September 27, 2016
When the plan is to renovate the home, that means taking a good look at the floors. If the time has come to replace vinyl tiles, carpeting, and other types of floors, it makes sense to look into the pros and cons of engineered wood flooring. Here are some facts about this option to consider closely.
Points in Favor of Engineered Flooring
There is no doubt that this flooring option has a number of attributes worth considering. Some of them include:
- The Cost of Purchase and Installation: Engineered wood flooring is competitively priced in comparison to other solutions. This fact alone makes it worth consideration.
- The Ease of Installation: While there is more than one type of engineered flooring to consider, all of them are easy to install. In fact, some types can be installed by the homeowner, eliminating the need to have a professional do the job.
- The Durability: Many people think that engineered wood flooring is less durable than other solutions. In fact, it holds up well as the years pass. It may even last longer than some of the other types of flooring the homeowner is currently considering.
- Keeping the Floor Clean: It doesn’t take much to keep this flooring clean. The product resists staining and requires no special cleaning agents. In many cases, going over the floor with a dust mop will be all that’s required. One of the more modern mopping devices can be used once a week or so in order to remove any reside that the dust mop leaves behind. If someone spills something on the floor, it can be removed with a damp cloth and then polished with a dry one. Homeowners who like to keep things simple will find this attribute especially appealing.
Possible Drawbacks to Keep in Mind
While engineered wood flooring has plenty of qualities, there are a few things prospective buyers should keep in mind:
- The Materials Used: Not all manufacturers utilize the highest quality materials in the production of the flooring. For example, one manufacturer may use an inferior adhesive in order to trim production costs. That increases the odds of the layers separating as the years pass. It pays to find out more about the materials used for the product before making a selection.
- The Style Options: Many providers offer engineered flooring in the most popular styles. That’s fine unless the homeowner wants something that is a little different in terms of stain or wood grain.
- Health Concerns: Some people do have reactions to the adhesives used to bind the layers of the engineered flooring. Before having a floor installed, it makes sense to identify the type of adhesive used and determine if exposure will cause any type of health issues for family members.
Talk with a contractor about the possibility of installing an engineered wood floor. Go over any concerns and look closely at the benefits. It won’t take long to decide if this flooring is right for the home and find a style and stain choice that’s perfect for the space.