In addition to hardwood, the company also carries a small line of engineered cork flooring. Sourcing hard to find building materials can be a real headache, but it won’t be if you go with engineered products. Engineered Wood Flooring An engineered wood floor is a superb alternative to solid wood, providing a hard-wearing finish without compromising on aesthetics - but it's not necessarily a cheaper alternative. Engineered wood flooring may not be solid throughout, but it is real wood. Engineered hardwood floors have a solid wood top and bottom, but the middle or core layers are made of plywood. The various textures between seem not to matter too much except in specialty installations. While you won’t find any exotic species of trees in their lineup, they have an excellent range of engineered flooring if you prefer Oak, Hickory, and Maple. Add to cart. Quality control, in general, can be an issue as well. On average you can expect somewhere between 15 – 30 years although you always want to read the fine print. Engineered wood doesn’t qualify and won’t add zeros to your asking price. If you like the look of hand scraped wood with lots of texture, the Hand Crafted lineup may suit your needs. Walnut and Cherry are a little more expensive, and you will have to deal with darkening over time with the latter. One of the biggest competitors for engineered wood, solid wood flooring aside, is laminate. We want you to install floors in your home and feel confident that you made the right investment in American made engineered wood flooring manufactured in the heart of the Midwest. Some features you may be able to do without and save some money. Lauzon decided to keep things simple, so there are only three collections, although there are 12 series overall. Returns policy . Engineered floors mean that the Oak, Walnut or Maple top layer has been glued to a backing board for stability and sustainability. LVP is one of the most popular choices in home flooring options. The downside is that engineered wood won’t increase home resale value where solid hardwood can. Each collection is a little different from the rest, so there is something for everyone. With that in mind, here are a few quick reviews on some of the top brands that specialize in producing engineered flooring. Some only require the wet mop with a cleanser designed specifically for wood surfaces. It’s an eco-friendly choice and is less expensive than solid hardwoods. As long as you are the original buyer, the warranty is in effect. You also get the benefit of solid sawn log construction, making the appearance more natural, uniform and easy to pair with slight coloring differences in the wood. A thin slice or veneer of real hardwood is placed on the top of each plank and covered by a finish or topcoat for protection. Available in waterproof options, engineered wood is ideal for kitchens, bathrooms and other areas prone to moisture. Hardwoods come in different construction types: solid wood and engineered wood. Q: What’s the best way to clean engineered hardwood flooring? Rubber spacers are also recommended. Longer boards leave fewer joint lines and make the floors look more professional. These extra wide planks offer a deep color and super wide plank that seems to take all of the focus in the room for itself. Clear finish is a great way to show off the natural beauty of your wood flooring. They can also be used with underfloor heating systems. Are you looking for a type of flooring that’s easy to install? We’re not going to spend much time here as it all comes down to your budget and how much free time you have. With their natural moisture blocking and install methods,  Boen offers a 25 year residential warranty and a 5-year commercial warranty on their floors . However, you should expect several hours per room and being on your hands and knees a lot. Lumber Liquidators is a  wallet-happy shopping experience that aims to save you money at every turn . Carpet is  one of those flooring types that goes in and out of style, when talking about selling a home . Budget-friendly planks with a lot of options. With over a dozen series available, they should be one of your first stops when you prefer design and colors over exotic species. How do they compare to mass timber, though? Each type consists of planks made up of different layers. Engineered wood also doesn’t succumb to the deep crevices, swelling and constricting that solid wood does. proper care, regular cleaning and maintenance. You can install on, above or below the grade and on any level of your home. This company currently has six collections to choose from with Hand Crafted, Classic, Character, Specialty, Wide Plank, and Color Plank. Planks measuring 5 1/8” common, but you can also pick up wider boards at 7 1/2”. Laminate has a realistic image that looks like wood (or other materials) on top, followed by a core and backing layer on the bottom. In areas where relative humidity consistently drops below 30% for extended periods of time a solid structure should be considered. This price range will also offer you a longer life expectancy, better wear protection and a stronger, more durable finished product. But to answer a common question: Yes, it can still have gaps. If you need further answers, please use the comment section below the article. Note, though, that