When it comes to flooring, engineered wood has become a popular choice for homeowners and designers seeking the timeless beauty of hardwood with added practicality. But what exactly is engineered wood, and why is it often chosen over solid hardwood in certain situations?
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the ins and outs of engineered wood flooring, highlight its pros and cons, and discuss where it’s typically used instead of solid hardwood. We’ll also spotlight some of the best-selling exotic species from AdvantageLumber.com, including Ipe, Brazilian Cherry, Brazilian Teak, Tigerwood, Brazilian Chestnut, Brazilian Pecan, Brazilian Oak, Amendoim, and Santos Mahogany.
What is Engineered Wood?
Engineered wood flooring is a man made product designed to provide a real solid hardwood top wear layer while offering enhanced stability and versatility. Unlike solid hardwood, which consists of a single piece of wood, engineered wood is constructed in layers like plywood. The top layer, known as the wear layer, is a thin veneer of real hardwood—typically 0.6mm to 5mm thick—that provides the authentic look and feel of wood.
Beneath this, multiple layers of plywood, or other wood core materials are bonded together in a crisscross pattern. This construction makes engineered wood more resistant to moisture and temperature changes, addressing some of the limitations of solid hardwood.
Engineered wood is available in a wide range of species, finishes, and plank sizes, making it a versatile option for various design aesthetics. At AdvantageLumber.com, some of the best-selling exotic species include:
- Ipe: Known as Brazilian Walnut, Ipe is one of the hardest woods available, with a Janka hardness rating of 3680. Its rich, dark brown tones and tight grain add elegance to any space.
- Brazilian Cherry (Jatoba): Famous for its reddish-brown heartwood with darker streaks, Brazilian Cherry (Janka 2350) offers striking contrast and durability.
- Brazilian Teak (Cumaru): With a Janka rating of 3540, Cumaru boasts a warm, reddish-brown hue and exceptional durability, often used in high-traffic areas.
- Tigerwood (Brazilian Koa): This boldly striped wood (Janka 2160) features an orange-reddish background with dark striping, creating a dramatic, exotic look.
- Brazilian Chestnut: A dense, durable wood with warm brown tones, Brazilian Chestnut adds sophistication and strength to flooring.
- Brazilian Pecan: Known for its unique grain and rich color variations, Brazilian Pecan offers a luxurious, characterful appearance.
- Brazilian Oak: A stable and versatile option, Brazilian Oak provides a classic hardwood look with enhanced durability.
- Amendoim: This golden-brown wood with darker streaks offers a unique aesthetic and solid durability, ideal for distinctive spaces.
- Santos Mahogany: With its deep reddish-brown color and fine grain, Santos Mahogany (Janka ~2200) exudes luxury and warmth.
These species bring exotic beauty and resilience to engineered wood flooring, making them top choices for homeowners looking to elevate their interiors.
Pros and Cons of Engineered Wood Flooring
Like any flooring option, engineered wood has its strengths and weaknesses. Below, we outline the key pros and cons to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your home.
Pros of Engineered Wood Flooring
- Moisture and Temperature Resistance: The layered construction of engineered wood makes it more stable than solid hardwood, resisting warping, cupping, or shrinking in humid or fluctuating conditions. This is ideal for areas like basements or homes in humid climates.
- Versatile Installation: Engineered wood can be installed over concrete slabs, radiant heating systems, or below-grade spaces, where solid hardwood is typically not recommended. It can be glued, stapled, or nailed, offering DIY-friendly options.
- Cost-Effective for Exotic Species: Exotic woods like Ipe, Brazilian Cherry, and Santos Mahogany are expensive in solid form, but engineered versions offer the same aesthetic at a lower price.
- Aesthetic Variety: Engineered wood comes in a wide range of species, finishes, and plank widths, matching the look of solid hardwood. Best-sellers like Tigerwood and Brazilian Teak bring unique patterns and colors to elevate any room.
- Eco-Friendly Options: Many engineered woods use sustainable sourcing, and the layered construction requires less hardwood, making it a greener choice.
