Engineered Hardwoods: 101

Engineered hardwoods (EHs) are a great flooring choice for your new home both for look and durability. EHs are actually made of real wood layers that are stacked together. These layers are joined together in a cross-grained construction, making the product strong and very dimensionally stable.

Strengths: When comparing to solid hardwoods, engineered hardwoods have the upper hand in a few key areas. Engineered hardwoods are less susceptible to the natural expansion and contraction that occurs with wood due to fluctuating moisture. EHs can also be installed on any surface in your home, including concrete subfloors. Lastly, EHs in general tend to be slightly less expensive than solid hardwoods.

Care: As with many wood products, water is the enemy, so any precaution you can do to keep the two separated, the better. In case of a spill, blot dry immediately upon notice. It is not recommended to wet mop or even damp mop EHs as this can cause warping. As a general practice, keep floor clean by regularly sweeping or vacuuming (with a non-beater-bar head). It’s also a good idea to cover high traffic areas with a rug, to minimize normal wear and tear. Flooring products can vary, so always follow the manufacturer's specific recommendations for care and product use on your flooring.

Options: In additional to the various stain finishes, you need to consider the texture of your wood floors. Many manufacturers offer scrapped, distressed, smooth, and wire-brushed textures. Keep in mind your over-all design scheme for the space and choose a texture that will compliment your desired look. Another popular option is varying the width of the wood plank to add another dimension to your space. This look can work particularly well in large room or open-concept floor plans.

(Accessed 2019, January 28). Hardwood Flooring Care and Maintenance. Retrieved from https://shawfloors.com

(Accessed 2019, January 28). Mixing varying widths of hardwood floors. Retrieved from https://shawfloors.com

(Accessed 2019, January 28). Solid and engineered hardwood. Retrieved from https://shawfloors.com