Engineered Hardwood Flooring: A Comprehensive Guide for Toronto Homeowners
What is Engineered Hardwood Flooring?Engineered hardwood flooring is a type of flooring that is made up of a real hardwood veneer attached to a core constructed from multiple layers of wood, all laid in different directions. This construction method makes engineered hardwood more stable than traditional solid hardwood, especially in Toronto's variable climate. Understanding the Structure of Engineered Hardwood FlooringEngineered hardwood flooring is unique in its construction. Unlike solid hardwood, which is made entirely of a single piece of wood, engineered hardwood consists of a top layer of real hardwood veneer attached to a core of multiple layers of wood. These layers are laid in different directions, which gives engineered hardwood its stability and resistance to changes in temperature and humidity. The thickness of the top veneer layer can vary, but it's typically between 0.6mm and 6mm. The thickness of this layer can impact the lifespan of your engineered hardwood floor, as thicker veneers can be sanded and refinished more times than thinner ones. At Parqueteam Hardwood Flooring, we offer a variety of engineered hardwood flooring options with different veneer thicknesses to suit your needs. Benefits of Engineered Hardwood FlooringEngineered hardwood flooring offers several advantages over other types of flooring. Here are a few reasons why it's a popular choice for homeowners in Toronto:
Engineered Hardwood Flooring vs. Other Flooring OptionsWhen comparing engineered hardwood flooring to other types of flooring, such as laminate and vinyl, it's important to consider factors like cost, durability, and appearance. Engineered hardwood flooring tends to be more expensive than laminate or vinyl flooring. However, it's a long-term investment that can add value to your home. Unlike laminate or vinyl, engineered hardwood can be refinished if it becomes worn or damaged, extending its lifespan and making it a cost-effective choice in the long run. In terms of appearance, engineered hardwood flooring offers the beauty and warmth of real wood, which can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home. While laminate and vinyl flooring can mimic the look of wood, they cannotmatch the depth and richness of real wood that engineered hardwood flooring provides. When it comes to durability, engineered hardwood flooring holds up well against daily wear and tear. While it can scratch, the ability to refinish the surface means it can look like new for many years. On the other hand, laminate and vinyl flooring can be more resistant to scratches but once damaged, they cannot be refinished and must be replaced. Engineered Hardwood Flooring vs. Laminate Flooring
Installation of Engineered Hardwood Flooring![]() The installation of engineered hardwood flooring is a critical process that can significantly impact the performance and lifespan of your floors. At Parqueteam Hardwood Flooring, we offer professional engineered hardwood flooring installation services, ensuring that your floors are installed correctly and efficiently. There are several methods to install engineered hardwood flooring, including floating, gluing, or stapling. The choice of installation method depends on various factors such as the type of subfloor, the specific engineered hardwood product, and the conditions of your home. A floating installation is a method where the engineered hardwood planks are not attached to the subfloor but are instead attached to each other. This method is relatively quick and easy, making it a popular choice for DIY enthusiasts. The two options for floating install of engineered hardwood floors are: Click system and tongue and groove floating install. Gluing is another method where the engineered hardwood planks are adhered directly to the subfloor with a strong adhesive. This method provides a solid feel underfoot and can help with sound reduction. Nail-Down is a method where the engineered hardwood planks are attached to the subfloor using a special nailer and cleats to nail down the engineered hardwood floor.. This method is typically used when the subfloor is made of wood. Regardless of the installation method, it's crucial to ensure that the subfloor is clean, dry, and level before installation begins. This will help to ensure a smooth and successful installation process. The Cost of Installing Engineered Hardwood FloorsThe cost of installing engineered hardwood floors can vary depending on several factors, including the type of engineered hardwood product, the size of the area to be covered, and the complexity of the installation. As a general rule, you can expect to pay between $3 and $10 per square foot for materials, and between $2 and $8 per square foot for