Engineered hardwood flooring has come a long way in the past decade, offering contractors a versatile and reliable option for various applications. While terms like “engineered flooring” are often interchanged with luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or laminate, it’s important to distinguish true engineered hardwood flooring. So we think it’s time to clear a few things up!
What Makes Engineered Flooring Different?
The defining feature of engineered flooring is its construction: a hardwood wear layer adhered to a plywood core. This core is often made from materials like Baltic birch or eucalyptus, chosen for their stability and durability. Superior manufacturing techniques ensure multiple layers—ranging from 7 to 12—contribute to the floor’s strength, while the wear layer can vary from 2 mm to 6 mm in thickness, offering flexibility for sanding and refinishing.
Why Core Quality Matters
The core of engineered flooring is critical to its performance. Options like Baltic birch and eucalyptus cores are highly stable and undergo rigorous testing for humidity resistance, temperature fluctuations, and overall durability. Additionally, newer alternatives, like Hava wood (a rubberwood commonly used in Asia), provide contractors with more options to meet diverse client needs.
High-quality cores also eliminate issues seen in lower-grade plywood, such as voids. For contractors, this means engineered flooring offers superior reliability compared to standard construction-grade plywood.
Engineered Flooring: Ideal for Challenging Installations
One of the most significant advantages of engineered hardwood flooring is its versatility. It can be installed over radiant heating systems, concrete slabs, or in environments prone to high humidity, such as basements or sunken living rooms. These characteristics make it a go-to choice for areas where solid hardwood might not perform as well.
For example:
- Wide Plank Floors: Certain species, like Hickory, are prone to movement in solid form when used for wide planks. Engineered construction minimizes this issue, making it possible to use wider planks in these species without compromising stability.
- Reclaimed Woods: Engineered floors allow for unique offerings like original-face reclaimed oak, maintaining the beauty of the patina while providing enhanced stability.
Sanding and Finishing Engineered Floors
A common concern among contractors is whether engineered floors can be sanded and refinished. With advancements in wear layer thickness, engineered floors with 4 mm, 5 mm, or 6 mm wear layers can be sanded multiple times, offering durability that rivals solid hardwood flooring. This makes engineered flooring a reliable option for homeowners seeking longevity and value.
Why Choose Engineered Flooring from City Floor Supply?
City Floor Supply provides top-tier engineered flooring designed to meet the needs of professional contractors. Whether you’re working on a custom home or a commercial project, we offer:
- Custom Mill Options: Match engineered and solid hardwood from the same mill for seamless transitions between different parts of a house.
- Diverse Species and Finishes: From reclaimed wood to domestic and exotic species, we have options for every design aesthetic.
- Expert Support: Our team is here to answer questions about installation, species selection, and customization.
Ready to Upgrade Your Projects?
With engineered hardwood, you can deliver beautiful, durable, and versatile floors that meet the needs of any client. Explore our extensive collection and take advantage of our custom milling services to create a tailored solution for your next project.
For more information, call us at 800-737-1786 or browse our selection of prefinished and unfinished engineered hardwood flooring. Let us help you find the perfect engineered flooring for your needs!
