Engineered Hardwood Flooring Chicago
Engineered hardwood flooring can be described as a product that is made up of a core from hardwood, plywood, or high density fiber and then a top layer of hardwood veneer. It is glued to the core’s top surface. It is available in almost all hardwood species. It retains the natural characteristics, not the photographic layer. This product has been engineered to provide more stability, especially where heat and moisture pose problems for hardwood floors.
Wood floors can be found in two basic types:
o Solid wood flooring
Engineered wood flooring
Solid Wood Fl is constructed from 3/4 inch thick solid lumber and tongue and groove sides for joining the boards. Some manufacturers offer a thinner version, 5/16″. Solid wood flooring offers the benefit of being re-sanded, refinished, and refinished over many decades. Solid wood floors can be refinished and refinished over many years. Prefinished or unfinished solid wood floors are available in nearly all wood species.
The main problem with solid wood floors is their susceptibility to expansion or contraction due to humidity changes. These floors typically have a 5/8″- 3/4″ gap between the floor and the wall to allow for movement. This gap is usually covered by baseboards or shoe molding.
A basement is not a good place to install 3/4″ thick floors. You can however use thinner 5/16 inch wood floors in this situation. Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding the limits of moisture in concrete when installing solid wood floors over existing concrete.
Three main types of solid wood flooring are available:
o Strip flooring can be denoted by the thickness or width of the wood planks. Although strip flooring has a fixed width, its thickness can vary. The thickness of strip flooring is 5/16″ to 3/4″. You can only get it in widths of 1 1/2, 2″, and 3 1/4″.
Although plank flooring comes in two thicknesses unlike strip flooring that can vary in width, there are two types. It is available in thicknesses up to 1/2″ or 3/4″ as well as a range widths of 3″-8″.
Parquet flooring offers a completely different look than traditional hardwoods. They are composed of individual wood pieces that are held together by adhesive or mechanical fastening.