These are constructed in ply fashion similar to that of common plywood with an actual hardwood veneer on the surface. This top layer is often called the wear layer. For optimum results you should have thicker wear layer on your flooring planks. Not all engineered flooring has the same installation requirements so you should be aware of that when making your purchase. There are also differences in the number of plies that varies from brand to brand. Generally the more plies it has, the longer lasting and more durable it is.

A common concern about engineered hardwood floors is that you have to be prudent when refinishing. Even a well made engineered floor can only stand so many refinishes. This is one reason choosing the thicker wear layer is important. However, engineered wood flooring is more stable than traditional hardwood flooring and it also expands and contracts more than traditional hardwood so that is an advantage. As with any other product it is best to consider the pros and cons of each choice.

Engineered wood flooring has 3 types of installation methods. Some need to be glued, others need to be stapled and the third type if the floating hardwood floors. It is suggested you follow whichever method is recommended by the manufacturer. If you have a preference, make sure you buy materials that correspond to the type of attaching method you want. If you want a floating hardwood floor and a specific brand says you should glue it, there is a reason they say that so follow manufacturers instructions for best results. If you are having the flooring installed, ask questions. Ask about the thickness of the wear layer and what method of attaching the floor boards are they using and why. Whether you are self installing or having it professionally installed make sure the wear layer is not thicker than the supporting plies. If you have a thicker top or wear layer it can cause cupping issues down the road. The bottom layers of each plank should be at least the thickness of the wear layer or more.

Once common complaint about engineered floors is that they typically tend to look pretty much the same. Manufacturers are trying to remedy this situation but for now, when installed, most engineered floors will look about the same. The reason they all looked the same is the method of sawing used when making the flooring. Rotary sawn wood gives a plywood like look. Now there are manufacturers using the solid sawn method which gives the more realistic appearance of a hardwood floor. You may also want to consider Acrylic impregnated flooring which offers more colors and is more durable than other engineered types. Acrylic impregnated engineered flooring is normally used in malls and restaurants but you can also use it in your home.

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