, durable, and cost-effective flooring option that’s perfect for a wide range of applications.

From its multi-layered construction to its resistance to moisture and ease of installation, engineered flooring offers a host of benefits that make it a smart choice for homeowners and builders alike.

And with the insights I’ve shared, you’re now armed with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about your flooring project.

So, whether you’re renovating your home or building a new one, I encourage you to consider engineered flooring as a viable option.

With its combination of beauty, durability, and value, it’s a flooring choice that you won’t regret.