5 Things You Need to Know Before Buying Engineered Wood Flooring

Selecting the ideal engineered wood flooring is an important decision influencing your home’s aesthetic, comfort, and value.

Here are five crucial factors you should consider before making your purchase:

• Construction
• Pattern
• Environmental friendly
• Maintenance

Engineered Wood Flooring Construction

Layers and Stability Engineered wood flooring is composed of multiple layers of wood, typically bonded together with heat and pressure.

The structure of engineered wood flooring is more stable and durable than solid hardwood floors and does not expand and contract due to humidity and temperature fluctuations. The most common is divided into：

• 2 layer
• 3 layer
• Multi-Layer

Thickness and Wear Layer The thickness of engineered wood flooring can vary, with common options ranging from 3/8 inch to 3/4 inch. The thickness of the wear layer, the topmost layer of hardwood, is crucial for the floor’s longevity. A thicker wear layer can be sanded and refinished multiple times, extending the life of your flooring. When choosing engineered wood flooring, consider how long you want the floor to last and how often you might need to refinish it.

2-layer engineered wood flooring：

• It’s a more cost-effective option compared to 3-layer and multi-layer constructions.
• Less stable than other options, and more susceptible to warping and moisture damage in certain environments.
• More suitable for people with a lower budget, or suitable for use in short-term rentals.

3-Layer Engineered Wood Flooring:

• This extra layer can provide increased stability and durability compared to 2-layer options.
• It may offer better resistance to moisture and fluctuations in temperature and humidity, making it suitable for a wider range of environments, such as living rooms.

Multi-Layer Engineered Wood Flooring:

• It provides superior resistance to moisture, impact, and wear, making multi-layer options ideal for high-traffic areas or environments with challenging conditions, such as basements or areas prone to humidity fluctuations.

Engineered wood flooring patterns

When you don’t know how to choose an engineered hardwood flooring pattern, you can consider the following factors:

• Room Size and Layout: The pattern of the flooring can impact the perception of space in a room. For smaller rooms, lighter-colored and narrower plank patterns can create the illusion of more space, while wider planks can add a sense of grandeur to larger rooms.
• Interior Style: Choose a pattern that enhances the overall style of the environment. For example, herringbone or chevron patterns add a touch of sophistication and elegance, while traditional straight patterns offer a timeless look. Rustic spaces may benefit from distressed or hand-scraped patterns.
• Wood Species and Grain Variation: Consider the species of engineered wood flooring and the natural variation in grain patterns. Some species, like oak or maple, have distinctive grain patterns that can add character to the flooring. Choose a pattern that showcases the natural beauty of the wood and complements other design elements in the room.
• Room Function and Traffic: The pattern of the flooring can also affect how wear and tear are visible over time. For high-traffic areas, consider patterns that can help camouflage scratches and dents, such as distressed or hand-scraped textures.
• Installation Method: Certain patterns, such as herringbone or chevron, may require more intricate installation techniques and additional materials compared to traditional straight patterns. Consider the expenses and intricacies of installation while deciding on a pattern.

Environmental Friendly

When you purchase flooring you need to consider whether it will affect indoor air health.

Especially since we live in a global economy, you have no way of knowing the manufacturing practices and environmental standards of a flooring manufacturer.

This is where concerns about VOCs and formaldehyde can become a real concern and impact indoor air.
Our Major flooring adheres to CARB2 standards, which are among the most rigorous indoor air quality guidelines globally. If you have prefinished wood flooring, you’ll want to make sure it meets or exceeds guidelines for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), both of which can affect indoor air health quality.

Engineered Wood Flooring Maintenance

Maintaining engineered wood flooring is relatively straightforward and can help preserve its beauty and durability for years to come.

Damp Mopping:

For deeper cleaning, damp mop the floors with a well-wrung mop and a mild cleaning solution specifically designed for hardwood or engineered wood floors. Steer clear of using excessive water, as stagnant water has the potential to harm the wood.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals:

Refrain from utilizing harsh cleaners, ammonia-based products, or abrasive cleaners, as they may harm the flooring finish. Instead, use a specially formulated wood floor cleaner to clean your floors.

Control Humidity:

Ensure consistent humidity levels within your home to prevent excessive expansion or contraction of the wood. Employ a humidifier in dry climates and a dehumidifier in humid environments to maintain humidity levels within the recommended range, typically between 30% and 50%.

Prompt Spill Cleanup:

Promptly attend to spills and liquids to prevent them from permeating the wood and inducing damage. Utilize a soft cloth to absorb spills, avoiding rubbing to prevent liquid spread and potential staining.

When you choose engineered wood flooring manufacturers, as long as you pay attention to the above 4 points, you can choose the floor you like.