this is from date of purchase, not date of install. If you need to remove baseboards and thresholds or trim pieces, a crowbar is also needed. One small factor to think about is in-person versus online product availability. Bloodwood and a few others species from South America are in the mix as well, but can be much harder to find. Vacuums that work on solid hardwood or LVP are also suitable for engineered planks, but you’ll want to check the cleaning instructions before using liquid cleaners on your flooring. You will also need to pick up a few additional supplies as well, including underlayment and glue if required. Their most popular choices come from the 19th century inspired edition. Compared to solid hardwood or linoleum, engineered wood flooring is something you can find with ease. One negative to engineered wood flooring is its cost compared to domestic or common hardwood species. However, for basic cleaning and maintenance, the following guidelines work for all wood floors. However engineered wood can be a DIY project, saving you time and money. List View. The core layers aren’t made from MDF and can withstand a little moisture. You may know it as mass timber, man-made wood, hardwood composite or others. If you want the best engineered wood flooring, this area is particularly important considering the grade of lumber tells you a lot about what to expect from the boards. The core of the floor comes from Oak and Walnut, which are considered the most durable and strong wood species. Armstrong  gives you a great lifetime warranty , too. $1.99 per sf. The planks themselves come in three widths (medium, wide and extra wide). It’s not easy to replace a damaged board that’s been glued down in the middle of your floor, and chips are impossible to hide well. Engineered wood flooring typically starts at about $4.50 per square foot, but the average is more like $8 per square foot. Each one is reviewed and displayed to help you decide which brand to look closer at when choosing your next hardwood floor. Hard Maple, Hickory, and Oak are present along with Brazilian Cherry and Santos Mahogany. Almost any species that’s available in solid hardwood form has an engineered counterpart. Solid Hardwood When in doubt, check with a manufacturer as your board is shot once the veneer is gone. This, of course, extends to the homeowner and original buyer. In larger spaces the planks look right at home. Well, Brazilian Cherry hardwood flooring isn’t exactly cheap, but the price drops considerably when there is only a sliver on top, not a completely solid piece of wood. Engineered wood also doesn’t succumb to the deep crevices, swelling and constricting that solid wood does. They can yellow with age, however and like many finishes, release VOCs. While those are just a few companies that produce engineered flooring, you can expect to find products from most of the top flooring manufacturers as well. Not only do they have a wide and varied selection, but they can also match your décor from a photo. Pros and Cons of Engineered Wood Flooring, Anderson Engineered Wood Flooring Reviews and Prices 2020, Wood Look Tile: Pros and Cons, Cost, Best Brands (2020 Review), Brazilian Walnut Flooring Reviews: Pros and Cons, Prices, Best Brands 2020, Brazilian Cherry Flooring Reviews: Pros and Cons, Prices, Best Brands 2020, Ceramic vs. Porcelain Tile: Pros, Cons, and Cost, Travertine Tile Reviews: Pros, Cons, and Cost 2020, Wood Deck Railing Reviews, Installation and Cost, Stainless Steel Cable Railing Reviews, Installation and Cost, Aluminum Railing Reviews, Installation and Cost, Glass Railing Reviews, Installation and Cost, Wrought Iron Railing Reviews, Installation and Cost, Hog Wire Deck Railing Reviews, Installation and Cost, 12 Tips for Choosing the Best Flooring Options in Every Room, Ceiling Tiles Reviews and Installation Cost, Decorative Ceiling Tiles Reviews and Costs. Where most planks have a 2mm hardwood top layer, Somerset planks are 3mm. Their top two lines are treated with a Titanium finish, and some series feature their Pure Genius tech, an air-purifying material built into the finish. Solid sawn logs are used to create the planks and help control grain, texture  and color differences. The warranty is a little hard to follow, so make sure you read through the small print and ask questions if you don’t follow. It’s an excellent choice for humid areas and ranks high on the Janka hardness scale as well. This part is a thin layer of 1/16-inch to 1/8-inch veneer wood. Keep in mind, though, that most additional features add to the cost of the planks. Compare Click to add item "Great Lakes Wood Floors 3/8 x 5-3/8 Oak Engineered Hardwood Flooring (27.5 sq.ft/ctn)" to the compare list. The warranties vary by line, but you can expect a 25-year finish warranty at a minimum, and all their boards come with a lifetime structural guarantee for residential use. Beyond that, you just need time and effort. Engineered wood suffers the same wear and damage or “character” that solid wood goes through. Acacia has risen in popularity in recent years while IPE or Brazilian Walnut provides excellent durability. If you’ve been blown away by solid hardwood in someone’s home that had a distinct look, we’ve got good news. While you could put most of the exotic species in the specialty