engineered hardwood flooring installation in the Toronto area. At Parqueteam Hardwood Flooring, we strive to provide high-quality engineered hardwood flooring at competitive prices. We also offer professional installation services, ensuring that your new floors are installed correctly and efficiently. Glue or Float: Which Installation Method is Better?One common question we often encounter is whether it's better to glue or float an engineered wood floor. The answer depends on several factors, including the type of engineered hardwood product, the conditions of your home, and your personal preferences. Floating is a method where the engineered hardwood planks are not attached to the subfloor but are instead attached to each other. This method is relatively quick and easy, making it a popular choice for DIY enthusiasts. However, floating floors may not feel as solid underfoot compared to floors that are glued or nailed down. Gluing, on the other hand, involves adhering the engineered hardwood planks directly to the subfloor with a strong adhesive. This method provides a solid feel underfoot and can help with sound reduction. However, it's more labor-intensive and requires a clean, dry, and level subfloor. At Parqueteam Hardwood Flooring, our team of experienced hardwood flooring installers can guide you in choosing the best installation method for your engineered hardwood floors. The Easiest Engineered Hardwood Flooring to InstallWhen it comes to the installation of engineered hardwood flooring, some products are easier to install than others. Engineered hardwood floors with a click-lock system are generally the easiest to install, as they can be floated without the need for nails or glue. This makes them a popular choice for DIY enthusiasts. However, for the best results, it's recommended to have your engineered hardwood floors installed by a professional. At Parqueteam Hardwood Flooring, our team of experienced hardwood flooring installers can ensure a smooth and efficient installation process, providing you with beautifully installed floors that will last for years. Engineered Hardwood Flooring and UnderlayAnother common question is whether engineered wood flooring needs underlay. The answer is yes, but only for engineered hardwood floors that are installed via the floating installation method. In this case, underlay is typically recommended to put under the installed engineered hardwood flooring. The underlay serves several purposes:
For engineered hardwood floors that installed via the nail down installtion method, an underlay is not needed. At Parqueteam Hardwood Flooring, we can advise you on the best type of underlay for your engineered hardwood floors, ensuring optimal performance and longevity. The Lifespan of Engineered Hardwood Floors
Do Engineered Wood Floors Scratch Easily?Like all types of hardwood flooring, engineered hardwood floors can scratch. However, the degree to which they scratch depends on several factors, including the hardness of the wood species used in the top veneer layer, the finish applied to the floors, and how the floors are used and maintained. To prevent scratches, it's important to keep your floors clean and free of dirt and grit, which can cause scratches. Using furniture pads, maintaining a suitable indoor humidity level, and avoiding walking on the floors with high heels or sports shoes can also help prevent scratches. If your engineered hardwood floors do get scratched, they can be sanded and refinished to restore their appearance. However, the number of times the floors can be refinished depends on the thickness of the top veneer layer. For Conclusion...Engineered hardwood flooring is a versatile and durable flooring option that offers the beauty of real wood with the practical benefits of man-made materials. Whether you're renovating your home or installing new floors, engineered hardwood flooring is a worthy consideration. We hope this comprehensive guide has provided you with valuable insights into engineered hardwood flooring. For more information on this and other flooring topics, be sure to check out our blog, where we regularly post articles to help you make informed decisions about your flooring needs. At Parqueteam Hardwood Flooring, we're committed to providing high-quality flooring solutions to homeowners in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area. From hardwood flooring installation to hardwood flooring restoration and refinishing, we've got you covered. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you achieve the perfect floors for your home. Thank you for joining us on this journey into the world of engineered hardwood flooring. We look forward to serving you and helping you create the perfect floors for your home. FAQQ1: What is engineered hardwood flooring?
