NJ Hardwood Floor Install, Refinish, Repair

ADVANTAGES OF ENGINEERED HARDWOOD

Wood flooring represents a smart choice for American homeowners due to its many benefits:

More affordable than most solid hardwood, while still delivering the same impressive appearance; the top layer of engineered hardwood (ranging from 1/16" to 1/4") is real wood, and the core is constructed to better withstand hot and humid climates.

It comes pre-finished with a factory-grade finish, meaning it is already sanded and sealed so you can walk on it immediately after installation.

Offers flexibility in installation methods.

Engineered hardwood is environmentally friendly, as solid hardwood can waste about four times more wood.

DISADVANTAGES OF ENGINEERED HARDWOOD

While laminate is a practical choice for many scenarios, it does come with some limitations:

Limited sanding options; engineered hardwood can be sanded zero to a few times based on the wear layer, while solid hardwood can be sanded multiple times.

If you live in a humid climate with frequent high temperatures, engineered hardwood flooring is the BEST choice for your home.

⚠️ Another reason engineered hardwood is a smart choice lies in its inherent durability and longer lifespan. Engineered hardwood is significantly less sensitive to normal wear and tear as well as warping and cracking caused by natural expansion and contraction.

WHAT IS AN ENGINEERED HARDWOOD FLOOR?

Unlike solid wood flooring, engineered floors consist of two components: the wear layer (top layer) and the bottom layer.

The Bottom Layer:
Hidden from view and located beneath the top layer, this component allows natural contraction and expansion, mitigating issues like buckling and warping. It is primarily made from less expensive materials such as plywood or manufactured wood and serves a practical purpose rather than an aesthetic one.
The Top Layer:
This layer combines both functionality and visual appeal. It can rival the look of any hardwood floor in terms of color and versatility. Additionally, the veneer offers impressive durability.

HOW IS ENGINEERED HARDWOOD FLOORING INSTALLED?

There are several methods for installing engineered hardwood floors:

Floating:
This method does not attach the flooring to the subfloor, allowing for direct installation over an approved subfloor, saving on removal and disposal costs.
Glue Down:
Here, the flooring is directly adhered to the approved subfloor, requiring the right type of adhesive based on the subfloor conditions.
Nailed Down or Stapled:
This involves using nails or staples to secure the flooring to the subflooring.