There are several residential flooring options homeowners can choose from when they have decided it is time to give their home a new and updated look. One of the most common and most popular flooring options available is hardwood, and following in second place is laminate flooring.
Difference Between Laminate and Engineered Flooring
Laminate flooring is typically made from melamine resin and a fiber board material. The top of the laminate flooring is textured to resemble real wood flooring. Engineered hardwood flooring, on the other hand, is considered a wood floor but has several layers of wood and plywood.
Each layer of wood that engineered flooring is made up of is glued and laminated together to form a cross-grain pattern on the surface of the wood.
Benefits of Engineered Wood Flooring
If you have chosen engineered wood residential flooring for your home, then you will be able to take advantage of many benefits that make it a viable and well-constructed choice for your home.
Construction of your Engineered Wood Flooring
When you choose an engineered wood floor, then you are choosing layers of wood that are glued and bonded together with the top layer having the texture, look, and feel of a real wood flooring selection. Underneath each solid layer, you find more strength and durability than you would get with a traditional wood flooring option.
The solid construction of these engineered flooring pieces provides you with a floor that is resistant to humidity and temperature, and can be installed virtually anywhere in the home including a basement.
Engineered Wood Flooring Color Choices
Finding the perfect engineered wood flooring option for your home is simple and easy because you will have the option of several different color choices, textures, wood, and finishes to choose from. You are sure to find something that will fit your needs and taste.
Although it is engineered hardwood, it is still wood and maintains all the beautiful and unique characteristics of a solid wood flooring option. Installation is also easy and can be done in several different ways.
Installation of Engineered Wood Flooring
When installing your new engineered wood residential flooring, you can choose to staple, glue, or float the boards. If you are looking for the easiest installation option, then floating would be the best choice. This means it can go directly over the already existing floor, which eliminates some of the additional work the other options require.
Maintenance of Engineered Wood Flooring
Maintaining your new engineered wood flooring is easy. It takes almost no time at all to care for and keep looking like new. As with any other residential flooring option, you must be sure to keep the floor swept and cleaned every day by using a broom or even a vacuum with an attachment specifically made for solid flooring.
Dry microfiber cloth mops are ideal for quick clean ups throughout the day and will not damage or scratch the surface of the flooring. It is also important that you immediately clean up any spills that occur and ensure that no excess water is left on the floor because it can cause damage that you may not be able to fix.
It is best to avoid any harsh cleaners or detergents or wax-based cleaners when maintaining your engineered wood flooring because these products can cause damage to the surface. Also, avoid scratching the floor by walking on it with high heels or using any other harsh or sharp materials on the floor. This can irreversibly damage the outer layer of the engineered wood flooring.
If you follow the proper steps to clean and maintain your floor, then you can keep it looking new for years to come, and your investment will be well protected.
If you have any questions about the many available residential flooring options, then Carolina Flooring Services can answer them and offer advice about the best type of flooring for your home.
Carolina Flooring Services offers a design consultation that will help you choose the right flooring for your space. Our trained staff will walk you through the entire flooring process from beginning to end, and address any problems or questions that arise from selection to installation of your new floors.