Is engineered hardwood flooring natural wood?

There are two versions of hardwood flooring: solid and engineered wood, with the latter now taking a significant share of the wood flooring industry. Both types of hardwood allow you to have your floors of oak, maple, hickory, ash, or whatever your species-of-choice is. They differ, however, in construction, with engineered hardwood appealing especially to those who want both beauty and practicality. If you'd like to learn more, or explore samples, feel free to come into Arbor Zen's flooring company.

Layering makes the difference!

On the surface, they look similar. Engineered has a top layer with a slab of species so you can have your oak, maple, hickory, or other wood choice floors, all with beautiful undertones, knots, swirls, and growth rings.

Underneath is another story! While solid is one thickness throughout, engineered has at least three layers of genuine wood combined with a bit of resin and placed in a crosswise position. This results in a wood floor that is stable and has a better ability to handle water.

Unlike solid, it won't shrink or expand to adjust to the weather, so no acclimation is necessary; engineered wood floors can be installed in some higher-than-usual moisture areas, such as below-grade areas, where solid cannot go. Like solid wood, it can be sanded and refinished and will add value to a property.

Engineered also offers an additional installation technique. While solid hardwood is permanently installed with the traditional tongue and groove/nail down, engineered wood floors can be installed as floating floors. The floating floor is an installation where the pieces click together, mat, and then hover over the subfloor without nails or glue. As a result, it's uncomplicated and fast, thereby making it somewhat less expensive. Sometimes an underlayment will be recommended for additional stability.

Arbor Zen Hardwood Floors: your hardwood flooring expert in Western North Carolina

Whether you choose engineered hardwood or its solid counterpart, you'll get a high-quality installation, and we'll help you keep the floors looking great, offering floor repair, hardwood floor cleaning, and dustless sanding and refinishing. So if you live in or near Asheville, Swannanoa, Hendersonville, Hendersonville, or Waynesville, visit our showroom in Black Mountain, NC., and be sure to ask about your free engineered hardwood quote.