class, none are quite as special as Heart Pine. There are a few, though, that use glue or other more permanent methods. Do I need a contractor to install my flooring? Hardwood flooring requires a bit more care than carpet, laminate or vinyl. $74.03 per boxes. From the wood used in production to the finish and coloring, each plank is crafted with detail and dedication. You can choose from all of them. Founded in 1898, they have been dealing with wood for a long time, and have churned out engineered flooring since the 80s. You can choose natural, smooth, distressed wood, heavily or subtle scraped, or wire brushed. That is what makes Somerset a top choice for many homeowners. Buying wood flooring is a lot more than simply finding a color you like and making a purchase. Let us help you with your home improvement project. It can decrease the stability of your flooring, which can become a major problem over time or with minor spills. You will need an underlayment, which isn’t provided in almost any case. Engineered Wood Flooring. If the features don’t add value for you, then it isn’t an ideal match. The choices do go down when making this decision, but there is a color or style that will be what you are looking for. The boards become interlocking planks, which fit together in a “drop and lock” method. Having a budget is important when flooring your home. A: If you have heavy traffic in your home, paying extra for a product with a thick wear layer can be well worth it. Again, it’s usually wood, but some manufacturers have experimented with cork and other alternatives. However, certain features might be the selling point you need. For length, 78 to 80-inches is not uncommon, though these lengths are considered a little shorter than average. While all engineered wood planks alternate the directions of their core layers, the types of wood used also varies. VAT. Likewise, if you want the project completed faster, or with a labor warranty, the professional install may be more attractive. The engineered process uses all lumber for base, core and hardwood on top. Click lock uses an end-locking system that snaps into place like button snaps. Local hardware stores may have it in stock, and you’ll be blown away by the varieties available through larger shops like Lowes and Home Depot. List View. Too thick of wear layer can hide the beauty of the wood below if the right balance isn’t maintained, however. Q. Unless you want more value in your home so you can sell at a higher price, there isn’t a real reason to choose solid over engineered. Your email address will not be published. When installed the appearance is similar to a hardwood floor, but it doesn’t have the feel or weight behind it to be convincing. For the most part, you won’t need any specialty tools. The texture, composition and feel are all natural. That can be relatively easy with click-lock flooring, but it’s not so simple with planks that have been glued down. Engineered hardwood flooring is designed to minimize gaps due to expansion and contraction of the wood. However, not all vendors sell all of the choices online. It isn’t transferable, but as long as you live in the house, everything is covered. If you are looking for a USA company and have a looser budget, Shaw might be the best option for you. Narrower boards closer to 3 inches are also available, and you’ll find more variance when it comes to thickness. 2mm is a decent veneer thickness, while 3mm and above assures you of a high-quality flooring that can be refinished multiple times with a 50 year plus lifespan. Laminate and engineered hardwood are similar in a lot of ways. Each feature may help with the decision, but it may make it harder. If you’re unfamiliar with this type of flooring, have no fear. Looking for products with FloorScore certification is one way to find green products, and you may even qualify for LEED credit in some cases. They offer two different styles. The choice is yours, but all of them, like any other flooring, will still require regular cleaning and maintenance. Sister company of Shaw, the quality is high while lowering costs. Sort by: Grid View. As such, it’s virtually impossible to tell the difference between solid and engineered wood once they’re installed. The coating or finish and the amount of foot traffic you get are things to consider as well. This covers defects, craftsmanship and even the gluing on the layers. To lower their costs and give you hardwood options are unbelievable prices, some of their models use an MDF core. The biggest factors will be care, quality of the planks and how well they are installed. This helps the stability of the plank. A: It all depends on how thick it is. Are you partial to Bamboo? While we don’t have a price on these planks, they come with a 25-year warranty and an aluminum oxide finish. Engineered wood floors are suitable for installation in basements. 