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:
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Stability: It can handle moisture better than solid hardwood, making it suitable for basements and kitchens.
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Moisture Resistance: While not waterproof, it resists moisture far better than solid wood.
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Ease of Installation: Many engineered floors come with click-lock systems, making DIY installation a breeze.
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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
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Sound Absorption: Reduces noise transmission, making your home quieter.
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Moisture Barrier: Protects the flooring from moisture coming up from the subfloor.
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Comfort: Adds a bit of cushioning under your feet.
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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:
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Foam: Inexpensive and provides good sound absorption.
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Cork: Natural, eco-friendly, and provides excellent sound and thermal insulation.
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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.
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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
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Avoid Steam Mops: Steam mops can force moisture into the seams of the flooring, leading to damage.
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Don’t Use Abrasive Cleaners: Abrasive cleaners can scratch the finish of the floor.
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Avoid Wax-Based Products: Wax-based products can leave a dull film on the floor.
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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.
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Gapping: This is when gaps appear between the planks, usually due to shrinkage from low humidity.
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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.
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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
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FSC Certification: This certification ensures that the wood is sourced from sustainably managed forests.
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CARB Compliance: This ensures that the product meets California Air Resources Board (CARB) standards for formaldehyde emissions.
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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.