Are engineered hardwood floors durable?

Engineered wood floors are almost always pre-finished, making them more durable and resistant to scratches and dents.  Pre-finished sites are dust-free, temperature-controlled, and they use more powerful sealers.  When appropriately maintained, these floors last about 50 years, with sanding and refinishing required only about every ten years.

Oil-based varnish also makes a big difference

Oil is the typical finish used on engineered hardwood, and it’s prized for classic natural beauty, long-lasting performance, and ease of repair. The oil penetrates the wood rather than sitting only at the surface and, as a result, fills in cracks and dents and restores color.  Scratches buff off quickly, and, best of all, it’s possible to spot-treat damage rather than refinish the entire floor; once the oil’s buffed and dried, it’ll just blend in with the rest of the floor.

What is engineered hardwood flooring?

There are two kinds of hardwood floors. One is solid, which is, as it sounds, one solid piece through the thickness.  The other is engineered and, while it looks the same with gorgeous undertones, knots, and swirls, it features a different construction. At the top is your species-of-choice with a wide assortment of wood types and colors.  Underneath are three or more genuine wood layers, with a boost to Mother Nature in the form of a little resin. The layers are placed in a crosswise position, and, as a result, the floor is stable with a better ability to handle water. Whether solid or engineered, the thickness is essential as it affects how often the floor can be sanded.  The engineered range is ⅝ to ½-inch, and, depending on the number, it can be sanded up to five times.

Engineered offers an additional installation method: the floating floor.  Pieces click together and then hover over the subfloor with no nails or glue needed.  Subfloors need to be clean, dry, and level and can be installed over concrete.

For over 90 years, we’ve been working with homeowners in or near Baton Rouge, Denham Springs, Ascension Parish, Baker, and surrounding areas. To learn more about hardwood flooring and get a free quote, visit Wholesale Flooring & Granite at our showroom in Baton Rouge, LA.