Homeowners can choose from many different flooring types these days, and engineered wood is one of the most popular options. It looks almost the same as hardwood but typically costs less and installs faster.
Engineered wood is a manmade product created from particles, wood strands, plywood, hardwood veneers, and industrial-grade adhesive.
There are several types of engineered hardwood, and they differ in quality and installation methods.
So, let’s explore engineered wood’s main features and find out what’s the best engineered wood flooring.
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How Much Does Engineered Hardwood Flooring Cost
Unsurprisingly, engineered wood flooring costs depend on the quality and often the manufacturer.
The basic engineered wood floors cost around $3 to $9 per square foot. These are usually three-layer boards that allow DIY installation.
Mid-range engineered wood flooring is priced between $6 and $12 per square foot. They’re often made from four layers and higher-quality hardwood veneers. They’re the go-to choice for homes with children and pets.
Of course, high-end engineered wood flooring is the most expensive option. Homeowners can expect to pay between $10 and $25 for a square foot.
The price of high-end engineered wood often matches the cost of hardwood flooring. It’s also the best option for large families or any high-traffic area.
You can use our Flooring Calculator to estimate the cost of installing new floors in your home.
Types Of Engineered Wood Flooring
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We’ve touched on the different engineered wood flooring in terms of quality and price, but there are other classifications to consider.
Many contractors differentiate engineered wood flooring according to the installation method.
The first type is the adhesive installation method, which includes applying adhesive on joints to secure the grip to the subfloor. It can be pre-glued, or you can glue it during installation. This is the standard option for homes with concrete subfloors.
The second type is the nail-down installation method, which is pretty self-explanatory. It’s a faster system but less popular because it requires specialized equipment.
Finally, you can consider the click-lock installation method, which creates a floating floor by joining the engineered wood flooring planks together. Click-lock engineered wood flooring planks are, by far, the least expensive option as no nails, adhesives, or special equipment is required.
| Type | Cost per Square Foot | Installation Method | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | $3-$9 | Adhesive | Medium |
| Mid-range | $6-$12 | Nail-down | Hard |
| High-end | $10-$25 | Click-lock | Easy |
What Is The Most Popular Engineered Hardwood Floor?
There are many excellent engineered hardwood floor brands, like Proximity Mills, Somerset, and LM.
But in terms of quality and type of wood used, popular options include wide-plank maple and Euro white oak, but white ash and heart pine are prevalent choices, as well, due to their durability and lower price.
How Do I Know I Need New Flooring?
If your existing floor is showing signs of wear and tear, perhaps it’s time to replace it.
Keep in mind that if you have solid hardwood floors, you can expect them to last a century, with correct installation and occasional refinishing.
However, if you have sanded your hardwood or engineered wood flooring too many times, it will need to be replaced. Also, nearly all other types of flooring will need replacement eventually.
Water damage is another sure sign that the floor is in poor condition, as well as noisiness and discoloration. If there’s rot and other types of damage, your home is likely ready for new floors.
Did you know? The price of engineered wood flooring installation differs depending on your location. For example, homeowners in Honolulu, HI and Miami, FL, will pay much more than those in Salt Lake City, UT, or Albuquerque, NM.
What To Consider When Choosing The Best Engineered Wood Flooring?
There are several important factors to keep in mind when choosing engineered wood flooring.
The top veneer layer and finish are often the top priority, making the engineered wood floor look nearly identical to solid wood.
Core layers are vital, too, and manufacturers use different materials, including plywood and high-density fiberboard. These two options are the best engineered wood flooring solution because they offer the most durability.
You also need to think about dimensions and installation methods. The widths vary, but often the best engineered wood flooring choice is five-inch-wide planks.
In terms of installation method, it’s often a matter of preference rather than quality.
Engineered Hardwood Floor Shopping Tips
Most homeowners will conduct extensive research before choosing the flooring for their homes.
If you’re interested in engineered wood but are unsure where to start, consider the following tips.
