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If you can get hardwood for the same cost, no contest. Hardwood is far superior.
The problem is going to be installation. Hardwood floors are more difficult to install so they are going to require professional installation or a very competent DIY. If you need to hire a professional, the cost obviously goes up.
I say hardwood is superior because engineered wood is softer and will show scratches much more easily. The veneer is very thin and can be penetrated by carelessly dragging heavy furniture across the floor. Even an office chair on casters will tear up the surface. You will also find engineered wood will show grooves and indentations fairly easily. Third, engineered products are more easily damaged by water. They are a type of plywood and can separate with enough moisture.
Hardwood can also be damaged of course. The difference is that if hardwood starts to show enough wear, you can sand and refinish. Engineered wood will need to be pulled up and replaced.
I say hardwood is superior because engineered wood is softer and will show scratches much more easily. The veneer is very thin and can be penetrated by carelessly dragging heavy furniture across the floor. Even an office chair on casters will tear up the surface. You will also find engineered wood will show grooves and indentations fairly easily.
Doesn't modern engineered wood come with a super-hard top layer coating to make it more durable? I am buying a new construction house and the builder only offers engineered wood.
We installed our hardwood floors in KY - some 2K sq ft. It wasn't all that hard but it was time consuming. Real hardwood is much nicer, imo. But here in FL it's not common, as many homes are built on a concrete slab and you can't put real hardwood on concrete.
Doesn't modern engineered wood come with a super-hard top layer coating to make it more durable? I am buying a new construction house and the builder only offers engineered wood.
Yes, it's a baked on finish and it has Aluminum Oxide in it. Making it much more durable than just air-dried Polyurethane.
Yes you can!
Before the advent of sealer/adhesives you would have to install a vapor barrier, sleepers, and subflooring. Today, it can be installed directly to the slab.
We do it all the time. You have to screed the floor first but it's not an issue. I can only assume it's not a popular thing in Florida because of possible rising water.
I'm not a fan of the laminate floors or the engineered products for flooring. We did install a vinyl floor that looks like laminate in that the material comes is strips that overlap with a contact glue. I wasn't impressed with having to use the material but it's what the H/O wanted. I changed my mind about it after it was down. Looks great and it's quiet and resilient. For wet areas like a bath or kitchen, this stuff is fabulous.
Per the article I read, it did seem like solid wood is better if one is not living in a hot and humid place, otherwise it tends to swell.
WOOD = WOOD
Eng WOOD = 25% WOOD + 75% CHEAP MDF
PRICE DIFFERENCE : Minimal atleast in TX area
I live in perhaps one of the hottest and most humid places in US, Houston TX. From that perspective engineered wood should be better but then how much humidity and temp you have inside an AC controlled home.
I am still confused. Guys, please give some receommendation.
I would also like to add that Eng Wood and laminate are completely 2 seperate things. Please do not confuse the 2.
Eng wood and orignal wood are very comparable price, laminate on the other hand is much much cheaper.
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