Engineered flooring is probably a term you've already heard of if you're looking for a wood floor. However, what exactly is engineered wood flooring and why should you think about it?


Cross-ply layers are glued on top of each other in engineered wood flooring, and the top layer is natural wood. Although engineered flooring resembles solid wood, it is more robust, long-lasting, and cost-effective.


The construction of engineered wood can be either three-ply or multi-ply. For a foundation with superior strength and stability, multi-ply floors have a core made of several layers of plywood. As a result, this structure ends up on flooring of higher quality. It is possible to maintain strength and stability at a lower cost by employing a "core" layer made of HDF or softwood.


The Advantages


As we already know,  the surface of engineered flooring is real wood, so the natural characteristics are obvious. However, there are additional benefits to consider.


  • It is less expensive than solid hardwood flooring, and its increased stability is advantageous for older homes that are more susceptible to significant changes in temperature and humidity.
  • Because of its stability, it can be installed in a variety of ways to suit your property and preferences, such as with underlay to improve levelling and insulation.
  • It is compatible with underfloor heating. It is available in a variety of wood species, styles, colours, finishes, and plank widths. 
  • The top layer, or wear layer, can be sanded and refinished if necessary.
  • There are significantly fewer risks of cupping.
  • Engineered flooring has a lot more options because of its popularity.

Misconceptions About Engineered Wood Flooring 


You may have heard of some common misconceptions. It is essential to be aware of these in order to guarantee that your floor meets expectations.


  • Solid wood floors do not improve scratch resistance. The top layer is still made of natural wood, so it will still be easy to get scratches and marks on it.
  • They cannot withstand water. Even though solid wood offers better resistance to moisture, it is still critical to maintain the recommended moisture levels.
  • Gaps in the expansion are still required. Although it expands less than solid wood, engineered wood flooring still moves with changes in temperature and humidity.
  • Sanding is fine. You can refinish and sand your floor multiple times if the top layer is at least 3mm thick.