Wood flooring is very popular in homes, especially hardwood flooring. Some people opt for engineered wood floors instead, however. Understanding the characteristics of these two types of flooring will make it clearer which is the right one to use in any given situation.
Floor Level
Because hardwood flooring tends to react adversely to changes in humidity and temperature, it should only be installed in floors that are above ground level. The way engineered wood floors are constructed; they are better able to handle these varying conditions, so this type of flooring is fine to install even in the basement.
Installation Considerations
When installing hardwood flooring in Glenview, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. It has to be nailed directly to a wood subfloor, and enough space needs to be left between the boards to accommodate the boards expanding and contracting in different humidity levels. This tends to be too challenging for most homeowners. Engineered wood floors can sometimes be snapped together and float over the subfloor, making them an easier do-it-yourself project. They can go over even a concrete subfloor, making them more versatile overall.
Durability
Both engineered and hardwood flooring in Glenview can be very durable. One major difference is that an engineered wood floor can typically only be refinished one or two times, depending on how thick the top hardwood layer is, while a hardwood floor can be refinished as many as 10 times. However, an engineered wood floor isn’t likely to need to be refinished quite as often due to its increased stability and resistance to wear and tear. Engineered floors can also stand a little bit more moisture without being damaged, although they still can’t handle standing water left on their surface.
Cost Considerations
Which type of flooring is less expensive will really depend on the two choices being compared. Hardwood flooring can vary greatly in price, with rarer or more coveted woods tending to cost more. Engineered wood can have many different thickness and quality levels, so in some cases, it can be more expensive than one of the less expensive types of hardwood flooring.
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