Hardwood flooring is a very popular option for renovations, and there are many great reasons to choose solid plank hardwood floors. However, there are also many good reasons to choose a well-made, quality engineered hardwood floor instead.
First of all, if sustainability is important when you are choosing a flooring option, engineered hardwood is definitely the way to go. Look for the certification of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative or the Forest Stewardship Council on the flooring you select to ensure that it is a sustainable product. Engineered hardwood flooring is more sustainable because it does not require solid wood planks of the various trees you have to choose from. Instead, only the top veneer layer is made of this more expensive hardwood, while subsequent lower levels are made of plywood.
Engineered hardwood floors were first designed to be installed directly onto concrete slabs or in basements and are typically easier to install than solid timbers. They are also usually cheaper. In spite of this reduction in cost, you can expect them to last for many, many years, depending on the thickness of the product you choose and how many times it can be refinished. The number of times it can be refinished depends on the thickness of the top layer of wood. The installation process will also change depending on the exact product you choose. Some of the thinner engineered floors can be glued down, whereas others use a tongue and groove system to lock together, and some can be nailed directly to the subfloor, just like solid planks.
Engineered hardwood floors come in a wide variety of thicknesses, applications and wood finishes. With all these variations to choose from, you are sure to find the one that is right for your next renovation.