Engineered hardwood flooring is a type of flooring that is made up of a real hardwood veneer attached to a core constructed from multiple layers of wood, all laid in different directions. This construction method makes engineered hardwood more stable than traditional solid hardwood. Q2: How long do engineered hardwood floors last? On average, engineered hardwood floors can last between 20 to 30 years. However, high-quality engineered hardwood floors with a thick top veneer layer can last even longer, especially if they are well maintained. Q3: Do engineered wood floors scratch easily? Like all types of hardwood flooring, engineered hardwood floors can scratch. However, the degree to which they scratch depends on several factors, including the hardness of the wood species used in the top veneer layer, the finish applied to the floors, and how the floors are used and maintained. Q4: Is it better to glue or float an engineered wood floor? The answer depends on several factors, including the type of engineered hardwood product, the conditions of your home, and your personal preferences. Floating is a method where the engineered hardwood planks are not attached to the subfloor but are instead attached to each other. Gluing involves adhering the engineered hardwood planks directly to the subfloor with a strong adhesive. Q5: Does engineered wood flooring need underlay? Yes, an underlay is typically recommended for engineered hardwood flooring. The underlay serves several purposes, including acting as a moisture barrier, helping with sound reduction, and providing a softer feel underfoot. Q6: How much does it cost to install engineered hardwood floors? The cost of installing engineered hardwood floors can vary depending on several factors, including the type of engineered hardwood product, the size of the area to be covered, and the complexity of the installation. On average, you can expect to pay between $3 and $10 per square foot for materials, and between $2 and $8 per square foot for installation. Q7: Which is better, engineered hardwood or laminate? Both engineered hardwood and laminate flooring have their own advantages. Engineered hardwood offers the beauty and warmth of real wood, can be refinished if it becomes worn or damaged, and can add value to your home. Laminate flooring, while resistant to scratches and stains, is generally less expensive and can mimic the look of wood. However, it cannot be refinished and must be replaced if it becomes damaged. Q8: What is the easiest engineered flooring to install? Engineered hardwood floors with a click-lock system are generally the easiest to install, as they can be floated without the need for nails or glue. However, for the best results, it's recommended to have your engineered hardwood floors installed by a professional.
0 Comments
![]() Indeed we cannot be expert in all aspects of life, especially when it comes to home improvement and flooring. However, consumers have plenty of ways to gain knowledge, and prepare themselves for upcoming home projects, after all, home improvement projects require some preparation, specially when it comes to hardwood floors. Before installing your new hardwood floors there are few things to keep in mind that will needed to be done before even starting to put the first nail in the first board.
That is it; we are ready now to install brand new hardwood flooring! Good luck! ![]() One of the most common problems we encounter with hardwood floors in Toronto is damages and scratches. There are many causes that can damage your hardwood floors over time. Certain areas of the home are high traffic areas; these ones usually get the biggest damages (such as entry and kitchen). Also, shiny take in mind shiny floors show more damages and scratches that exists on your floor (opposed to satin finish or wire brushed finish). If your hardwood floor is scratched and damaged, maybe its time for a good sanding and refinishing. One of the main benefits of having a hardwood floor is that it’s always possible to refinish the floor instead of replacing it when damages happen, or once its warn off. This process helps avoiding the costly process of removing existing floor and replacing it with a new one (unless you have 100 years old floors, then there is no point on refinishing). The best part of this process? You can choose almost any color you want for your new stain. So not only you getting new looking floor, but also you can also change the color, as well as the finish (from shiny to less shiny for example) Overall, refinishing hardwood floors is beneficial for both, people who damaged their floors over time, and people who tired of the color of the existing floor they have. The good news, we saved you time and money to turn around things! ![]() Nothing increases value of a house in Toronto area as newly installed floors. By installing solid hardwood flooring you are actually investing money and will obtain benefits and advantages of your investment in the future. Hardwood flooring perhaps is most popular choice. Hardwood flooring is highly reliable, durable and long lasting flooring material. Hardwood flooring is also poses aesthetic benefits: rich and sophisticated look. Regardless of your residence type (condo, apartment or a house) you cannot go wrong with the solid hardwood flooring installation. Whether you own a business venue or private residence, hardwood flooring installation will immediately increase an overall value of the entire property. In addition, there is eco-friendly hardwood flooring materials available. It is a healthy choice for both pet owners and parents. If you are looking for a long term investment into your property, hardwood floors probably would be a best option. It increases the value of your residence instantly and costs are paid off quickly. Last Month we were discussing and showing some ideas for the more popular and modern colours that are being used by home owners for their hardwood floors in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area.
This month, we will share some more classical ideas for your flooring. The more natural-orange colour is still a favourite choice by home owners who like to light up their place. It is still great looking floor, and surprisingly still popular among home owners in the Greater Toronto Area. In the last two years, we have noticed a new trend in Toronto in regards of the flooring colour. Grey!
