High Maintenance The surface layer of engineered hardwood is no different than solid hardwood, so it requires the same level of maintenance. Sweep regularly, keep the floor as dry as possible, and avoid harsh chemicals to protect the finish.
As you can see there are a number of potential disadvantages to engineered wood flooring. Besides being more expensive than options like tile, they also require specific care, can be sensitive to moisture, and can develop fading.
Hardwood floor maintenance can be challenging due to spills, moisture, and the need for regular sanding and refinishing. Engineered hardwood floors, however, offer a practical solution with enhanced scratch and stain resistance, simplified cleaning routines, and reduced need for frequent refinishing.
An engineered wood floor that is untreated will not only be succeptible to moisture ingress and water damage but also to scratching and marking.
The typical lifespan of engineered hardwood flooring ranges from 20 to 30 years or more, depending on factors such as the quality of materials, installation process, maintenance routines, and environmental conditions. Suppose you take good care of high-quality engineered hardwood floors with thicker wear layers.
Damp mop periodically: Depending on the level of activity and soil accumulation, damp mop the floors with a well-wrung, slightly dampened microfiber mop or cloth every few weeks or as needed. Use a manufacturer-recommended hardwood floor cleaner or a mild solution of water and pH-neutral cleaner.
Engineered hardwood doesn't increase home value by much, but certain types, such as luxury vinyl, can add more to it than others. And reclaimed wood can vary, but has the potential for increasing value up to 2.5% or a little more.
Installing engineered hardwood flooring in a 1000 square foot space typically ranges from $6,000 to $12,000. The average cost lands around $9,000. This includes both materials and labor, but factors like the type of wood and installation complexity can influence the final price.
The Harder the Wood, the Less Susceptible it is to Your Dog's Nails. Remember, even though engineered hardwood is less susceptible to scratching, it still features a real hardwood veneer. So you'll still have worries about scratching and denting.
Most engineered hardwood often comes pre-finished and does not need to be sealed. However, if you would like to add an extra layer of protection from water leaks and spills, you can add a seal to engineered wood. Sealing your floor will keep the floors intact for longer.
The answer is yes, but carefully – very carefully. Ensure you mop is thoroughly squeezed of excess water – we must stress, use a damp mop only. You do not want to saturate your engineered timber with water as that's not what it's designed for. Too much water on engineered timber can cause it to warp.
Among all the most important questions that potential buyers often have is how many times engineered hardwood floors can be refinished. The answer actually varies depending on many factors. In general, most engineered hardwood floors can be refinished 1-3 times at most before they need to be replaced.
Underlayment. You should always install engineered wood over an underlayment. Moisture barriers and underlayment prevent moisture build-up under your floors, keep your floors warm, reduce noise, and even out subfloor imperfections.
In conclusion, when addressing whether engineered wood appears cheap, it's essential to consider its natural wood top layer, which ensures an authentic and premium look. Viewing engineered wood as inexpensive would mistakenly equate it with solid wood flooring, which is universally recognised for its value and quality.
But engineered lumber isn't suitable for exterior construction use. Its inability to absorb and release moisture means it will rot much more quickly than traditional lumber. The benefits of engineered studs may or may not outweigh their drawbacks.
Placing engineered floors in rooms with large windows or in direct heavy sunlight increases your chances of sun damage. You can decrease the rate at which your floors fade by inserting blinds on your windows and coating your floors with UV protectant seals.
Urine left on the floor for too long can discolor the wood, leaving dark stains and a stubborn ammonia odor that can be very difficult and expensive to remove. The key to minimizing this damage is acting quickly. The faster you clean up spills and accidents, the less chance there is of permanent damage.
If your scratch is very light, you may use fine steel wool buff it out. To do this, lightly rub the scratch in the direction of the wood grain until it is not as visible. Make sure to seal the area once you have done it.
Hickory is one of the hardest and most durable hardwood species available, making it an excellent choice for engineered wood flooring. With its distinctive grain patterns and natural color variations, hickory adds character and charm to any room while providing superior scratch resistance.
Price Ranges
Basic Engineered Planks: These cost about $3 to $9 per square foot. They usually feature three core layers topped by a thin veneer. Mid-Range Engineered Planks: Costing between $6 and $12 per square foot, these planks are more durable and often have five core layers.
What Species Is Best? The best hardwood floors are made with wood species that are readily available and — you guessed it — very hard. Oak flooring, maple flooring and cherry flooring are all good choices. Other species include bamboo (which is actually a grass), walnut, ash and mahogany.
The extent to which engineered hardwood impacts resale value can vary based on several factors: Quality of the Flooring: Higher quality engineered hardwood with thicker wear layers and premium finishes will generally have a more positive impact on resale value.
Buyers in every region of the country prefer hardwood floors; homebuyers say that this home feature even improves happiness, according to the National Association of REALTORS® 2022 Remodeling Impact Report. And it's not hard to see why: hardwood floors are beautiful, easy to clean, and durable.
Both materials show good resistance to scratches and impacts. Vinyl flooring is more water-resistant and suitable for wet areas, while engineered wood flooring offers great stability and can be sanded to maintain its appearance over time.
Carpeting used to be a must-have in the bedroom, but today, there seems to be an even split between carpet and hardwood floors. “The times have changed a bit when it comes to carpet in bedrooms,” says Jeb Smith, broker associate with Coldwell Banker Realty in Huntington Beach, California.