The Complete Guide to Engineered Hardwood Flooring

Engineered hardwood offers the beauty of solid wood with enhanced stability and versatility. Here's what you need to know before making a purchase.

How Engineered Hardwood is Constructed

Engineered flooring consists of multiple layers:

1. **Wear Layer**: Real hardwood veneer (typically 0.6mm to 6mm thick)
2. **Core Layers**: Plywood, HDF, or cross-laminated wood
3. **Backing Layer**: Provides stability and moisture resistance

Why Choose Engineered Over Solid?

**Stability**: The cross-laminated construction resists expansion and contraction, making it suitable for basements, over concrete, and in climates with humidity fluctuations.

**Installation Options**: Can be floated, glued, or nailed—solid wood typically requires nailing.

**Cost-Effective**: Often less expensive than equivalent solid hardwood while offering the same surface appearance.

Understanding Wear Layers

The wear layer determines how many times the floor can be refinished:

• **0.6mm - 2mm**: Cannot be refinished; suitable for low-traffic areas
• **2mm - 3mm**: Can be lightly sanded once
• **4mm+**: Can be refinished 2-3 times; best for high-traffic areas and long-term investment

What to Look for in Quality Engineered Hardwood

1. **Wear layer thickness**: 4mm+ for living areas
2. **Core construction**: Multi-ply plywood is most stable
3. **Finish quality**: Multiple coats of UV-cured polyurethane
4. **Certifications**: CARB Phase 2 for formaldehyde, FSC for sustainability