- Refinishing Potential: High-quality engineered wood with a thicker wear layer (3mm or more) can be sanded and refinished, extending its lifespan.
Cons of Engineered Wood Flooring
- Limited Refinishing: Thinner wear layers (less than 2mm) may not allow refinishing, limiting the floor’s lifespan compared to solid hardwood, which can be refinished multiple times over decades.
- Shorter Lifespan: While durable, engineered wood typically lasts 30–40 years, compared to solid hardwood’s potential 100+ years with proper care.
- Quality Variations: Low-quality engineered wood with thin veneers or weak cores may be less durable. Always choose reputable suppliers like AdvantageLumber.com for species like Ipe, Brazilian Cherry, Brazilian Teak, etc…
Where is Engineered Wood Flooring Used Instead of Solid Hardwood?
Engineered wood’s stability and versatility make it the preferred choice in environments where solid hardwood might struggle. Here are the key areas where engineered wood, featuring species like those from AdvantageLumber.com, is commonly used:
- Basements and Below-Grade Spaces: Solid hardwood is prone to warping in below-grade areas due to ground moisture, making engineered wood a better choice. Brazilian Cherry and Santos Mahogany, with their high Janka ratings, are durable options for basement installations. The basement must be completely dry and not have any leaks.
- Concrete Slabs: Engineered wood can be glued or floated over concrete, unlike solid hardwood, which requires a plywood subfloor. This is common in homes in states like Florida, Texas, and California, where Ipe and Brazilian Teak shine.
- Humid or Coastal Climates: In regions with high humidity, such as Florida or coastal areas, solid hardwood may expand or contract. Engineered wood’s layered construction, especially with moisture-resistant species like Tigerwood, handles these conditions better.
- Radiant Heating Systems: Engineered wood is compatible with underfloor heating, which can cause solid hardwood to shrink or crack. Brazilian Oak and Amendoim are popular choices for these setups.
- High-Traffic Areas with Pets or Kids: While solid hardwood is durable, engineered wood’s stability and prefinished options (like those with UV-cured finishes) resist scratches in busy households.
- Budget-Conscious Projects: For those wanting the look of exotic woods like Brazilian Chestnut or Brazilian Cherry without the high cost of solid planks, engineered versions offer a cost-effective alternative.
Why Choose Engineered Wood from AdvantageLumber.com?
AdvantageLumber.com offers a premium selection of engineered wood flooring, featuring exotic species that combine beauty, durability, and sustainability. Their best-sellers, such as Ipe, Brazilian Cherry, Brazilian Teak, Tigerwood, Brazilian Chestnut, Brazilian Pecan, Brazilian Oak, Amendoim, and Santos Mahogany, are sourced responsibly and crafted to high standards. These woods are ideal for creating stunning, long-lasting floors in challenging environments where solid hardwood might not perform as well.
For example:
- Ipe and Brazilian Teak are perfect for high-traffic areas or homes with pets due to their extreme hardness.
- Tigerwood and Brazilian Cherry add bold, exotic flair to living rooms or offices.
- Santos Mahogany and Amendoim bring warmth and elegance to basements or radiant-heated spaces.
Final Thoughts
Engineered wood flooring offers the best of both worlds: the authentic look of hardwood and enhanced stability for challenging environments. Its moisture resistance, versatile installation options, and affordability make it a smart choice for basements, concrete slabs, humid climates, and radiant heating systems—places where solid hardwood often falls short. While it may not have the longevity of solid hardwood, high-quality engineered wood from trusted suppliers like AdvantageLumber.com, featuring species like Ipe, Brazilian Cherry, and Tigerwood, can last decades with proper care.
If you’re considering engineered wood for your next flooring project, explore the exotic options at AdvantageLumber.com. Their best-selling species offer unmatched beauty and durability, ensuring your floors are both functional and breathtaking for years to come.
Ready to transform your space? Visit AdvantageLumber.com to browse their collection of engineered wood flooring and request a free quote today!
Note: Always consult with a flooring professional to ensure your chosen flooring suits your specific environment and needs. Maintain relative humidity between 35%–50% to protect your engineered wood floors, and avoid wet mopping to prevent water damage.