Published on Tuesday, July 18th, 2023

All About Engineered Wood Flooring in Scottsdale

Are you looking for a solution that combines the beauty of hardwood with the practicality of laminate? You might want to consider installing an engineered wood floor. Engineered wood flooring is a popular choice among homeowners in Scottsdale for its durability, easy maintenance, and versatility. In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about engineered wood flooring so you can make the best decision for your home.

What is Engineered Wood Flooring?

Engineered wood flooring is a popular choice among homeowners and interior designers, appreciated for its durability, aesthetics, and the real-wood feel it brings to spaces. But what exactly is engineered wood flooring and what sets it apart from other flooring options? Let’s delve into the details.

At its core, engineered wood flooring consists of multiple layers of wood, each layer running in different directions, that are bonded together under heat and pressure. The topmost layer, also known as the ‘wear layer’ or ‘veneer’, is made from high-quality wood, and it’s what you see and walk on. The layers beneath are typically made from less expensive, more readily available wood species, or sometimes recycled wood fibers. The alternating grain directions in the different layers enhance the overall stability of the flooring, reducing the natural wood tendency to expand or contract with changes in temperature and humidity.

The thickness of the veneer varies across products, which directly impacts the lifespan of the engineered wood floor. A thicker veneer allows for more rounds of sanding and refinishing over the years, thereby extending the floor’s life.

What are the benefits of having engineered wood flooring in Scottsdale?

Engineered wood flooring offers many advantages, particularly suitable for the unique climate and lifestyle found in Scottsdale, Arizona. Here are some of the key benefits:

Durability and Stability

Engineered wood flooring is designed for durability. The multi-layer construction provides stability, reducing the wood’s natural tendency to expand and contract with changes in humidity and temperature. This makes it a great option for Scottsdale’s desert climate, which can see wide temperature swings from day to night.

Versatility

Engineered wood floors can be installed in any room in the house, including basements, kitchens, and bathrooms, where solid hardwood may not be suitable due to concerns about moisture and temperature changes. They can also be installed over a variety of subfloors, including concrete, making them a flexible choice for different home construction types.

Aesthetic Appeal

Engineered wood flooring offers the same beautiful look and feel of solid hardwood, with the added benefit of greater stability. It’s available in a wide variety of wood species, colors, grains, and finishes, making it easy to find the perfect look for your Scottsdale home.

Easy Maintenance

Engineered wood flooring is easy to clean and maintain. Regular sweeping or vacuuming, along with occasional damp mopping using a suitable wood floor cleaner, will keep your floors looking great. Unlike carpet, wood floors don’t harbor dust mites or allergens, which can be a significant benefit for those with allergies.

Long Lifespan

With proper care and maintenance, engineered wood floors can last for decades. And unlike many types of flooring, they can be refinished if they become scratched or worn, extending their lifespan even further.

Adds Value

Finally, engineered wood flooring can add value to your home. It’s often a sought-after feature for home buyers, thanks to its combination of beauty, durability, and easy maintenance.

Engineered wood flooring is a stylish, practical, and durable choice for Scottsdale homes. It offers the timeless appeal of hardwood, along with the benefits of modern engineering, making it a great investment for any home.

Available Styles and Finishes of Engineered Wood in Scottsdale

Scottsdale boasts a variety of options when it comes to the styles and finishes of engineered wood flooring, catering to a wide range of tastes and home decor themes.

Styles

Engineered wood flooring in Scottsdale comes in various styles, including:

• Traditional: This style uses classic wood species such as oak, maple, or hickory. These floors offer a timeless aesthetic and tend to complement a wide range of interior designs.
• Contemporary: Modern engineered wood floors often feature cleaner lines and minimal grain visibility, with a focus on a sleek, polished look. They might include woods like ash or bamboo.
• Rustic: Ideal for those who prefer a more country or vintage look, rustic styles often feature wood species like reclaimed pine or distressed oak. These floors have more knots and natural imperfections to enhance their rustic appeal.
• Exotic: For a unique aesthetic, exotic engineered wood flooring can include species like Brazilian cherry, acacia, or tigerwood. These offer unique grain patterns and vibrant colors.

Finishes

Engineered wood flooring in Scottsdale also comes in various finishes, such as:

• Matte: This low-sheen finish provides a more natural look, showing off the wood’s authentic texture while being quite resistant to scuffs and scratches.
• Satin: Striking a balance between matte and gloss, satin finish gives a subtle sheen that accentuates the wood’s color and grain, while also providing good durability.
• Gloss: High-gloss finishes offer a shiny, reflective surface, adding a touch of luxury and elegance to any room. However, they may show scratches and scuffs more easily than lower-gloss options.
• Wire-brushed: This finish gives the wood a distressed, aged look, with the softer parts of the grain being brushed away to expose the heartwood.
• Hand-scraped: This artisanal finish involves manually scraping the wood to create a wavy, naturally worn appearance, which gives the floor a distinct character.
• Oil Finish: Some engineered wood floors in Scottsdale come with an oil finish, which seeps into the wood and hardens to form a protective seal that emphasizes the wood’s grain and texture.

