Although there are more quality flooring options that look like wood than ever before, we still think engineered wood is a great choice. If you’re not discussing engineered wood floors with your flooring company, but are discussing hardwood and laminate, you should ask what they have in your budget in engineered options. Here’s why.
The Topmost Layer is Real Hardwood
And you’ve likely learned that no man made material can truly capture the look of real hardwood. Because the topmost layer is hardwood, refinishing your flooring one or more times is possible. Most comes prefinished. That means you don’t have to worry about the smell of stain and varnish like you would with hardwood flooring that is finished on-site. Prefinished flooring does not need to dry, so you can walk on it immediately after installation.
Today’s Options are High Quality
In fact, when you choose from one of our endorsed mills, you will be hard pressed to distinguish a hardwood floor from an engineered one at a glance. They come in countless finishes so you can find almost anything depending on your budget.
It’s More Affordable than Equivalent Hardwood
If you compare the same species wood and the same board width of hardwood and engineered wood, you’ll find that, overall, the cost (including installation) of the engineered products are more affordable than hardwood. That’s because it uses less actual hardwood in its construction. That also makes it slightly a more environmentally friendly choice.
It’s not Perfect
Like all flooring materials, there are some drawbacks. For example, water damages it just like it damages real hardwood. It also scratches just as easily as wood. If you don’t choose a product from a reputable mill, you could end up with an inferior product that gives off harmful VOC’s.
We Can Help
At Authentic Hardwood Flooring, Inc, we can help you choose the right flooring material and finish for you. Our estimates are always free and we have many quality mills from which you can choose great engineered or hardwood flooring from. We also install laminate products. Call us today to schedule your appointment at (727) 786-6330 or fill out our contact form.
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