How to Choose the Perfect Engineered Hardwood (Simple Guide)

Traditional hardwood floors are much coveted for their beauty and charm but can be expensive. So, what’s the more affordable alternative? Engineered hardwood. This sturdier counterpart to solid hardwood does not compromise on style or durability. In fact, it adds to it. The Reno Superstore offers products from the best Canadian engineered hardwood flooring manufacturers at the best prices. But how do you choose among so many options. To understand its many details, check out this simple guide.

Why Pick Engineered Hardwood Flooring?

With so many flooring options, why pick engineered hardwood? Well, it has certain features that trump solid hardwood. Want to know how solid hardwood compares with engineered hardwood? Find out here. The plywood or fibreboard core offers improved resistance against moisture and tends to be more stable than traditional wood flooring. Engineered wood flooring also does not merely mimic hardwood; the veneer is composed of real hardwood which makes it a valuable addition to your property. Vinyl and laminate flooring are also great flooring options but do not add to your home’s resale value. Now that you know a bit more about engineered hardwood, here’s how to shop for it. Get To Know Wood Species Engineered hardwood flooring is composed of real hardwood, which means your floors will resemble and act like the wood species they are made up of. Walnut, white oak, red oak, maple, and hickory are the most common forms of engineered hardwood. Each wood species is unique and comes with its own benefits and drawbacks. So, understanding your needs will help you choose the best wood species for your project. For instance, hickory and maple are good for high-traffic areas and active households. Different wood species take staining differently, which means some engineered wood planks give darker tones, while others are lighter. Keep your room’s colour scheme in mind when choosing your engineered wood planks. Select the Grade Wood grade refers to the appearance and utility of the timbre which is classified by knots, streaks, and other markings. This feature helps to make your flooring unique. Typically, fewer knots and less marking leads to a higher grade of timber, which are graded as follows: ● #1 Common Grade ● #2 Common Grade ● Cabin Grade ● Clear Grade If you want a country-style home then go for wood planks with heavier grain patterns. After staging, they will add tons of character to a room. Choose fewer knots and patterns for a sleeker, more modern look. Understanding the nitty-gritty of flooring can be difficult. So, when in doubt, ask our experts for their advice. The Reno Superstore offers the best Canadian engineered hardwood flooring from leading manufacturers. Choose the Wear Layer This part is quite important for long-lasting flooring. The wear layer refers to the thickness of the wood veneer, and, in this case, the thicker the better. The thickness of the wear layer is usually between 1 mm and 4 mm, which also determines how many times the floor can be refinished. The lowest wear layer cannot be sanded and will need a complete replacement; 4 mm is good for a couple of sandings over the course of its life. When selecting a wear layer, keep in mind the area of installation. In places that see a lot of activity, like the living room or hallways, it is best to install engineered planks with a thicker wear layer. Understand the Plank Dimension Have you ever paid attention to a well-installed floor? Does it have uniform planks? Where each engineered wooden plank is of equal length and breadth, does it have alternating planks of different lengths and breadth? Why bother to know this? Because it will have a major impact on how the finished room looks. For instance, if you want it to have a lot of character, try using alternating plank widths and lengths to create a sense of movement. Like a modern look? Use uniform planks with equal dimensions to make your room look sleek. It is good to make a note of the size of the room as well. For larger rooms, choose wider and longer planks. Fewer seams mean less chance of distraction and the illusion of a larger, more open space. Select the Right Finish The right finish acts as a seal to protect your engineered wood floor while making it beautiful. It is good to keep in mind the functionality and appearance of the room as you explore finishing options. Finishes range from glossy to dull, and while certain ones hold up better in high-traffic areas, others help hide dirt build-up. So, how do you pick? Always follow your needs and lifestyle as a guide. High gloss floors offer a rich and sophisticated look but are hard to maintain. A satin finish offers a little of the gleam of high gloss floors but does not reflect as much light, so is a balance between the two spectrums. Matte finish floors are great to hide little scuffs and dents that occur from daily wear and tear. When in doubt, always ask the experts at The Reno Superstore to help you select the best option for your space. Decide on the Method of Installation Engineered hardwood flooring is easier to install than more traditional hardwood. Mainly there are four methods: gluing, nail down, floating, and stapling. The installation method also depends on the type of product you have chosen. So, understand what type of installation method your product allows and select the one you like best. A professional installation is best as it ensures you get long-lasting floors that are properly fitted.

Should You Choose Leading Canadian Flooring Brands?

Flooring is an investment that should last, so quality trumps every other consideration. When you decide to install reputable Canadian brands of engineered hardwood flooring, you know they are manufactured to the highest industry standards and come with a warranty. This will result in longer-lasting floors that add value to your space. Worried about the price? The Reno Superstore offers options from the best Canadian engineered hardwood flooring manufacturers at competitive prices. We carry Appalachian, Fuzion, Falcon, Endura, NAF, Canadian Standard, Floorest, Twelve Oaks, Vidar, and more. Not only that but we provide easy financing that starts at $50, as well as installation services. We hope this blog helps you understand various aspects of engineered hardwood flooring and how to make an informed purchase. It is a versatile and sturdy option for floors that is fast becoming a staple for homes and businesses alike. We have tried to cover some of the most frequently asked questions to create a guide to help you understand it better. Still have questions? Reach out to us about product information or to plan your next project.