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It depends on the thickness of the top layer of your flooring. Engineered wood floors are generally like plywood; they are several layers of wood pressed together, with the grain going in opposite directions for each layer.
You can refinish the top layer only - but you must have enough thickness available to sand through the sealer finish and into the bare wood beneath, without going all the way through that layer. Generally, 1/8" should be sufficient.
Remove a floor vent or transition strip, and you'll be able to see the edge profile of your flooring.
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What is the difference between hardwood and engineered wood floors?
Engineered wood floors are made of a plywood with a layer of solid wood on top. These floors allow wood to go where traditionally it could not like a cement sub floors or a sub grade level of your home. Engineered wood is sometimes called a remodel floor because it is more often thinner then solid hardwood. This allows a homeowner to more easily transition between floors that are close in height. They can be refinished, although depending on the thickness of the wood top, it may need to be professionally done. These floors are almost always prefinished. You will find engineered wood floors that are glue down, floating, and staple down. Another benefit of engineered wood is cost. Some more exotic species of wood are very expensive. Engineered woods allow manufactures ways to produce floors in a more budget friendly floor. Solid hardwood floors have time on their side. The tongue and grove style boards have been used in homes for generations. The live expectancy of the floor is 100 + years with proper care. They allow for much easier repair then a laminate or engineered wood and can be easily refinished my an informed DIY. In the past, you only saw solid would in floors 3/4" or even thicker. Today though, there are solid wood floors as thin as 3/8" which allow it to go into an area a ticker floor couldn't. You can find solid wood unfinished if you wish to stain it and polyurethane it yourself or prefinished for quicker installation. Engineered wood floors are made like plywood. They are made up of several layers, mostly of a less expensive wood. The top layer is made of hardwood. Solid hardwood floors, on the other hand are solid hardwood the entire thickness. An engineered wood floor may have only 1/16" or so of hardwood on the surface, where a solid wood floor might be a 1/2" or more. Engineered wood tends to be more stable - it is less likely to move or warp with changes in humidity or temperature. This is because the different layers of wood have the grain running in different directions. They are a good choice over a cement slab floor, and are frequently installed by being glued down.
Is Mop and Glo a good product to use on engineered wood flooring?
Mop and Glo is not a good product to use on engineered wood flooring. This because Mop and Glo contains a wax, which can ruin the finish that is already on the floors.
Why is it impossible to glue down click and fold engineered hardwood flooring?
Some manufacturers allow glue down of their click and fold / lock engineered wood floors. Check websites for info.
How do you decide between engineered hardwood floors and natural hardwood floors?
If we can nail it down we use (prefinished) hardwood. If we have to glue it down (on slab) we use engineered. You can certainly use engineered in any application whether nail down, glue down, or even floating. There really aren't many compelling reasons to use solid anymore beyond prestige and the fact that is has zero chemical emissions. Engineered can be refinished just like solid, as long as the top veneer is think enough. If you plan to be in your house long enough to refinish the floor, use an engineered with a 3mm+ top veneer.
What are the advantages and disadvantages between engineered wood flooring versus the alternative?
According to my research the difference between engineered wood and laying hard wood down is the difficulty. Laying down hard wood is harder than engineered wood.
What is engineered wood floors used for?
for flooring in basements etc
What is the difference between hardwood and engineered wood floors?
Engineered wood floors are made of a plywood with a layer of solid wood on top. These floors allow wood to go where traditionally it could not like a cement sub floors or a sub grade level of your home. Engineered wood is sometimes called a remodel floor because it is more often thinner then solid hardwood. This allows a homeowner to more easily transition between floors that are close in height. They can be refinished, although depending on the thickness of the wood top, it may need to be professionally done. These floors are almost always prefinished. You will find engineered wood floors that are glue down, floating, and staple down. Another benefit of engineered wood is cost. Some more exotic species of wood are very expensive. Engineered woods allow manufactures ways to produce floors in a more budget friendly floor. Solid hardwood floors have time on their side. The tongue and grove style boards have been used in homes for generations. The live expectancy of the floor is 100 + years with proper care. They allow for much easier repair then a laminate or engineered wood and can be easily refinished my an informed DIY. In the past, you only saw solid would in floors 3/4" or even thicker. Today though, there are solid wood floors as thin as 3/8" which allow it to go into an area a ticker floor couldn't. You can find solid wood unfinished if you wish to stain it and polyurethane it yourself or prefinished for quicker installation. Engineered wood floors are made like plywood. They are made up of several layers, mostly of a less expensive wood. The top layer is made of hardwood. Solid hardwood floors, on the other hand are solid hardwood the entire thickness. An engineered wood floor may have only 1/16" or so of hardwood on the surface, where a solid wood floor might be a 1/2" or more. Engineered wood tends to be more stable - it is less likely to move or warp with changes in humidity or temperature. This is because the different layers of wood have the grain running in different directions. They are a good choice over a cement slab floor, and are frequently installed by being glued down.
Make Your Floors Shine?
