Engineered Hardwood Flooring

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Why We Love Them

  • Most, but not all, engineered products are prefinished at the factory.
    • There are engineered flooring options available for custom (jobsite) finish
  • Multi-directional, layered product made of multiple plies of high-quality plywood wood – top wear layer is an actual but thin slice of hardwood of the wood species of choice.
    • Looks just like Solid Hardwood Flooring upon installation – though usually (but not always) less expensive and more durable (aluminum oxide factory finish).
  • Can be stapled, glued, or floated
  • Often used:
    • On 2nd or 3rd floor
    • In remodeling situations
      • In rooms with changing humidity and/or temperature

      REASON:
      More dimensionally stable than Solid Hardwood Flooring

    • To do any of the following:
      • Replace carpeting
      • Match height of adjoining floor
      • Accommodate space under appliances

      REASON:
      Slightly thinner than most Solid Hardwoods

“Floors Etc. installs an engineered hardwood floor with as much attention to detail as a solid hardwood floor.”

— Sandra Burnett
Floors Etc. President

Quick Floors Etc. Overview

Engineered Hardwood Flooring is real hardwood—the word “engineered” just refers to the way these beautiful floors are made. Engineered hardwood flooring is everything people love about traditional hardwood, without the disadvantages – the added strength of its factory-installed finish making it around 300% harder than traditional hardwoods, and its multi-directional core make it more stable. The result is a floor that wears better in high traffic areas and can stand up to installation in places like kitchens. Engineered Hardwood also comes in a variety of wood species and finishes, offering our clients nearly limitless design options.

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More Reasons to Choose Floors Etc.
for Your Engineered Hardwood Floors

  • We only use the best products – from underlayments to beautiful engineered hardwood planks to glues
  • We diagnose your home to determine what type of installation is best (typically glue-down for engineered floors).
  • We offer a Spray Buffing service—the correct way to clean and maintain prefinished floors.
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The Essentials

  • Best for:
    • Any room except full baths or laundry rooms.
    • Projects where your hardwood needs to match the height of an adjoining floor or accommodate a thin space beneath kitchen appliances (slightly thinner than most solid hardwood)
    • Rooms with relatively high humidity (kitchens, powder rooms, over concrete subfloors, etc.)
    • IMPORTANT:
      Relative humidity must consistently fall between 35% and 65% for successful long-term installation.
  • Kid and Pet Friendly? Moderately.
    More Tips:
    • Use area rugs in children’s rooms and playrooms for cozy comfort
    • Provide soft mats or pet beds where dogs can lie down comfortably.

Benefits

  • Can be less expensive than Solid Hardwood Flooring
    • Until you get into premium collections, which may offer even better durability, have a thicker wear layer that allows for more sanding and refinishing, or have unique designs.
  • Prefinished at the factory (typically)
    • No dust or fume factors involved in installation, which is quicker than jobsite finished.
      • Can be walked on right after installation
    • UV-cured aluminum oxide urethane finish provides a much harder finish.
    • Manufacturer warranty – Range from 10- to 50- Year+ Warranties
  • Produces a structurally solid floor.
    • Has a solid sound and feel underfoot.
  • Variety.
  • Eco-friendly: uses less of the tree
  • Hypoallergenic

Drawbacks

  • Can be difficult to repair when damaged (replacing boards usually being the best option) – Floors Etc. always recommends purchasing 2-3 extra cartons to have on hand for future repair needs.
  • Can only be refinished a limited number of times.
    • However, Prefinished Engineered Hardwood Floors are quite durable
  • Can sound more hollow when you walk on it, especially if you opt for a floating installation.
    • Premium engineered collections are a bit thicker, which will lessen hollow sounds
    • Stapling planks down can make them sound more solid

Brands We Trust

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How It’s Made

Engineered wood is constructed of several layers, or plies that are glued together in a cross-grain construction, making it more structurally sound and dimensionally stable than solid hardwood. The top layer is made of real wood—in a species of the customer’s choice. The core layer consists of thin, stacked high-density boards. This stacking design defends against the effects of humidity and temperature, allowing each board to naturally expand and contract so it is less likely to buckle, gap, cup. or warp.

Hardwood Flooring Resources & Education

Visit our blog for helpful articles about hardwood flooring options, installation methods, and maintenance tips. Our educational resources help you make smart decisions for your flooring project and keep your investment looking beautiful for years to come.