Types of Engineered Wooden Flooring
Engineered wooden flooring is made by pressing several layers of plywood together to create a stable core. This core is then topped with a natural wood veneer leaving the flooring looking almost exactly like solid wood flooring. The greatest benefit of using any of the different types of engineered wooden flooring is that you can have natural wooden flooring at just a fraction of the cost of solid wood. There are many different styles and types of flooring to choose from.
Cores and Top Layer
The core of your engineered wooden flooring is the part of the flooring that will provide you with stability. The core is generally made up of anywhere from three to ten layers of plywood and the more layers used within the core, the more stable the flooring will be. The type of engineered wooden flooring plywood that is used will also play a role in the stability of the flooring. Birch wood is commonly used as the core's plywood and because of its strength and durability it will provide you with a very stable flooring.
The types of engineered wooden flooring that are used on the top layer of this flooring are basically limitless. This top layer of flooring is very thin and only requires a small amount of wood to be used. Since it only needs a small amount, you can virtually use any wood you want to. It will allow you the option of choosing woods that are hard to find, endangered or expensive. It will provide you with the flooring of your dreams at a price you can afford.
Cuts and Installation
There are two types of engineered wooden flooring cuts of wood including the rotary system cut and the quarter-cut. The rotary system cut is used to make every piece of flooring used look exactly the same and gives them a standardised look. The quarter-cut, sometimes called the sliced veneer, is used to cut each piece of wood for the flooring in a parallel row. This gives each cut piece a unique look and provides more natural-looking flooring. The quarter-cut is more expensive but many people find the finished look worth the price.
There are also types of engineered wooden flooring installation methods available to choose from. The flooring can be laid down in the more traditional method of nailing or gluing each piece of flooring to the sub floor. The floating system is also available which does not require the flooring to be attached to the sub floor at all. Instead the pieces are interconnected with each other with a tongue and groove system or they simply click together. The floating system has become very popular in recent years.
Conclusion to Types of Engineered Wooden Flooring
Which of the many types of engineered wooden flooring you choose to use will be dependent on a few factors. Your personal choice will be the major factor and with so many options to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect look for you. Engineered wooden flooring is only a fraction of the costs of solid wooden flooring but you will still need to select a flooring that is able to fit into your budget.
