Engineered Wood Flooring ~ How to Choose The Right One

Engineered wood floor provides the home owner with a wide variety of real wood species for their home. Today, there is an increase in the number of manufacturers of engineered wood. Just like laminate flooring, there will be huge differences in pricing as well as qualities for an engieered wood.

So the question is, how to choose the right one?

1. Core Layer of the Engineered Wood

The core layer is the most important layer; it provides the overall support structure to the flooring. Engineered wood with a strong core layer is like a building with a strong foundation. The owner has to choose one that suits the country's climate. For example, Hevea or rubber wood is considered as a very strong core layer for tropical climates such as Singapore and Malaysia. In cold countries like Europe, pine will be a suitable core layer for the engineered wood.

2. Able to Be Re-Varnished More For 2 Times or More

You need to choose the engineered wood with top real wood layer of at least 3.2mm and above. This is because wood need refinishing once every 7 to 10 years to give it a new look again. If the top layer depth is less than 3.2mm, it will be very difficult to re-varnish the engineered wood board. Hence the owner has no choice but to change the entire flooring which will be very costly to do that. The thicker the top wood layer the better it will be for maintaining. Hence, other than providing a luxurious wooden flooring, thicker top layer for the engineered wood will last longer in the long term. Hence, always ask the vendor what is the thickness of the engineered wood top layer before engaging in any buying decision.

3. Always Look for a Reputable Vendor

Reputable engineered wood manufacturers and vendors will always provide the owner a warranty for the workmanship as well as providing quality products. If you are saying about wood installation, it can be subjective. The same engineered wood product finishes can differ greatly if it is installed by an experienced floor installer and an inexperienced floor installer.

Since you are going to live with the engineered wood flooring for long term, you need to choose the most suitable type of engineered wood by yourself.