- Ask for samples of various engineered wood styles.
- Check whether the contractor’s quotes correspond with the desired plank lengths and width.
- Inquire about the manufacturing method, as some produce thinner veneers.
- If possible, opt for the thickest veneer layer available.
- Research brands and compare prices.
- Ask about how many layers the engineered wood finish has.
Engineered Wood vs Solid Hardwood
While solid hardwood and engineered wood flooring can sometimes cost the same, engineered wood’s starting price is much lower.
The hardwood floor is a one-piece board with no additional layers, and the opposite is true for engineered wood flooring.
In terms of longevity, solid wood lasts longer but is more prone to warping and water damage than engineered wood flooring.
The installation process is more complex for solid hardwood floors, and there’s more room for mistakes. On the other hand, some types of engineered wood flooring allow DIY installation.
Engineered Wood vs Laminate Flooring
It’s not uncommon for people to confuse laminate and engineered wood flooring.
Engineered wood flooring contains real solid wood on the top layer, or the veneer.
Engineered wood flooring much more durable than laminate, looks better, and costs more.
Laminate flooring is practical, inexpensive, and made from particleboard and photographic wood image layer.
At best, laminate will last 10-12 years, whereas engineered wood flooring can last up to 40 years.
Benefits Of Engineered Wood Flooring
There’s a reason why engineered wood flooring has become one of the best choices for modern homeowners.
Engineered wood flooring is more sustainable than solid wood as it utilizes waste produced by mills.
Engineered wood flooring is also very resistant to water damage and allows manufacturers to make boards of any size because they’re not actually cutting down real trees.
You can choose from many engineered wood flooring styles, colors, patterns, and prices.
Engineered wood flooring will increase your home’s resale value while allowing you to save on cost.
Pro Tip: Engineered wood flooring is pretty low maintenance. It’s best not to use harsh detergents, as it’s not suitable for the veneer. Damp-mopping is the preferred cleaning method, along with occasional vacuuming or sweeping.
Disadvantages Of Engineered Flooring
Some engineered wood flooring types can be expensive, especially if the homeowners want a custom plank design.
Another important downside is the adhesives used to create engineered wood. They often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs,) which can be particularly damaging when the product is new.
Also, while engineered wood flooring is often used for outdoor spaces, it needs to be protected with waterproof glue.
Finally, engineered wood flooring looks like solid hardwood flooring, but a trained eye will still be able to notice the difference in appearance, especially when compared directly.
| Engineered Wood Pros | Engineered Wood Cons |
|---|---|
| Durable | Contains VOCs |
| Typically affordable | Custom solutions pricey |
| Stable | |
| Water-Resistant | |
| Versatile | |
| Visually appealing |
What Type Of Engineered Wood Is Best?
The consensus on the best engineer wood flooring doesn’t officially exist.
But in terms of quality, the best possible engineered wood flooring contains between eight and nine layers, has a plywood core, and the hardwood veneer is made from either oak or Brazilian cherry.
This combination of materials and manufacturing style offers the most attractive appearance, water resistance, and longevity.
Is Engineered Hardwood The Same As Laminate?
No, it is not. Engineered wood flooring is a high-quality flooring solution, whereas laminate is an inexpensive and efficient solution for specific spaces.
The confusion occurs because both laminate and engineered wood flooring resemble solid hardwood floors, although laminate is very prone to water damage and lasts just over a decade.
Laminate is versatile in terms of color and design, but it’s not a long-term solution for most homeowners or any space with a lot of foot traffic.
Can I Refinish Engineered Hardwood?
You can, but there are a few caveats to keep in mind.
Before applying a finish, you must sand the engineered wood flooring. But excessive sanding can cause damage, especially if the top layer is not very thick.
On average, you may be able to sand and refinish your engineered hardwood floors between two and three times if the top layer is at least 3mm thick.
Refinishing the engineered wood floors brings out the shine and adds another layer of protection against moisture.
