Are you contemplating a kitchen remodel and wondering if engineered hardwood flooring is a viable choice? This is a question many homeowners in Toronto grapple with. While hardwood floors undeniably add a touch of warmth and sophistication, is it advisable to install them in a kitchen? Let's explore this.

Given the potential challenges with hardwood flooring in the kitchen, you might wonder if there's a more resilient option. This is where tile flooring shines. Tile is extremely durable, water-resistant, and easy to clean, making it an excellent choice for kitchens. It can withstand spills, stains, high foot traffic, and even hot pans, without sustaining damage.
While at Parqueteam Hardwood Flooring, we pride ourselves on our engineered hardwood flooring offerings in Toronto, we believe in providing our customers with the best advice for their specific needs. Given the potential for water damage and the higher maintenance needs, we typically recommend considering tile for kitchen flooring. Nonetheless, if your heart is set on the warmth and beauty of engineered hardwood, it can indeed be a suitable choice, given proper care and maintenance.
In conclusion, while it's entirely possible to install engineered hardwood flooring in your kitchen, it's essential to be aware of the potential challenges. If you're ready to embrace the maintenance and care hardwood requires, it can certainly add a touch of elegance to your kitchen. But for practicality and durability, tile flooring might be the more sensible choice.

1. What is engineered hardwood flooring?
Engineered hardwood flooring is a type of flooring that combines a real hardwood surface layer with multiple layers of plywood or high-density fiberboard underneath. This construction makes it more stable and less susceptible to changes in temperature and humidity compared to solid hardwood.
2. How does engineered hardwood flooring compare to solid hardwood flooring?
While solid hardwood is made entirely of a single type of wood, engineered hardwood consists of a thin layer of real wood on top and several layers of plywood or high-density fiberboard beneath. This makes engineered hardwood more stable and less prone to warping or shrinking due to changes in temperature or humidity. However, solid hardwood can typically be sanded and refinished more times than engineered hardwood.
3. What are the pros and cons of installing engineered hardwood flooring in a kitchen?
The pros of installing engineered hardwood flooring in a kitchen include its attractive appearance, comfort underfoot, and durability. However, it can be susceptible to water damage if not properly sealed and maintained. It also has limitations when it comes to refinishing.
4. How do I maintain engineered hardwood flooring in a kitchen?
To maintain engineered hardwood flooring in a kitchen, it's important to clean up spills immediately to prevent water damage. Regular sweeping or vacuuming can help remove dirt and debris that could scratch the floor. It's also recommended to use a damp mop and a cleaning product designed for engineered hardwood floors for regular cleaning.
5. Can engineered hardwood flooring be refinished?
​Yes, engineered hardwood flooring can be refinished, but the number of times it can be refinished depends on the thickness of the top layer of wood. It's important to consult with a flooring professional to determine if your engineered hardwood floor can be refinished.

As a proud Toronto-based company specializing in all things related to hardwood flooring, we frequently encounter a question that many homeowners and property developers ask: "Is engineered hardwood just as good as solid hardwood?" This is an important question, especially for those of us in the Greater Toronto Area, where climate conditions can greatly impact the longevity and aesthetics of our floors.

Understanding Hardwood Flooring: Solid vs. Engineered

Before we delve into our main question, it's crucial to understand what we mean by "solid hardwood flooring" and "engineered hardwood flooring".
Solid hardwood flooring is exactly what it sounds like: a flooring material made from a solid piece of hardwood. It's renowned for its timeless beauty, durability, and the value it can add to a property.
Engineered hardwood flooring, on the other hand, is a layered product. The top layer is real hardwood, but it's bonded to several underlying layers of plywood or high-density fibreboard. This structure provides engineered hardwood with some unique benefits, which we'll discuss in more detail.

​​In the Toronto climate, where we experience both humid summers and dry winters, the stability of engineered hardwood can be a significant advantage. However, that's not to say that solid hardwood doesn't have its place.
Solid hardwood flooring is often seen as the premium choice because of its potential for longevity. It can be sanded and refinished multiple times, which can keep it looking great for decades. Engineered hardwood can also be refinished, but the number of times depends on the thickness of the top layer.
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So, is engineered hardwood just as good as solid hardwood?
The answer depends on your specific needs and circumstances. If you're looking for maximum longevity and have the right conditions to maintain it, solid hardwood is a fantastic choice. If you need something more versatile and stable, especially in areas with variable moisture or over concrete subfloors, engineered hardwood is likely the better option.
In conclusion, both solid and engineered hardwood offer unique benefits and can be the "right" choice depending on your specific needs. As Toronto's hardwood flooring experts, we're here to help you make the best choice for your home or project. Don't hesitate to reach out to us with your hardwood flooring questions!

​Why Engineered Hardwood Flooring is a Top Choice in Toronto

Engineered hardwood flooring offers the beauty of solid wood but with increased stability. This makes it particularly suitable for the Canadian climate. The plywood base layers handle humidity changes better than solid wood, reducing the risk of warping or cupping.
Plus, engineered hardwood flooring can be refinished, just like solid hardwood. This means that, even after years of use, your floors can look as good as new with a bit of maintenance.

When it comes to hardwood flooring in Toronto, engineered hardwood flooring stands out as a top choice. Its durability, resistance to climate-induced damage, and the wide variety of available species make it an excellent option for any home.
Remember, the best hardwood flooring is not only about the type of wood or the construction method. It's about choosing a floor that matches your style, meets your family's needs, and stands up to Toronto's unique climate. With the right choice, you can enjoy the beauty and warmth of hardwood floors for many years to come.