Hardwood flooring is a stunning addition to any home. It lends warmth and classic charm to the home, and it does wonders for your market resale value. Unfortunately, it is simply not a viable option for many homes. Luckily, there is a way to have the classy elegance and cozy glow of hardwood, without the drawbacks. We are talking, of course, about engineered hardwood flooring.
Here in Louisiana, we have a climate that is prone to high heat and humidity. We also have a significantly higher rate of rainfall than the national average. These factors add up to a nightmare scenario for solid hardwood floors, which are prone to warping, buckling, gaps, and discoloration under these conditions.
Here in Louisiana, we have a climate that is prone to high heat and humidity. We also have a significantly higher rate of rainfall than the national average. These factors add up to a nightmare scenario for solid hardwood floors, which are prone to warping, buckling, gaps, and discoloration under these conditions.
Due to the unique fabrication process that goes into the construction of engineered hardwood flooring, it is a great deal more resistant to these problems. In fact, they were specifically designed for use in basements, where flooding and humidity are more commonplace. Which brings us to our next point.
In the distant past, hardwood floors simply were not an option for use in basements, due to the fact that they cannot be installed over a concrete subfloor. Ever try to drive a nail into a concrete slab? Even if you haven't, I'm sure you see the problem.
Thanks to the interlocking design of engineered hardwood flooring, and the fact that it can be glued directly to any flat, hard surface, it can be installed over a concrete subfloor, or even an existing tile floor. Pretty much any surface that is uniformly flat and stable is a candidate for engineered hardwood flooring.
Finally, and possibly most important, the cost. Engineered hardwood floors are generally less expensive than their solid counterpart. Furthermore, you can save a pretty penny on the installation of engineered hardwood if you have moderate DIY skills. The interlocking design makes it a perfect candidate for self-installation.
The best part is that, even to a trained eye, it is hard to tell the difference between an engineered hardwood floor and a solid hardwood floor. You get all that rich, luxurious beauty, without the bank-busting price tag.
Everyone wants the home of their dreams and, more often than not, this includes lustrous hardwood flooring. Don't be dissuaded from chasing that dream because of the limitations of solid hardwood flooring. Strike a compromise, and make that dream come true!
In the distant past, hardwood floors simply were not an option for use in basements, due to the fact that they cannot be installed over a concrete subfloor. Ever try to drive a nail into a concrete slab? Even if you haven't, I'm sure you see the problem.
Thanks to the interlocking design of engineered hardwood flooring, and the fact that it can be glued directly to any flat, hard surface, it can be installed over a concrete subfloor, or even an existing tile floor. Pretty much any surface that is uniformly flat and stable is a candidate for engineered hardwood flooring.
Finally, and possibly most important, the cost. Engineered hardwood floors are generally less expensive than their solid counterpart. Furthermore, you can save a pretty penny on the installation of engineered hardwood if you have moderate DIY skills. The interlocking design makes it a perfect candidate for self-installation.
The best part is that, even to a trained eye, it is hard to tell the difference between an engineered hardwood floor and a solid hardwood floor. You get all that rich, luxurious beauty, without the bank-busting price tag.
Everyone wants the home of their dreams and, more often than not, this includes lustrous hardwood flooring. Don't be dissuaded from chasing that dream because of the limitations of solid hardwood flooring. Strike a compromise, and make that dream come true!
