What Are Engineered Wood Floors?
Author, Written by: P. Hirani (Wood flooring Expert)
Home remodeling has evolved significantly over the years. In the past, renovations were quicker due to the limited availability of materials and designs, making it easier for homeowners to make decisions. Today, the growing variety of materials and designs makes it increasingly challenging to find options that are both practical and environmentally friendly.
One of the most difficult choices during renovations is selecting flooring materials. Flooring has undergone significant innovation, with newer options designed to be more durable, eco-friendly, and long-lasting. At the same time, they need to align with the overall aesthetic and budget of the project.
The Origin of Wood Floors: Parquet
The use of solid wood flooring, or parquet, dates back over 100 years. Initially, imported woods like American oak, mahogany, and holm oak were commonly used. Over time, domestic species such as Raulí, Coigüe, and eucalyptus became more prevalent.
In the early days, solid wood floors were installed by attaching wood panels or planks to a wooden substructure. This process later evolved into direct installation over concrete, using metal fasteners. Once installed, the floors were sanded, polished, and waxed. Varnishing, or sealing the surface, was typically done a year after installation.
However, by the 1970s, demand for solid wood flooring began to decline due to several factors:
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Installation Time: Installing solid wood floors takes over three times longer than engineered wood floors.
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Usability: Engineered wood floors can be used immediately after installation, whereas solid wood floors require adhesive, sanding, and multiple coats of varnish before they’re ready for use.
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Pre-Finished Surface: Engineered wood comes factory-finished, offering faster installation and a wider range of surface textures and finishes, including matte, glossy, brushed, and even options that mimic the natural grain of the wood.
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Variety: Engineered wood offers more species, thicknesses, widths, and plank lengths compared to solid wood.
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Floating Installation: Engineered wood can be installed using a floating method, where planks are glued along their edges but not attached to the subfloor, allowing for easy removal or adjustment.
The Rise of Engineered Wood Flooring
Engineered wood flooring has gained popularity due to its unique construction and benefits. It consists of multiple thin layers of wood from different species, bonded together with synthetic resin under heat and pressure. This layered design enhances durability and stability, even outperforming solid wood in some cases.
This composition method also makes engineered wood more resistant to temperature fluctuations and humidity, the main enemies of traditional wood flooring. While solid wood flooring lasts 8–15 years with proper care, engineered wood can last up to 25 years without significant issues.
Three Popular Types of Wood Flooring
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Solid Wood Flooring
Solid wood floors are composed of single planks of natural wood, making each piece unique. They are highly durable and can support heavy weights, acting as excellent thermal insulators. However, they require regular maintenance, including varnishing, and are vulnerable to humidity. -
Laminate Flooring
Laminate floors are a more affordable alternative, offering the appearance of wood without actually being wood. They consist of three layers: -
A protective top layer that resists wear and stains.
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A printed design layer that mimics wood.
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A plastic resin base that prevents moisture damage.
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Engineered Wood Flooring
Engineered wood floors are constructed with a multi-layer system, combining thin layers of various woods bonded together. This design provides superior strength, stability, and ease of installation compared to solid wood.
Benefits of Engineered Wood Flooring
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Durability & Longevity
Engineered wood’s layered construction makes it more resistant to temperature changes and humidity. -
Eco-Friendly
Using only 3.6 mm of hardwood for the surface layer (e.g., walnut, oak, or jatoba), engineered wood minimizes deforestation and supports sustainable forest management. Certifications like Blue Angel (Europe) and FSC (America) reflect its environmental credentials. -
Ease of Installation
Floating installation systems like Uniclic allow for faster, cleaner, and more cost-effective setups. This method also enables the use of acoustic insulation, reducing both airborne and impact noise. -
Customizable Design
Engineered wood is available in various thicknesses, species, and plank sizes, making it adaptable to any interior design. Factory-finished options include smoked finishes, stains, patinas, oil treatments, and water-based coatings. -
Maintenance & Cleaning
These floors are easy to clean and maintain, offering convenience without compromising style.