Engineered Hardwood Flooring: A Homeowner's Guide

Engineered hardwood flooring is a multi-layer flooring product that consists of a real wood veneer bonded over a core of plywood or high-density fiberboard. The top layer is genuine hardwood, typically 1/16 to 1/8 inch thick, and the cross-ply construction of the core layers gives the product significantly greater dimensional stability than solid hardwood.

In Phoenix homes, where temperature swings and dry desert conditions cause flooring materials to expand and contract, engineered hardwood performs considerably better than solid hardwood in many applications. It can be installed over concrete slabs, in areas with radiant heat, and in spaces where solid hardwood would be problematic.

At Phoenix Home Remodeling, we specify engineered hardwood frequently in whole-home remodels where homeowners want the look and feel of real wood throughout the home, including areas over slab where solid hardwood is not recommended.

Phoenix has an extreme climate with very low humidity for much of the year and significant temperature variation between seasons and between indoor and outdoor environments. Solid hardwood is highly susceptible to humidity-related movement. In dry conditions it contracts, and joints open up. In humid conditions it expands and can cup or buckle. Engineered hardwood's cross-ply core resists this movement significantly, which is why it is the more practical choice for most Phoenix installations.

• Veneer thickness: Ranges from 1/16 inch on entry-level products to 1/8 inch on premium products. Thicker veneers can be sanded and refinished, extending the floor's life. Thin veneers cannot.

• Core material: Plywood cores offer better stability and screw-holding strength. HDF cores are dense and stable but can be more susceptible to moisture damage at the edges. Core quality significantly affects durability.

• Width and length: Wider planks show more of the wood grain pattern and give a more contemporary look. They are also more susceptible to movement, so core quality becomes more important with wider boards.

• Finish type: Factory-applied aluminum oxide finishes are extremely durable. Site-finished engineered hardwood allows more customization but adds labor cost and time to the project.

• Installation method: Can be glued down over concrete, floated over various substrates, or nailed/stapled over wood subfloors. The right method depends on the specific product and the substrate condition.

For most residential applications, yes. The wear layer on quality engineered hardwood products performs as well as solid hardwood for foot traffic and everyday use. The difference is that solid hardwood can be sanded more aggressively over its lifetime. Engineered hardwood with a thick veneer can still be refinished once or twice, which is sufficient for most homeowners.

Not in wet areas like showers or directly adjacent to tubs. While engineered hardwood tolerates humidity better than solid hardwood, it is still a wood product that will be damaged by standing water or significant moisture exposure. Luxury vinyl plank is the better choice for wet or high-moisture areas.

Flooring selection is part of our design and selections phase, which happens before construction pricing is finalized. We walk through the specific conditions of your home, including substrate type, subfloor condition, and room function, and recommend the appropriate product for each area. We do not use allowances for flooring in our projects. Materials are fully specified and priced before you sign a construction contract.

See also: Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) Flooring, Scope of Work, Design-Build Remodeling, Hidden Costs of Remodeling, Material Lead Time