What is Engineered Flooring

Engineered flooring is a type of hardwood flooring that is composed of several layers of wood, with a top layer of hardwood veneer. It is referred to as engineered flooring because it is produced using technology and engineering processes. The upper layer of engineered flooring consists of a thin slice of solid hardwood that is attached to a base layer made of high-quality plywood or high-density fiberboard (HDF). The base layer offers stability and support to the hardwood veneer layer, preventing the wood from warping, cupping, or shrinking, which can occur with solid hardwood flooring. The layers of wood that make up engineered flooring are arranged in a cross-grain pattern, which adds to the material's strength and stability. This construction also minimizes the flooring's expansion and contraction in response to changes in temperature and humidity, which is a common problem with solid hardwood flooring. Engineered flooring is available in a wide range of styles, wood species, and finishes, including traditional hardwoods such as oak, maple, and cherry, as well as exotic woods such as Brazilian cherry and teak. It can be installed using various methods, including glue-down, nail-down, and floating installations. Engineered flooring is a popular flooring option for homeowners and designers because it offers the beauty and warmth of natural hardwood flooring while also providing increased durability, stability, and versatility.