Engineered wood flooring is a popular choice of flooring finish for many due to the instant uplift it provides the space. But you need to be aware of the costs involved, how the installation of the floor occurs and whether the flooring can be installed on the existing condition of your site. You will need to consider the application as well and whether the space is residential or commercial.

There are some common parameters that we expect from good floorings such as stability, aesthetics, high performance, low maintenance, ease of floorboard installation and durability. You need to check the properties of the flooring that you select against these parameters so that you know you have chosen the ideal product for the environment. Engineered wood is made up of a veneer and a core. The veneer is the top layer of wood which is a thin layer. The core will be made up of several layers.

The thickness of these two elements will differ from manufacturer to manufacture. This will have an effect on the stability and the durability of the flooring. As a general rule of thumb, you need to stick to an overall plank thickness of 5/8” or ¾” thickness. The core of the plank should range from 9-ply upwards. A thicker core will ensure the longevity of the floorboard. The way the ply is layered in the core is also a determining factor.

There are many mass-produced engineered wood flooring in the market and this can result in variation of the dimensions and thickness of the planks. You may also get different colors and finishes of the floor in different batches as well which can affect the overall look of the space. Make sure you ask the supplier about the manufacturing process and the procedures in place that will ensure the uniformity of the planks. When you are in the initial stages of selecting wood flooring, it is best to ask the suppliers for samples so that you can compare them. A good idea is to lay the sample on the floor of the site and check how the finish looks in the natural and artificial lighting of the space. Make sure that you compare how it complements with the furniture finishes as well.

Most engineered wood planks will come in 3 inches width with a 3 feet length. The dimensions of a plank are determined according to the efficiency of installation. There are other dimensions as well and you will need to inform the supplier if you are looking for a wider or longer plank. Most websites of flooring companies will list out the dimensions of the planks so you will find it easy to compare them. The more options that the manufacturer can provide, the more personalization you can have. Some manufacturers will also provide random lengths as well for different aesthetic applications. The prices for different dimensions and thicknesses will vary and if you are looking for a budget option, it is best to stick to the standard specifications.