With such an extensive range of styles and finishes available, engineered wood flooring in Scottsdale offers something for everyone, regardless of their home’s interior design or their personal aesthetic preference.

Installation of Engineered Wood Flooring in Scottsdale

Engineered wood flooring installation is a meticulous process that is best carried out by experienced professionals to ensure the durability and aesthetics of the final result. The process might vary slightly depending on the specific product and the condition of the subfloor, but generally, it can be broken down into the following steps:

1. Site Preparation

Before the installation begins, the room must be prepared. This includes removing the existing floor covering if necessary, and ensuring the subfloor is clean, level, and dry. Any high spots may need to be sanded down, and low spots filled in with an appropriate filler.

2. Acclimation

Engineered wood flooring needs to acclimate to the room’s temperature and humidity levels before installation. The flooring packages are typically left in the room where they will be installed for a certain period, usually between 48 and 72 hours.

3. Layout Planning

The direction and location of the first row of flooring are crucial because they determine the layout for the rest of the room. Typically, planks are arranged perpendicular to the room’s joists and parallel to the longest wall, but this might vary depending on the room’s specific dimensions and features.

4. Installation

There are several methods to install engineered wood flooring:

Gluing: This involves applying a special adhesive to the subfloor, and then laying the flooring planks onto the glue.

Nailing/Stapling: This traditional method involves using a flooring nailer or stapler to attach the planks to a wooden subfloor.

Floating: For this method, the planks are attached to each other, but not to the subfloor. Instead, they ‘float’ above it, typically over an underlayment which provides noise insulation, moisture protection, and some cushioning.

Click-Lock: This is a particular type of floating installation, where the planks have specially designed grooves and ridges (tongue-and-groove) that lock together, making installation quicker and easier.

5. Finishing Touches

Once the floor has been installed, any necessary finishing touches will be added. This might include installing baseboards or shoe molding around the edges of the room, filling in any gaps, and cleaning the floor to remove any dust or debris.

Installing engineered wood flooring in Scottsdale is a process that requires both skill and experience. However, when done correctly, it results in a beautiful, durable floor that can last for many years.

Caring for Your Engineered Wood Flooring in Scottsdale

To maintain the beauty and prolong the life of your engineered wood flooring, a few basic but essential care and maintenance steps should be followed.

Regular Cleaning

Sweep or vacuum your floor regularly to remove dust and debris that can scratch the floor’s surface. If you’re vacuuming, use a soft-bristled attachment to avoid scratching the wood.

For a deeper clean, use a damp mop with a mild, pH-neutral wood floor cleaner. Avoid using steam cleaners or wet mops, which can damage the wood. Always make sure to wipe up any excess water immediately, as standing water can cause the wood to swell and warp.

Preventing Scratches and Dents

To prevent scratches, place protective pads under furniture legs and avoid dragging heavy furniture across the floor. Area rugs can be used in high-traffic areas to protect the floor from wear. Be careful with high heels or pet claws, which can also cause dents and scratches.

Avoiding Sun Damage

Direct sunlight can cause the color of your engineered wood floor to fade over time. To prevent this, use window coverings to block direct sunlight during peak hours.

Controlling Humidity

Wood floors can expand and contract with changes in humidity, so try to keep the indoor humidity level between 30% and 50% to minimize this effect.

Refinishing

One of the benefits of engineered wood flooring is that it can be refinished if it becomes significantly scratched or worn. The number of times a floor can be refinished depends on the thickness of the top veneer layer. Always consult with a professional for this process to prevent damaging the floor.

Immediate Spill Cleaning

If spills occur, clean them up immediately to prevent the liquid from seeping into the seams between planks, which could cause damage.

By following these guidelines, you’ll ensure that your engineered wood flooring in Scottsdale remains in excellent condition, preserving its beauty and functionality for many years to come.

Engineered Wood Flooring Scottsdale

Engineered wood flooring is an excellent choice for homeowners in Scottsdale who want the look and feel of hardwood without the high maintenance and cost. With a wide range of styles and finishes available, it’s easy to find something that suits your taste and design preferences. By following our tips for installation and care, you can ensure that your engineered wood flooring stays beautiful and durable for years to come. Contact us to install engineered wood flooring in your home today!