| Have you ever wondered what engineered | | | | laminate is the least expensive of flooring options. |
| hardwood flooring is? It is flooring that is made up of | | | | Solid hardwood is the natural wood species |
| a core of hardwood, plywood or HDF that has a top | | | | throughout the whole flooring. This too usually comes |
| layer of hardwood veneer that is glued to the | | | | with a tongue and groove installation. A solid |
| surface of the core. You can find engineered | | | | hardwood floor has good sanding and refinishing |
| hardwood flooring in just about any species of | | | | capabilities. It tends to be more expensive, and solid |
| hardwood. The end product has the natural | | | | hardwood flooring has limitations to where it can be |
| characteristics of the hardwood you selected instead | | | | installed due to moisture or heat issues. |
| of just a photographic layer. This engineered product | | | | Engineered hardwood flooring usually has three or |
| has been designed to provide the flooring with | | | | more core layers. The more layers you have, the |
| greater stability, especially in areas of moisture or | | | | greater the stability you can expect. The core layers |
| heat that would pose a problem for conventional solid | | | | of engineered hardwood flooring can be made of |
| hardwood flooring. | | | | plywood, high density fiberboard or hardwood. The |
| The difference between a laminate flooring, solid | | | | best part of engineered hardwood flooring is that is |
| hardwood flooring and engineered hardwood flooring | | | | does not destroy the natural warmth and beauty of |
| is this: a laminate core floor is usually made of High | | | | a traditional solid hardwood floor. The top layer is the |
| Density Fiber or HDF. The top layer is a photographic | | | | same genuine hardwood you would have in solid |
| layer that mimics the appearance of the product it is | | | | hardwood flooring. |
| replicating. This can be wood, vinyl, or tile for | | | | You can add the warmth and grace of more |
| example. This product is usually about 3/8 inch thick | | | | expensive solid hardwood flooring at a fraction of the |
| and has a tongue and groove locking system that | | | | cost when you decide to use engineered hardwood |
| doesn't use glue. This enables you to install and | | | | flooring. With all the money you save, you may want |
| reinstall the flooring several times if you wish. A | | | | to think about remodeling the rest of your home. |