Almost every client is considering to put a grey coloured floor. It became one of the most popular colours, and not only with floors, but walls and stair cases as well. Some prefer more darker tone, others would prefer the lighter one, as long as there is grey. Below attached few grey toned flooring pictures for some ideas for your next flooring project! Purchasing hardwood floors in Toronto, and choosing its colours, is one fun process! ![]() Replacing your flooring could be very time consuming and budget draining process. Luckily, laminate flooring was made to solve these problems. Laminate flooring in Toronto became a popular trend due to its cheap cost of material, and installation cost. Also, it is very quick to install, and time is very important in the City of Toronto. Laminate flooring has the look of hardwood, but it is made of plastic and compressed paper, which helps reduce consumption of wood products. Also, laminate floors are really durable, and great for concrete floors like in condos, or even basements! Today, there are many kinds of laminate, and sadly, also bad ones that have bad chemicals mixed in their finish. Be aware when purchasing your laminate, and do your research! ![]() Choosing an appropriate flooring type for a commercial venue might be an exhausting and time consuming process. There are many factors to consider when installing hardwood or laminate flooring at a commercial venue, such as weather the space has high traffic or low, or weather is basement level or ground floor. Also types of subfloors are important as well. Three main types of flooring a commercial space owner can consider is: Solid hardwood flooring, engineered flooring and laminated There are also wide variety of wood types, texture, color and types of grain associated with wood species, and different pattern with laminated floors. Perhaps the best choice for business facility owners would be an engineered hardwood flooring, one that has a hand scraped finish or wire brushed finish, if the space has high traffic.. Engineered flooring, as a product is also known for great stability due to its structure. Engineered flooring will last for decades without fading from high traffic and/or direct sunlight. The second best option is laminate flooring due to its high resistance to any damages such as scratches and stains; it is also significantly cheaper than hardwood or engineered, which might be a good short-run investment. Laminate flooring maybe not real hardwood floor, but it has a similar look and sometimes texture as well. Now that you equipped with some information, do not hesitate and call your local hardwood flooring installation company. ![]() One of the most common dilemmas many people have when looking for re do their floors is the question of hardwood flooring or laminate flooring? Which one is better? Laminate flooring in Toronto is very popular, specially among condo owners. There are few benefits people get choosing laminate flooring. Laminate flooring, in most cases, will be the cheaper option to go, in terms of installation cost and material cost. Laminate flooring materials are naturally lower than hardwood prices, and as for installation, laminate flooring today is being installed using the click system – An easy method which any person can easily and quickly install their own floor, without needing to be a professional laminate flooring installer (we still highly recommend hiring one) But do not let the price to confuse you. You still get high quality floor, which looks beautiful, and has the look and grains of regular wood floor. Laminate floors are also very durable, and very good against scratches. Overall, if you area a condo owner/house owner who is looking to save some money and want to refresh your floors, laminate flooring is a great option for you. For more information, we highly encourage to visit our page about laminate floors. http://www.hardwood-parqueteam.ca/laminate-flooring.html ![]() Condos are growing phenomenon in Toronto. As sales and new condo builds keep rising (just look at the amount of cranes we have), so does the demand for hardwood flooring in these condos. Along the years different types of engineered hardwood flooring in Toronto were introduced, and so did different methods of hardwood (engineered) flooring installation came along, that suit condo conditions and rules. Below are main systems used by professional hardwood flooring installers: *Glue tongue and groove system: Simple installation, as the installer puts glue in the groove and puts together the hardwood flooring planks (tongue to groove). Along the process, every few lines, the installer should tape (using tape that friendly for varnish and stain) the planks together so they stay tight until the glue completely dries (usually 24 hours to be sure) *Click-lock flooring installation system: In this case, two planks are simply clicked together like a puzzle, similar to laminate flooring installation. The installation is faster and simpler, and therefore cost for this type of installation is usually lower than the rest. *Glue-down method: widely used within the flooring installation industry, especially for parquet type of wood flooring. Today you can glue any type of engineered hardwood flooring using the glue down method (or double). This method usually being used over concrete subfloor, but also can be used in a house where sub floor is wooden. This method will be more costly than the rest of the above installation methods, but also the best in terms of durability and quality. There are many factors that could aspect the system or method being used for flooring installation. Additional research and knowledge about different installation systems will enable you to make an informative choice. You may visit our page for more details on flooring installation methods, or browse around our blogs as information constantly posted. |
Parqueteam Hardwood FlooringHardwood Flooring Toronto and The Greater Toronto Area. Archives
September 2023
Categories
All
|