Engineered Hardwood Flooring

Why Choose Engineered Hardwood Flooring

Engineered hardwood flooring is real hardwood - the surface you walk on and see is genuine wood. The difference is in the construction: a hardwood wear layer is bonded to multiple layers of plywood or high-density fiberboard, creating a plank that resists expansion and contraction far better than solid wood.

Construction and Quality Indicators

The most important quality indicator is the wear layer thickness. Premium engineered hardwood features a wear layer of 3 mm to 6 mm, allowing for 2-3 refinishings over the floor's life. The core is typically 7 to 11 plies of cross-layered plywood, which provides structural stability. Total plank thickness ranges from 3/8 inch to ¾ inch.

Installation Versatility

Engineered hardwood offers three installation methods: floating (click-lock planks over an underlayment), glue-down (directly to concrete or plywood), and nail-down (over plywood subfloors). This versatility means engineered hardwood can go where solid hardwood cannot - over concrete slabs, in basements, and over radiant heating systems.

Popular Species

Engineered oak is the most popular option, with white oak and European oak leading the category. Engineered maple offers a light, contemporary look. Engineered hickory combines maximum hardness with the stability of an engineered core. Acacia and birch are available in engineered formats as well.

Wide Plank Engineered Hardwood

Engineered construction is especially advantageous for wide plank flooring (7 inches and above). Solid wood planks this wide are prone to significant seasonal movement, while the cross-layered core of engineered hardwood keeps wide planks flat and stable year-round. This is why most premium wide-plank hardwood flooring is engineered.

Engineered Hardwood vs. Luxury Vinyl

Both engineered hardwood and luxury vinyl tile can be installed over concrete, but they serve different needs. Engineered hardwood is real wood that adds home value and can be refinished. Luxury vinyl is fully waterproof and more affordable but cannot be refinished and does not have the resale value of real wood.

Is engineered hardwood real wood?

Yes. Engineered hardwood has a real hardwood surface layer - the same species you would find in solid hardwood flooring. The difference is beneath the surface, where cross-layered plywood or HDF provides dimensional stability. The floor looks, feels, and performs like real wood because it is real wood.

Can engineered hardwood be installed over concrete?

Yes, this is one of engineered hardwood's primary advantages. It can be glued directly to a concrete slab or floated over concrete with a moisture barrier underlayment. Always test the concrete's moisture levels before installation. Solid hardwood cannot be glued or floated over concrete.

Can engineered hardwood be refinished?

Engineered hardwood with a wear layer of 2 mm or thicker can be refinished at least once. Premium products with 3-6 mm wear layers can be refinished 2-3 times. Light screening and recoating can be done regardless of wear layer thickness. Check the manufacturer's specifications for your specific product.

Is engineered hardwood waterproof?

Engineered hardwood is more moisture-resistant than solid hardwood but is not waterproof. It handles humidity fluctuations and minor spills well. Prolonged water exposure will damage the wood. For fully waterproof flooring with a wood look, consider luxury vinyl tile or wood-look porcelain tile.