What Is Engineered Wood in Construction?
What Is Engineered Wood in Construction?
Engineered wood is a constructed wood product manufactured by binding or fixing the strands, particles, fibres, veneers, or wood boards with adhesives or other fixation methods.
These products are often referred to as mass timber, composite wood, man-made wood, or manufactured board, depending on their structure and layered design.
Engineered wood products offer better structural performance than solid timber due to their improved strength, stability, and durability. They can be used for various applications, such as flooring and construction materials in residential and commercial buildings.
Engineered wood has become increasingly popular due to its cost-effectiveness and efficient manufacturing process.
Is Engineered Wood Better Than Real Wood?
Engineered wood flooring is a more versatile and resilient choice than real hardwood in high moisture environments such as kitchens, bathrooms, and basements, making it the better option for these rooms.
On the other hand, when it comes to whole house installations and style options, both engineered, and real wood offer wide choices so you can find something that blends perfectly with your home décor.
With engineered wood, you get natural looking beauty combined with superior performance which makes it an ideal choice for various spaces in your home.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Engineered Wood?
Engineered wood flooring can be a great choice for your home, but it does have some drawbacks. For one, some manufacturers will use cheaper or weaker materials in the construction of their engineered hardwood flooring which may decrease its lifespan significantly.
Therefore, it is important to buy from reputable manufacturers to ensure a long-lasting and high-quality product.
Additionally, while many types of hardwood can be refinished multiple times over its lifespan, not all engineered hardwood products can undergo this process as they are composed differently than solid wood so it is important to keep this in mind when making your selection.
How Long Will Engineered Wood Last?
Engineered wood flooring is one of the most durable types of flooring, lasting up to 25-30 years with proper care and maintenance.
It is made out of plywood, HDF or softwood which are glued together and topped with a hardwood layer providing a high-quality finish. Engineered wood is also known for its longevity and resilience against everyday wear, making it a great investment for your home that will last for years to come.
Does Engineered Wood Break Easily?
Engineered wood is a composite of particles and adhesives that can be a more cost-effective option than solid wood. However, it is not as durable and strength as solid wood, so it is prone to breakage if exposed to sudden impacts or loads that exceed its capacity.
Low-density engineered wood such as particle board breaks even more easily due to its poor impact resistance qualities. As such, extra care must be taken when handling furniture made out of this material, in order to avoid any damages or breakages.
Is Engineered Wood Cheap?
Engineered hardwood is often more cost-effective than solid hardwood, ranging in price from an average of $2.50 to $10 per square foot, while solid hardwood typically averages around $4 to $12 per square foot.
It provides superior stability and resistance to humidity and temperature fluctuations for less than the price of traditional solid hardwoods.
Because engineered wood is more resistant to moisture and temperature changes, it can be used in a larger range of areas like basements or other below-grade applications where solid wood is more likely to suffer from warping or discoloration due to water exposure.
Additionally, engineered hardwood may require less prepping before installation since nearly all types are already milled and pre-finished.
Is Engineered Wood Really Waterproof?
Engineered wood is not waterproof, although it is more resistant to humid environments than solid wood.
If water or puddles are left on engineered floors, they can start to seep in between the planks and cause warping and discoloration of the wood, so it’s important to dry up any spills or splashes quickly efficiently.
While it’s generally easier to keep engineered wood dry than regular solid wood, it still needs extra care when it comes to maintenance.
