Engineered hardwood is a type of wood that is made from a composite material. This means that the wood contains both natural and synthetic materials. While engineered hardwood is an improvement on traditional hardwood, it’s not perfect. Here are some tips on how to take care of engineered hardwood properly:
1. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for care and use.
2. Clean your furniture regularly with a clean damp cloth.
3. Do not expose your furniture to extreme temperatures or humidity levels.
4. Avoid exposing your furniture to liquids, dust, or chemicals.
What is Engineered Hardwood?
Engineered hardwood is a type of wood that is created through a special process of manufacturing. The key difference between engineered and traditional hardwoods is the manufacturing process. Traditional hardwoods are harvested from trees that are grown in forests. The timber used in traditional hardwoods comes from a wide range of trees, including many types of oak, maple, and walnut.
Engineered hardwoods are made from a single type of tree – typically a pine or other hardwood. This limits the variety of woods that can be used to create an engineered hardwood product, but it also results in a more uniform product that is less likely to have defects or warps.
The manufacturing process for engineered hardwoods starts by cutting the tree into logs. These logs are then debarked, meaning the bark and outer layers of the tree are removed. Next, the logs are cut into thinner pieces called billets. Billets are then machined to specific dimensions and shapes before being dried for several months.
Once the billets have been dried, they are milled into finished products such as flooring, panels, and boards. Engineered hardwood products tend to be slightly more expensive than traditional hardwood products.
Types of Engineered Hardwood
There are many types of engineered hardwood, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Each type of engineered hardwood is designed to be a specific type of flooring, and some may have additional applications not typically associated with flooring. Here are the four main types of engineered hardwood floors:
-Hardwood veneer: This is the most common type of engineered hardwood floor. Veneer is a thin sheet of wood that is glued to a solid substrate (usually plywood or MDF). It’s usually less than 1/8 inch thick, so it’s not very strong, but it’s cheap and easy to install. Veneer can be any color or grain, and it usually has a smooth finish.
-Engineered wood: This type of floor is made from real wood that has been modified in some way. For example, the wood may have been treated with chemicals or heat to make it stronger and more resistant to moisture damage. Engineered wood floors are usually more expensive than veneer floors, but they’re also more durable and longer-lasting.
How to Take Care of Engineered Hardwood
If you’re thinking about adding a layer of elegance to your home with engineered hardwood, there are a few things you need to know. Here’s how to take care of your new flooring:
1. Clean your flooring twice a week using a mild soap and water solution. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or waxes, which can damage the finish.
2. Protect your flooring from scratches and dents by placing something soft, like an old pillowcase, under the furniture when moving it.
3. Maintain your hardwood floors by vacuuming them regularly and sweeping them once a week. Make sure to remove any debris that has accumulated over time, including leaves, pet hair, and dirt.
4. If your flooring starts to show signs of wear or tear, replace it sooner rather than later to avoid permanent damage.
Conclusion
Engineered hardwood is a beautiful piece of furniture that can last for years, but like any other piece of wood furniture, it needs to be taken care of in order to maintain its beauty.