Bonum Wood has been in the flooring business for over twenty years. And the question we receive almost every day is “What type of flooring I have to choose?” Let’s us shatter some myths about the most common flooring types. As you start the process of choosing the right type of flooring, there are many factors to consider. Not only is the price of flooring a major influencing factor, but the style, maintenance, durability, and refinishing aspects are major influencers, as well. This means that you should take all factors into account when deciding if a particular type of flooring is best for your living space or business property. Although you’ve probably heard time and time again that solid hardwood floors are the best investment, what you need to realize is that today’s technological advancements provide the even better option – engineered hardwood flooring. However, engineered hardwood flooring may be very different, and we want you to understand what the real difference is. Here’s a quick look at engineered hardwood flooring we manufacture and how it compares to solid hardwood floors.

Engineered wood flooring construction

Engineered wood flooring construction

Refinishing

Many people believe that because a solid wood plank is thick, usually 19 mm or 3/4”, that it can be refinished by sanding it down as many times as an owner wants. Unfortunately, though, this belief is not the truth. The true number of times that a hardwood floor can be refinished is determined by the amount of wood above the tongue. Once it is sanded down to a point where no wood is above the tongue, the nails used to install the plank will become visible.

It is also extremely important to understand that not all engineered hardwood floors are the same. Just because engineered hardwood flooring is not made out of solid wood, this does not disqualify it from still being hardwood. Rotary peeled veneers tend to be the most popular type of flooring chosen by big box customers, and it is well known that this flooring has a distinctive grain pattern that looks like inexpensive hardwood. With a top layer thickness of 2 mm or less, rotary peeled veneered flooring is nothing more than peeling from the perimeter of wet logs that are then flattened onto the underlying substrate. Because of its minimal thickness, it basically cannot be sanded and refinished.

Dry sawn veneers, on the other hand, are the only engineered floors that can be sanded and refinished. It is of the utmost importance that you purchase dry sawn engineered hardwood flooring if you intend to refinish it at some point in the future. Bonum Wood products are all dry sawn and have a thickness of 4 mm to 6 mm; the number of professional sanding procedures that this type of flooring can withstand is about the same as solid wood.

Stability

In comparison to solid wood, engineered hardwood is more stable and humidity resistant. It does not shrink or expand, which makes it resistant to warping and cupping. Engineered flooring can be used anywhere inside: it is ideal for below-grade installations where dampness is common. Unlike solid wood that shrinks, cups, and buckles, engineered hardwood can be installed over radiant heating systems, in bathrooms and laundry rooms.

Managing constant and identical moisture content throughout the wood is essential to its longevity. Dry wood usually has 8% to 9% percent moisture content (thermo treated wood has lower moisture content – usually 2% to 4%). Engineered hardwood flooring has a thinner top layer than solid wood, and this figure is the same throughout of it. Solid wood, on the other hand, is thicker. Thus the moisture content, especially in the middle of a plank, may be different. As a result of it – warping and cupping. Engineered flooring tends to be more stable, especially during winter when the air is dry due to heating.

Sizes

There are two types of engineered hardwood constructions we manufacture: Baltic birch multiplex plywood and 3-layer construction with a second layer made of birch; with the latter being available in planks up to 550 mm wide. Wide solid wood, however, will most likely twist and bend over time; this is why solid wood planks are narrow. For example, if a 5″ hardwood plank were to be installed in a humid area, it will eventually suffer from cupping and buckling.

Value for your property

It is important not to think that only solid hardwood floors can bring value to a home. Our quality engineered hardwood flooring comes with a limited lifetime warranty and will last forever. Just the same as hardwood floors, engineered floors greatly increase the overall value. You should also keep in mind that the better the installation of the floors, the greater value they will bring. Even if you find the material and installation prices to be more expensive than solid hardwood floors, engineered flooring will last longer, which can save you money in the long run.

Installation

Solid wood flooring usually installs with nails but without glue, especially in North America. If the subflooring has any irregularities or height variations, subfloor preparation may be needed. Otherwise, any subfloor flaws may show through after the prefinished hardwood is installed.

Engineered hardwood flooring needs to be glued to the subfloor and gluing down the floor is the only correct way of installation because the glue levels the subflooring, ensures all air pockets are covered and keeps planks securely in place as they expand and contract. Furthermore, glue can facilitate noise protection as well as add additional moisture limits. When engineered hardwood flooring is not correctly installed, its durability and stability are extremely hindered.

An excellent way to go green

As technology continues to become more advanced on a daily basis, solid wood flooring becomes less advantageous while at the same time engineered hardwood flooring continues to increase in its benefits. On an ending note, for anyone looking for green flooring, engineered flooring serves as an excellent choice. For every sq.m of 19mm or 3/4′ thick solid wood flooring that gets manufactured, approximately four times that amount of engineered flooring can be produced without sacrificing quality. Furthermore, our engineered hardwood flooring has no added urea-formaldehyde. Using lacquers and oils that have low amounts of VOC’s, engineered hardwood is a green leader in the flooring industry.

The takeaway

Your options are practically limitless when it comes to different flooring types. If you are considering hardwood floors, it is highly advised that you compare the pros and cons of solid and engineered hardwood. You will likely find that engineered hardwood flooring is better able to meet your particular needs. We hope this article helps you to make a right choice. Thank you!