Engineered Hardwood Flooring Pros

Pro 1: Easy Installation

One of the significant benefits of engineered hardwood floors is their ease of installation. On average, engineered wood flooring is much easier and quicker to install than traditional hardwood, making it a great DIY flooring solution. Many engineered hardwood flooring options even join with a locking click system, requiring no special fasteners, which makes installation even faster.

Pro 2: Temperature and Moisture Resistant

A key advantage of choosing engineered wood flooring is its increased resistance to moisture and temperature changes. This is due to the unique construction of engineered hardwood floors. Engineered wood flooring is made up of multiple layers of wood that are bonded together with adhesive. This construction method helps to minimize the effects of moisture and temperature fluctuations on the wood, making engineered hardwood flooring a more durable and long-lasting option compared to solid hardwood.

Pro 3: Various Design Options

When it comes to engineered hardwood floors, there are many options to choose from. With different types of wood, various looks, and different finishes (glossy, matte, distressed), you can play around with each option and pick something that will look best in your home. This variety in engineered wood flooring allows for greater customization and flexibility in design.

Pro 4: Increases Home’s Value

Installing engineered hardwood flooring can potentially increase your home’s value. Some real estate surveys show that homes with hardwood floors sell faster and at higher prices. That makes sense since people love hardwood floors. A study by the National Association of Realtors found that 54% of home buyers would pay more for a home with hardwood floors, which includes both solid and engineered hardwood flooring.

Pro 5: Available in Wider Sizes

Engineered hardwood boards are made by joining several high-density fiberboard layers and then stacking them between a solid hardwood top layer and hardwood backing. As a result, engineered wood floors are much tougher and can be manufactured in wider sizes than standard solid hardwood boards. This allows for more versatile design options and can make rooms appear larger.

Engineered Hardwood Flooring Cons

Con 1: Limited Resurfacing

One of the drawbacks of engineered wood flooring is its limited ability to be resurfaced. Because of the veneer layer, an engineered hardwood floor can only be sanded and refinished a few times—and sometimes only once—before the hardwood erodes to reveal the core layers. How many times you can resurface is dependent on the thickness of the veneer layer. A 1/6-inch layer, for example, will last much longer than a 1/16-inch layer.

Con 2: Sensitive To Sharp Objects

Although engineered hardwood flooring is generally hardy, it can be susceptible to dents and scratches from sharp objects, heavy furniture, or pet claws. This sensitivity is a disadvantage compared to more durable flooring options like tile or luxury vinyl.

Con 3: Sensitive to UV Rays

Engineered wood floors can fade or change color when exposed to sunlight over time. Areas covered by rugs or furniture may also age differently, leading to uneven coloring or fading. Using UV protective coatings or window treatments can help mitigate this issue, but it remains a potential drawback of engineered hardwood flooring.

Con 4: Can Be Noisy

Like solid hardwood, engineered hardwood floors are not good at absorbing sound, which often causes an echo effect in the room, especially in big rooms with high ceilings. As the floors age, they tend to expand and contract, producing squeaks and creaks with each step. This can be a significant disadvantage for those seeking a quieter home environment.

Con 5: High Maintenance

Since the surface layer of an engineered wood floor is made of hardwood, you will need to actively maintain your floor to retain its quality—exactly like you would for a solid wood floor. Fading, scratches, and dents are all common issues with wood floors but can be reduced and prevented by taking proper protective precautions. This high maintenance requirement is a notable con of engineered hardwood flooring.