The two Kinds of wood Floors are Known as Engineered or Solid:
When making the choice to beautify their living space the difference between solid and engineered hardwood floors is. The factors in making the choice between the two are your tastes and requirements when there are differences between solid and engineered flooring.
A frequent misconception between solid and engineered flooring is that engineered floors is "imitation" and contains no wood. Hardwood is contained by both types of flooring. The distinction is in the planks are constructed.
Solid Hardwood Flooring.
Solid wood flooring is any kind of hardwood (whether it is strip or plank floors) that is cut entirely from one solid piece of wood.
Engineered flooring
consists of several plies of wood glued together with the grains running in different directions. The surface may consist of a bit that may be sanded or either a very thin veneer.
Laminated Wood Flooring.
Engineered flooring is called laminated due to the layers. But, laminate floors is not real wood at all. It's a photographic image of timber that is made to simulate real stone or wood and coated with a thick melamine layer. Always be sure you're buying a real wood floor!
Solid vs. Engineered Hardwood Flooring: Attributes
Due to the gap in building, solid and engineered flooring will behave otherwise. Understanding where you're able to use both kinds will help to make choosing between both much easier.
Solid Hardwood Flooring.
Wood flooring is more vulnerable to humidity and moisture changes. From the colder, drier weeks the wood may shrink, resulting with gaps between each plank. When the wood expands these gaps will close back up in the spring and summer months. Due to this expansion and contraction of timber, it can be set up at or above floor level. By controlling your yearlong indoor humidity levels, any motion will be minimized. The most common type of solid hardwood flooring is 3/4" thick and will allow most species to be fully sanded 5-7 occasions and much more with some of the more infrequent exotic species.
Engineered Hardwood Flooring.
Wood flooring's construction allows for greater stability in regards to changes in humidity and temperature. Having the grain going in different directions, on each coating, enables for the wood as it has to do with contraction and expansion to marginally counteract itself. Engineered flooring can be set up below, on or above floor level.
To give yourself options for long=term maintenance, be certain that the wear layer of your engineered floor is at least 3/16" thick, providing sufficient thickness for 1-2 full sanding if needed.
Because of the differences between engineered and solid hardwood flooring, solid wood flooring is more costly than engineered hardwood floors.
Both kinds appear great when installed, and it's becoming harder and harder for individuals.
Safeguard your investment.
Buy flooring product, engineered or solid to a fantastic excellent, and use a hardwood flooring contractor that is professional that is advocated.
The range of styles and looks for both solid and engineered hardwood flooring gives you many different choices which will fit virtually any budget. While price is crucial, consider how each type of flooring will act in your home. Here are some
questions to consider when creating your choice:
Where will my floor be set up? The location of your floor is going to be a strong limiting factor in floor choice. Strong hardwood flooring may only be installed at or above grade. Engineered flooring will be required by anything below grade.
What setup type can I use? Your subflooring may have an effect in your alternative. Engineered flooring is versatile and can be installed over existing. Engineered wood flooring is typically nailed to a wooden subfloor.
How often can I upgrade my flooring? Solid wood flooring allows for multiple re-sands during its life, giving you the chance to change the look of your flooring by keeping it updated with colors, trends, and current styles. Options that were re-sanding have been limited by Engineered hardwood flooring.
With the improvements in floors technology, the look of solid and engineered hardwood floors are indistinguishable. Though some might prefer the "prestige" of solid wood floors, the practical applications of every will cause you to a more informed option. Whatever you choose, proper maintenance and care are required to keep your floors looking good for years to come.