Le plancher d'ingénierie: C'est quoi?

The engineered floor: What is it?

Gaining popularity in recent years, engineered flooring is a great flooring material to use. However, many people wonder what an engineered floor is and what are the differences between it and a conventional hardwood floor. Let us explain what it is and why you should adopt it!

What is an engineered floor?

Engineered wood - White Oak FX Knots Variations - Noblesse Collection
Engineered wood - White Oak FX Knots Variations - Noblesse Collection

First of all, an engineered floor is a floor covering made up of authentic wood. The major difference between a hardwood floor and an engineered wood floor is the composition of the various layers that make it up. Unlike hardwood, which is made from a single piece of wood, engineered wood is made up of several materials. Effectively, it is a wood floor whose thickness has been cut and glued on a more stable material. The most popular compositions are ply layer of plywood or slats of softwood. Engineered wood is divided into three layers: the base, this is the layer that is in contact with the ground, it is what provide stability to the coating. The middle, called the core, is what gives the material strength. Finally, we have the top layer made up of solid wood with colors, patterns, finishes and texture to choose from.
Engineered floor composition Softwood slat Engineered floor composition Softwood slat Engineered floor composition Plywood ply Hardwood floor composition Hardwood
Engineered floor composition
Softwood slat
Engineered floor composition
Softwood slat
 Engineered floor composition
Plywood ply
Hardwood floor composition
Hardwood

 What are the advantages of engineered wood?

Engineered wood - Maple Variation + Matte - Noblesse Collection Engineered wood - Red Oak Edge - Noblesse Collection
Engineered wood - Maple Variation + Matte - Noblesse Collection  Engineered wood - Red Oak Edge - Noblesse Collection

Stability

Engineered floor are very stable, which allows wood suppliers to offer larger plank sizes that hardwood. Although wood is fragile to moisture, engineered wood allows for greater stability. This type of flooring is more resistant to temperature variations, which allows it to be installed in the basement. This is a very good option for our ever-changing Quebec climate. Thanks to its structure, engineered wood adapts to slight imperfections in the subfloor and avoids hallows that can cause creaking. The installation of a membrane could also optimize this type of situation, consult a professional for more details.

Engineered wood - Maple Edge Knots Variation - Noblesse CollectionEngineered wood - Maple Edge Knots Variation - Noblesse Collection

Durability

A quality engineered wood floor will last over time. It is a material that is very resistant to daily wear and tear. In addition, as its top layer is made of real wood, it is possible to sand it to lessen the traces left by time. However, its ability to be sanded will depend on the surface thickness of the product, so it is important to discuss with professionals such as Flordeco merchants in order to make the beat possible choice for a quality coating that will ensure durability! Here’s a little trick, when choosing for flooring, the finishes as well as the texture will affect the durability of the wood. For example, a matte textured finish will be more durable than a smooth, glossy finish. Indeed, thanks to its composition, imperfections and scratches will be much less visible.

Engineered wood - White Oak Nouveau 6 - Nouveau 6 CollectionEngineered wood - White Oak Nouveau 6 - Nouveau 6 Collection

Ecological

Engineered flooring is a greener choice. Being composed of a mixture of materials, the creation of this one requires a smaller quantity of wood. Its smaller quantity of solid wood then allows the preservation of natural resources. In addition, as it is more resistant to temperature variations and the damages of the everyday life, it will be necessary to change it less often.

Engineered wood - White Oak Bespoke - Nouveau 7 CollectionEngineered wood - White Oak Bespoke - Nouveau 7 Collection

Ease and versatile installation

Where can you install your new engineered floor? Almost everywhere! Most floors and rooms in you home can benefit from this type of flooring. It can be installed in a basement, directly on concrete, near heating elements and can even be considered for radiant floors. Engineered wood is an easy to install floor covering, we still advise you to do business with experts such as Flordeco merchants, they can also help you define the type of wood that will best suit your project!

Engineered wood - White Oak Bespoke - Nouveau 7 Collection Engineered wood - White Oak Nouveau 6 - Nouveau 6 Collection Engineered wood - White Oak Nouveau 7 - Nouveau 7 Collection
Engineered wood - White Oak Bespoke - Nouveau 7 Collection Engineered wood - White Oak Nouveau 6 - Nouveau 6 Collection Engineered wood - White Oak Nouveau 7 - Nouveau 7 Collection 

Easy to maintain

Engineered wood is a durable option, but proper maintenance of your flooring is necessary. However, the good news is that maintaining engineered wood is still easy. The passage of a vacuum cleaner or a broom is enough to give it a polished appearance and to wash it, a cleaner without abrasives products is strongly recommended. When purchasing, consult your advisor to obtain the ideal cleaning product for your use.

Important: If any damage occurs, do not wait too long before cleaning it, as this could affect the appearance of the wood!

What choices are available to me?

Engineered wood - White Oak Bespoke - Nouveau 7 CollectionEngineered wood - White Oak Bespoke - Nouveau 7 Collection

As it is made of real wood, engineered flooring offers the same possibilities as hardwood floor and even more! You will therefore find different types of wood that will harmonize perfectly with your current decor. Whether it’s maple, red oak, white oak or other, you will find flooring that suits you! With a very natural beauty, engineered flooring offers a wide variety of colors and finishes, but it also offers more choices in terms of plank thickness, width, and length.

We convinced you and you are interested in engineered wood flooring? Come visit one of our 37 stores to see all our beautiful products and get advice from our experts!

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