Does Engineered Wood Flooring Scratch Easily?
Considering that the top layer of the engineered wood flooring is made from solid hardwood, it doesn’t offer the best scratch-resistant properties.
However, you can avoid more significant scratches if you choose a scratch-resistant finish for your engineered wood flooring.
Oil and lacquer finishes are the go-to choices for this purpose because they soak into the veneer and strengthen it. The only downside is that these finishes make the engineered wood look less natural, though many prefer the added shine.
Is Engineered Wood Eco-Friendly?
Yes, and no. Engineered wood flooring is a more environmentally friendly option than solid wood because the manufacturing process relies on reusing waste produced by the mills and contains other unwanted wooden elements.
However, engineered wood flooring also contains industrial-grade adhesives that are not eco-friendly. While the toxicity levels of these adhesives are not high enough to warrant banning, some homeowners may have reservations about them.
Thus far, the industry hasn’t been able to come up with entirely non-toxic glues that can work with different types of flooring.
Did you know? You can install engineered wood flooring where you wouldn’t put solid hardwood.
Because it’s more stable than solid wood, you can install engineered wood flooring in your basement, kitchen, and generally more humid environments.
What Is The Best Thickness For Engineered Wood Flooring?
Choosing the color and style for engineered wood flooring is fun and probably quick. But homeowners may have difficulty figuring out which engineered wood plank thickness is best for their home.
If your budget is high enough, it’s always prudent to go with at least 15mm thickness for your engineered wood flooring, especially if you’re also installing floor heating. A thickness level of 15mm will allow you to sand and refinish your engineered wood floors multiple times.
How Long Does Engineered Wood Flooring Last?
Unless you’re on a really tight budget, you’re going to consider the longevity of the new flooring.
Engineered wood flooring is among the most durable solutions available, and you can expect it to last between 25 and 40 years.
However, the lifespan of the engineered wood flooring will depend on factors like maintenance, quality of materials, and foot traffic.
How Do You Tell If You Have Engineered Hardwood?
If you’ve moved into a new home that appears to have wood floors, it can be tricky to determine whether it’s solid hardwood or engineered wood.
If possible, pry up a piece of the floor, preferably in spaces where the installer may have left some room. Look at the plank; if all you see is a continuous piece of wood, you have solid hardwood floors. But if you see many different layers, it’s engineered wood.
An alternative solution is to call a professional contractor to assess the flooring.
Do You Need To Seal Engineered Wood Flooring?
Most engineered wood floor manufacturers sell pre-finished planks that don’t need to be sealed. But homeowners can choose to add another layer of protection against water damage.
Be sure to ask the manufacturer or retailer about the sealing process to avoid unnecessary sealing.
What Is The Most Durable Engineered Flooring?
When it comes to engineered wood flooring, few clues will tell you about its durability.
The more layers engineered wood flooring planks have, the more durable it is.
You can also measure durability based on the quality and thickness of the top hardwood layer.
Oak, Brazilian cherry, and maple are the types of wood that last longer. And the thicker the veneer is, the more stable and durable it is.
Where Should I Use Engineered Wood Flooring?
Engineered wood has the advantage over solid hardwood because of its more versatile application.
Engineered wood flooring can go in areas where you usually wouldn’t install solid wood, like basements, kitchens, and terraces.
But you can install engineered wood flooring in almost any room of your home, and it will look beautiful in the living room and bedrooms.
Engineered Wood Flooring Will Upgrade Your Home
An engineered wood floor is usually presented as a less expensive replacement for solid hardwood floors. But as its popularity grows, it becomes less important how it compares to hardwood and how it performs on its own.
You can expect durability, versatility, water-resistant properties, and excellent stability from engineered wood flooring.
While some engineered wood types are expensive, you can find high-quality engineered wood flooring planks for relatively low prices.
Remember that you can save on labor costs with engineered wood flooring if you choose the click-lock installation method.
