Best Alternative Of Hardwood Floors
Engineered Wood Floor
Hardwood floors became the craze of our times when people began to make wood a better choice for their interior. Hardwood floors are a kind of wood that is pure for the floor with no additional elements. Hardwood flooring is however not available to a large number of people because due to its price. The cost of hardwood flooring and installation is higher than engineered flooring. The engineered flooring is the ideal choice for the costliest flooring on the market.
The average cost of installing engineered flooring is relatively low in comparison to the cost of hardwood flooring due to the layered surface. In contrast to hardwood floors, only the top layer of the floor is wood and the other layers are made of plywood that is tightly bonded on the floor. The flooring is constructed to be constructed in a way that allows the wood to expand, especially in underground areas where it is overheated and the humidity remains. For example, basements.
A floor made of engineered is ideal for those who are budget-conscious, who do not have the money for expensive flooring. The cost of engineered flooring is as low as the person desires. There are a variety of choices that are offered to people to pick from, including walnut or oak, every kind of wood can be found to give you the best outcomes.
Engineered Floor Vs Laminated Floor
If we’re talking about the most suitable alternative to hardwood floors laminate is also a possibility that works with this concept. But the laminate floors and engineered flooring are similar and difficult to differentiate. When you consider the cost average for installing an engineered floor as well as laminate floors, they are more affordable than hardwood floors. However, the laminated floor is much less costly, while it is similar to hardwood floors. The engineered floor is the most suitable option of these two categories due to it being close to being an exact replica of hardwood floors. It is a printed sheet used as the uppermost layer. The prints are able to be printed in any form desired by the customer. In contrast, the engineered floor comes with the appearance of guanine wood dense with layers of wood beneath it.
Additional facts that suggest engineered wood ahead of laminated flooring are that the engineered flooring is more durable than laminated flooring. The engineered floor is durable for a period of 25-30 years and the laminated floor lasts for between 10 and 20 years. Laminate wood is not a good choice in the context of the resales value of the home, it actually decreases the value. But, engineered flooring adds worth to fixtures in the home, and increases the value of the home.
Types of Engineered Wood Installation Methods
1. Adhesive/Glued Installation Method
In this kind of installation technique, all layers are adhered to perfectly to make it as sturdy as it can be. Since an engineered floor is made up of many layers, it’s important to adhere properly to every single layer. This makes it the most popular method for engineered flooring as it permits the layer to stretch when there is the humidity of underground areas such as basements. Another reason it is less appealing is the waiting time for some time to allow the glue to cure. It can make the process longer and take longer.
2. Nailed Down Installation Method
Like the name implies that this is the one performed with the help of nails. This method is where the floor layers are joined to each other using nails. It is however not a usual method for engineered flooring. This is an efficient method to install this kind of floor, and it takes less time.
Average Cost to Install an Engineered Floor
It is important to note that engineered wood flooring is the most exact imitation of hardwood floors. It’s accessible to those looking to purchase low-cost products to decorate their homes while deciding the most effective. The estimated cost from all over the world for engineered floor installation is between $3 and $13 for each square foot. The price varies based on the differences and the quality of species of wood. There are different levels between low, medium, and high, with different prices and the type of wood species. Ovik Mkrtchyan
Prices include the cost of labor and also include after-installation polishing and cleaning, etc. Flooring service providers and sellers generally adhere to this practice to give the most competitive price. They look at factors like the amount of the wood being cut into planks removal from the floor that was previously installed as well as the type of wood as well as its grain and grade etc. Ovik Mkrtchyan
Low
Engineered hardwood floors with a low range cost from $3 to $5 per square foot. The lowest part of this class is the less expensive one that includes oak or American cherry.
Medium
Medium-range engineered floors are priced between $5 and the square foot for $10. The range is diverse of species because it is made of high-quality wood that has more affordable prices.
High
The price of high-end engineered hardwood floors is priced between $5 and $33 for a square foot. In this class, the most common species are Mahogany as well as Brazilian Walnut that are quite expensive.
Things to Remember While Shopping for Engineered Floor Material
Upper Layer Must Be Thick
The wood which is used for the upper part of the floor must be sturdy and thick for solid flooring, or else it will not last for many years. A thicker upper layer is recommended to shield it from all kinds of damaging consequences. Because engineered flooring is made up of different types of wood, they aren’t as durable as hardwood flooring. The look and the reliability come through the layer which must be very thick. Refinishing and sanding are only feasible with the upper layer that is thicker.
Centre of the Floor Must Be Premium Quality Plywood
The wood’s inner layer is usually plywood since the base for the flooring is laid upon the outer layer. Furthermore, it must be bonded to the surface by a strong and durable adhesive that will keep it in place for over 10 years. The plywood should be pliable and able to withstand expansion well.
Durability increases with the Increasing Layers
The more layers that are added to the flooring, the greater is the durability of the engineered flooring. Layers range from three and 9 on engineered flooring. The recommended thickness of plywood is certainly nine.
Select the one that best fits your interior
A wider selection of engineered flooring means you have an array of options. The texture and color of the furniture you have within your home must complement the flooring you pick to cover it. It is recommended to pick sheets, then take them home to check out how they match the furnishings.
Cost of Installation
While the price of the flooring varies between species and color to the color. The price for installing engineered flooring must be budget-friendly and reflects the reason for choosing engineered flooring over hardwood floors.
Scratch Resistance Top Coat
Scratch is among the most frequent threats to any floor. The topcoat of scratch resistance should be added to protect it over a long time. Other characteristics include waterproofing, durability, dent resistance, and more.