14 Day Returns. Warranties are fairly straightforward in the wild world of engineered flooring. This wood is manufactured with a relatively thin layer of hardwood that is bonded over a premium quality plywood layer which gives the flooring great stability. Understanding what engineered wood is, and the advantages it can bring to your home are just half the battle. Hardwood floors are some of the most sought after floors in residential and bespoke shops around the world. Hardwood planks (as well as softwood) come in many varieties. An engineered hardwood floor—as opposed to a traditional hardwood floor, made of only wood—comprises several layers. It may not be as easy to pick up a green product locally depending on where you live, with the rise of eco-friendly building products, it’s not hard to source green flooring online. Unlike solid hardwood the planks won’t add resale value to the home. Our table will give you a rough idea of what to expect from both domestic and exotic species…. The result is a hardwood floor, with most of the benefits, a fraction of the cost . If, however, you want a more realistic wooden appearance, they have those, too. Having a hardwood floor for the price of a laminate one may be enough to make you overlook the shortcomings. All of Somerset’s engineered flooring has a 50-year finish warranty along with a lifetime structural guarantee. They have everything from cabinet hardware to lighting but also carry a very nice array of engineered flooring featuring some of the harder woods. Because you are dealing with real wood, it can dry, crack, dent and scratch fairly easily. Prefinished boards are highly recommended, as the savings from going the DIY route may not be as significant as you think. Engineered wood flooring is a type of hardwood flooring, composed of multiple layers of timber stuck together, and finished with a layer of real wood lamella. It also requires multiple layers of underlayment, including felt, paper, padding and plywood. Make sure you read the warranty, too. If wax or sealant is needed, ensure you use the type made for your specific wood (pine, oak, etc.). For the most part, though, consumers want soft or rough. Showing 1-2 of 2 . If the features add value, then it is a good buy. One of the advantages of engineered hardwood is its ability to work in areas that aren’t ideal for solid hardwood installations. You can find both their products and Cali Bamboo’s through Lowes along with brands like Bruce and Shaw. The affordable  (for almost every budget) Armstrong flooring is always a top contender. Their waterproof and higher-end pieces use a lumber core, but mostly it is pressed plywood. Water-based polyurethanes are much easier to deal with all-around but aren’t quite as durable as the other options. Gapping in engineered hardwood can be due to many factors, including (but not limited to) the material's manufacturing, changes in humidity, and the type and quality of the installation. Installation requires a little more effort than some of the others, as each piece needs a few extra taps to lock in place. You will need a table or circular saw and measure to cut the planks. Keep in mind, some manufacturers use their own terms, and the grade has nothing to do with finishes and applies to all species. It’s all domestic species, however, and the same goes for the Essential collection. You also get your choice of colors, woods and finishes. However, the only current flooring that increases resale value is solid hardwood. You won’t find any IPE or Bloodwood at Harris, but they do have all the popular domestic species including red & white Oak, Hickory, Maple, and Walnut. About Engineered Wood Flooring. Well, Cali Bamboo is the best place to look into that style of flooring, but they also carry eucalyptus, Hickory, Oak, and Maple. Wood floors can stain. If you want a beautiful real wood floor for your home, choose engineered wood flooring … Luxury Vinyl Planks. result is a hardwood floor, with most of the benefits, a fraction of the cost, Buyer’s Guide to Selecting the Ideal Mass Timber, big consideration when dealing with installation is whether to do the installation yourself or hire it out to a professional. Engineered hardwood also gets damaged, it is natural wood after all. Q: What’s the easiest type of engineered flooring to install myself? It will also not swell or warp, which makes it very low maintenance. You have to install the floor in a home you own for the warranty to take effect. US Floors is another company that carries Bamboo and cork, along with some interesting products like COREtec. Warranties have various terms and limits, which can be altered by installation location, method or other means. Engineered wood, also called mass timber, composite wood, man-made wood, or manufactured board, includes a range of derivative wood products which are manufactured by binding or fixing the strands, particles, fibres, or veneers or boards of wood, together with adhesives, or other methods of fixation to form composite material. Carpet; 5.4 Engineered Hardwood Vs. It looks and feels just like a traditional wooden floor because the top layer is real solid hardwood, and it is perfect for use as paneling or even joinery projects like doors and tabletops as well as for floors. Whether you prefer the Hickory Shadewood from the Aspen collection or Yellow Birch Wheat from SpringLoc TODAY, Harris has a solid selection of flooring and plenty of colors to choose from. These extra wide planks offer a deep color and super wide plank that seems to take all of the focus in the room for itself. Engineered flooring is more durable, brings more value to your home, and “feels” more like real wood. 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