Because of its warm and welcoming looks, Hardwood flooring is a popular choice among many of our customers. The fact that wood is a renewable resource adds to its attraction as a flooring material. The initial cost of hardwood flooring is higher than some other types of flooring, but hardwood floors usually last much longer than softer flooring materials like carpet.
A good quality hardwood floor can last more than a century if treated right. The total cost of ownership of hardwood flooring is comparable to many other flooring choices that are otherwise perceived to be less expensive. Solid hardwood flooring is not suited to install below grade level or in other areas where it may be exposed to moisture.
On the other hand, engineered wood flooring provides a solution to this problem. Easy installation, low material and installation cost, stability and resistance to moisture damage make engineered flooring a good choice for homes and commercial properties alike. but non engineered hardwood floors are preferred by wood flooring aficionados for their appeal and the positive value addition that they bring to any property.
Engineered Wood Flooring Engineered wood floors are different from laminate floors or vinyl floors. Laminate and vinyl floors may be made to look like wood but the similarity is literally only skin deep. An engineered wood floor on the other hand is made from natural wood and can be refinished like a solid hardwood floor. Engineered wood floors are made by gluing layers of wood together. The upper layer is made of a beautiful finished wood while the lower layers are made of cheaper woods or wood scraps. The grains in each successive layer have a different orientation making the wood more stable and less prone to warping. Engineered wood floors are usually cheaper than non-engineered hardwood flooring. The more expensive the wood of the top most layer is, the more economical an engineered wood floor is compared to a solid wood floor. Installing an engineered wood floor is a breeze with click and lock systems.
Engineered wood floors can be installed as a floating floor directly over a vapor barrier. Finished engineered wood floors from reputable manufacturers ensures that owning a wood floor is a simple three step process – buy, install and move in. The most important thing to keep in mind when choosing an engineered wood floor is to buy your engineered floor from reputable manufacturers and reliable stores. Poor glue, substandard base wood and thin top layers should be avoided at all costs. Non Engineered Wood Flooring Non engineered wood flooring is another name for solid hardwood flooring. High quality wood floors come with beveled edges and are prefinished. The non engineered wood floor is tougher and less prone to denting than engineered wood floor. It can also be refinished twice as often as an engineered wood floor. A non engineered wood floor does not tolerate moisture well and may show warping due to unequal expansion in different directions. An engineered wood floor has a number of advantages over the solid wood floor. There are a number of things that must be kept in mind when buying an engineered wood floor. Engineered wood floors must always be bought from a reputable manufacturer.
Poor constructed engineered wood floors use substandard glues that may contain volatile organic compounds. These cheap wood floors will emit VOC’s for years. Engineered wood made from cheap glues or made with poor quality base layers is likely to unravel in the blink of an eye. It is also better to visit a physical store and get a first hand idea of the appearance and finish of a floor instead of relying on online pictures.
Contempo Floor Coverings has a wide range of engineered and non engineered wood floors from well known manufacturers. If you like, our professional installation services are available to to you.
Visit a Los Angeles Flooring Showroom Today.
