Engineered wood flooring is all the rage these days—but is it yay or nay for you? To decide whether engineered flooring is the type of flooring for you, you should first begin by looking at the pros and cons and advantages and disadvantages of this type of flooring.
The Pros and Cons / Advantages and Disadvantages of Engineered Wood Flooring
Engineered wood flooring is a modern flooring miracle and a high-quality flooring material, but like any other material it isn’t without its drawbacks…
Pros / Advantages
- Can be nearly indistinguishable from plank hardwood in appearance
- More cost effective, generally, than solid-wood planks
- Easier to install than narrower solid-wood plank
- More adaptable to heat and humidity thanks to its stacked layers and cross-grain configuration
- Can be more environmentally-friendly (when sourced from recycled wood fibres)
- Expands and shrinks less than plank
- They generally bounce back well from spills and stains
- There are no fumes or mess with engineered flooring
- There is consistent quality, unlike plank which can vary from plank-to-plank
- They have very limited maintenance needs
Cons / Disadvantages
- They generally come with unfinished edges that can be rough enough to create space between boards, that if not laid right, can allow moisture to seep into the floor
- They have less refinishing options than plank hardwood does, and can be refinished less times
- It doesn’t last as long as solid-wood planks—which can last up to 100 years
Is Engineered Wood Flooring Right for Me?
If you’re still wondering whether engineered flooring is right for you, call Tony’s Flooring. We will give you a consultation that includes cost estimates on both options, and the viability of each for each floor of your house. Remember, not all flooring is appropriate for every level of your home—for example, engineered flooring is generally preferred in basements as it reacts better to basement moisture.
Call or email Tony’s Flooring today to find out which flooring is best suited to your home, your family—and your budget.
Explore our services: Hardwood Flooring Installation | Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
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Frequently Asked Questions
What should Toronto homeowners know about engineered wood flooring – yay or nay??
When considering engineered wood flooring – yay or nay?, evaluate durability, maintenance requirements, and cost per square foot for your specific needs. Tony’s Flooring Centre at 268 Royal York Rd offers expert advice and free estimates to help you make the right choice for your Toronto home.
How does cork handle Toronto humidity changes?
Cork performs well with humidity fluctuations when properly sealed with polyurethane finish. Maintaining indoor humidity between 35-65% year-round protects the cork and benefits your home’s air quality.
Is marmoleum the same as linoleum?
Marmoleum is a brand name for premium linoleum made by Forbo. Unlike vinyl, marmoleum is made from natural materials including linseed oil, wood flour, and jute. It lasts 25-40 years and is fully biodegradable. Learn more on our marmoleum page.
Visit Our Etobicoke Flooring Showroom
See and feel the difference quality flooring makes. Tony’s Flooring Centre features a 4,100 sq ft showroom at 268 Royal York Rd, Etobicoke. Call (416) 255-9631 or request a free quote online. Open Tuesday through Saturday.