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Engineered Plank Floors
Engineered wood floors are generally 2,3, or 5 thin sheets of wood that are
laminated together to form one plank. These floors will range from 1/4" to
9/16" in thickness, and from 2 1/4" to 7" in width. The lengths will be random
and range from 12" – 60" in length. The top finish layer can be cut from a
variety of domestic or exotic hardwood species.
In the construction of engineered wood floors the wood plies are stacked on
top of each other, but in the opposite directions. This creates a floor that
is dimensionally stable and far less effected by moisture than a 3/4" solid
wood floor. This is why you can install engineered wood floors over concrete
slabs below ground level, as well as anywhere else in the home. (Note: the
concrete slabs must still be dry and clean.)
Wood
always wants to expand in a certain direction. In the presence of moisture
solid wood planks will always expand across the width of the planks, rather
than down the length of the boards. To avoid this problem, manufacturers of
engineered planks place each ply in the opposite direction of each other. This
is called cross-ply construction. Once the wood layers are glued together the
plies will counteract each other which helps prevent the plank from expanding,
or shrinking with changes in humidity. If moisture is a concern, then you should
strongly consider an engineered wood floor versus a solid wood floor. The top ply, or finish layer of an engineered wood floor can be a different
wood specie without driving the costs out of sight. Engineered floors come
in a variety of wood species, just by changing the top, finish layer. If you
a looking for some of the more unusual, or exotic wood species than you should
definitely take a look at engineered wood floors.
Most engineered floors can be nailed-down, stapled-down, glued-down, or floated
over a wide variety of subfloors, including some types of existing floors,
such as vinyl flooring. Caution should be used to be certain the existing flooring
is well adhered and that your installation application meets the manufacturer's
installation recommendations.
You can also buy engineered floors in varying widths. They generally come
in 2 1/4", 3", 5", and 7" widths and widths can be mixed, such as 3-5-7 inch
planks installed side by side. By varying the board widths you can change the
total appearance of the floor.
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