If you have wood floors in your home, you might need to have them refinished if they get scratched or damaged. When you get the floors refinished, you need to take everything out of the room and do one room at a time so you are not pushed out of your home. The floors will need to have at least a day in order for the finishing to be effective. You can also get a machine to do the job yourself of you only want to buff and polish the floor.
Engineered hardwood floors can be floated, but not solid hardwood floors?
Engineered hardwood floors can be floated, but not solid hardwood floors.
What types of wood floors are sold by Bruce?
The types of wood floors sold by Bruce include oak, engineered and solid wood flooring. A detailed catalog is available on the website to help consumers choose the correct style.
Is Mop and Glo a good product to use on engineered wood flooring?
Mop and Glo is not a good product to use on engineered wood flooring. This because Mop and Glo contains a wax, which can ruin the finish that is already on the floors.
What are the pros and cons of engineered flooring?
Engineered wood flooring is a popular flooring choice that offers the look of hardwood with added stability and versatility. Here are the pros and cons of engineered wood flooring: Pros: Aesthetic Appeal: Engineered wood flooring provides the warmth and beauty of real wood, with a variety of species and finishes to choose from. It can add a touch of elegance to any room. Stability: Engineered wood is constructed with multiple layers of wood, which makes it more stable and less prone to expansion and contraction due to changes in temperature and humidity compared to solid hardwood. Easy Installation: Many engineered wood floors come with click-and-lock systems that make them suitable for DIY installation, saving on installation costs. Versatility: Engineered wood can be installed in a variety of settings, including basements and over concrete subfloors, thanks to its resistance to moisture and stability. Durability: The top layer of engineered wood is typically a hardwood veneer that is quite durable and can be sanded and refinished a few times, extending the floor's lifespan. Environmental Considerations: Engineered wood uses less hardwood compared to solid hardwood floors, making it a more sustainable option. Additionally, some engineered wood products use reclaimed or recycled wood in their construction. Cost-Effective: It is often more affordable than solid hardwood, making it an attractive option for those who want the look of hardwood without the high cost. Cons: Limited Refinishing: While engineered wood can be sanded and refinished, it has a limited number of times this can be done due to the thinner hardwood veneer. Solid hardwood can typically be refinished more times. Susceptible to Scratches: Like solid hardwood, engineered wood can still be susceptible to scratches and dents, though the durability varies depending on the thickness of the veneer. Price Variability: High-quality engineered wood flooring can be more expensive than low-quality solid hardwood, so it's important to carefully consider the cost and quality. Environmental Impact: While it's more sustainable than solid hardwood, engineered wood still involves the use of adhesives and can contain some level of formaldehyde, which may emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Moisture Damage: Although engineered wood is more moisture-resistant than solid hardwood, it is not waterproof. Prolonged exposure to moisture can still lead to damage. Lack of Authenticity: Some purists may prefer the authenticity and feel of solid hardwood and may consider engineered wood to be an imitation. Sound Transmission: Engineered wood can transmit sound, so it may be noisy to walk on, especially if not adequately insulated. Less Resale Value: In some cases, engineered wood may have a lower resale value compared to solid hardwood. However, this can vary depending on the market and location. In summary, engineered wood flooring offers the beauty of real wood with added stability and versatility. However, it has limitations when it comes to refinishing and may not be as durable as solid hardwood in the long run. Your choice between engineered and solid hardwood should depend on your specific needs, budget, and aesthetic preferences. Is this conversation helpful so far?
What is the difference between Bamboo floors vs floating floors?
There are three types of wood flooring: solid, engineered, engineered floating. Solid is natural wood usually 3/4" thick. Engineered is solid piece of wood on top of compressed wood the wood is usually 1/4" thick and the compressed wood is anywhere from 1/4" to 1/2" thick. Engineered floating is thin solid piece of wood on top of compressed wood, it is thin enough so during installation it does not have to be attached to the subfloor. The solid wood is usually about 1/8" thick and the compressed is 1/4" thick. All these three types come in all different types of wood species such as bamboo.
Engineered Wood Floors Provides Advantages Over Natural Wood Flooring?
Engineered wood floors are composed of multiple layers of thin hardwood that a cross-layered, glued and pressed together. Thickness ranges from three to 12 layers. Inner layers are composed of hardwoods or a hardwood and plywood combination. Outer layers are made of hardwood veneers for extended wear. Engineered wood floors are available in virtually any wood species and are more impervious to water damaged than regular wood flooring. This product may be installed directly over concrete slabs or may be stapled over a plywood subfloor. Click lock engineered flooring featuring a locking tongue and groove system is gaining popularity.
Why is it impossible to glue down click and fold engineered hardwood flooring?
Some manufacturers allow glue down of their click and fold / lock engineered wood floors. Check websites for info.
Are engineered wood based floors more durable than carpeting?
Engineered wood flooring is available in a wide variety of qualities as is carpeting. Depending on the quality of each as well as the amount of use they would withstand the answer would depend on your personal situation.
What are the different types of wood floors?
The two types of wood flooring is based on either solid or engineered. Engineered is usually much more durable and weight resistant, but also more expensive. As for material, that is simply aesthetic, and can include wood such as oak in either plan or parquet form.
