what to look for in engineered hardwood floors

[Anonymous]

What considerations should we take in choosing engineered hardwood floors--- thickness? Brand? Finish? Place to purchase? Thanks very much.

[Anonymous]

I read up on this last week. Look for multiple layers in the base (more is better) and look at what it's made of - Baltic Birch is recommended. Look at the wear layer: thicker is better. Look at rotary vs. flat cut for the veneer. Ask about warranties on the finish.

[Anonymous]

Some cannot be refinished or state they can be refinished 3 times, etc. Ever see them after 1 year or more of dog toenails?

[Anonymous]

Find out how planks can be replaced. We got engineered hardwoodk with the groove lock system and thought, great, you just replace damaged parts. Not so. All pieces fit together like a puzzle and have to be installed TOGETHER, unlike wood floors. These were designed in Germany for people to invest and transport their floors with them as they moved from apartment to apartment (yes, they move their kitchens too, appliances, sinks, and all). At least this is what i was told about the type of engineered hardwood flooring that we had in our condo. I would avoid. Hardwood is better and lasts forever. When engineered hardwood is scratched, due to the "plastic" like coating, it scatches WHITE....looks bad. And I'm the person who said they dent easily. Perhaps that depends on the type of wood. I don't remember what we had but they were SOFT.