Beginner's Guide to Engineered Wood Flooring

If you are considering purchasing engineered hardwood flooring and are unfamiliar with some of its properties and what to look for in a product, then this video should serve as a guide to get you familiarized with the basics of engineered wood flooring. This is by no means an all inclusive guide on wood as I could spend a lot of time on any number of aspects of wood floors, but let me know down in the comments what you might like more detail on in a future video.
Natural wood is a beautiful option for flooring, however often times consumers are disappointed with its performance because they didn't have all the information necessary to select the optimal product for their home. It is important to purchase your wood flooring from a reputable retailer who you can share your expectations with and trust to guide you to the right product. It is equally important to have it installed correctly, taking into account the right installation materials, proper acclimation time, etc.
Thanks so much for watching and please let me know what you may have questions on, or would like to see in a future video. I appreciate all the support and wish you all the best in your remodeling adventures!
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[@jonasirw1]

Great video. Super informative. Thank you. Sage advice: If your house is worth over say $1.5M or more, don’t put vinyl or laminate in your main living areas. It might seem like a good idea b/c it looks a lot like the real thing but it will reduce the value of your home when you go to sell it. Putting the word “Luxury” before “Vinyl” doesn’t compensate for it

[@twothirdsanexplosive]

I hope every city has a store with owners and employees that care as much as you do to inform customers of their options and unbiased pros and cons because all brands/products/materials have benefits and issues. Follow-up content ideas that I would are least find useful: - Different types of woods that are generally available - Pros/cons of floating vs adhered/fastened - Options you'd suggest for the main types of rooms around the house, including sunrooms and mud rooms.

[@Tennis-3582]

You covered everything regarding the wood floor! Well done 👍🏿, I’m watching ur educational videos on a regular basis and I have to admit that I’m getting precious information from you! Thanks 🙏

[@Rc51fans]

Great video, I love the way you also explained managing a customer's expectations that wood is a natural product and can vary from run to run and can vary from sample boards.

[@Isleskye]

Excellent information Robert. I’ve been binging on your advice, tips and information for hours!

[@marchcomposer2257]

This is THE most informative video explaining engineering floors I have seen to date! Many thanks!

[@gentlestorm322]

I just found your video. I love the information. Currently, I am replacing 2,500 sq ft of floors. I had water and fire damage two years ago.

[@jangr88]

woah - simple, concise, experienced explanation! Thanks for doing all these short videos - really, really good info to tackle remod and new construction issues!

[@alhambra119]

Wow! You are such a great teacher! Thank you so much!!

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Thanks for watching!

[@ALi-bn6bf]

Very informative video. Thank you!

[@cherylelancaster8791]

Thank you!! Wonderful, helpful presentation.

[@jhlfsc]

Very very helpful. You'd make an excellent teacher. Thanks man!👍

[@1230rentalhouse]

Excellent education video. Thank you!

[@emilyackertrutten268]

This very helpful to me to understand the issues with refinishing an engineered wood floor. What the local store told me didn't make any sense, and I thought they were trying to put one over on me.

[@HarmonyandVogue]

what a fantastic video, thank you!

[@ardinchastain4208]

Thank you! So informative!

[@holleightaylor7960]

Great information. Thanks!

[@JW-ug5vq]

Thanks, very informative!

[@Katy-Did]

Excellent video!

[@lynnvinzant9955]

Great presentation.

[@selecttravelvacations7472]

I found this very helpful. Thanks Robert.

[@RemodelWithRobert]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@DHSFEMA]

I’ve always had solid oak when I lived in New York, now that I live in Florida I’m replacing the laminate to a Engineered Floor, I was confused between the two and was not a lot of videos on this and the ones that did left me confused but after watching your video I’m now 100% sure what’s the difference between the two, I thank u for your help & Knowledge.

[@PercyJackson93]

Have you had an issue with scratches ect on wood? I've only had laminate before. Engineered wood is a little more resistant apparently but dark stains are much more noticeable since the stains only on the very surface

[@paullopez_ai]

Very informative! Thank you!

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Releasing a video on waterproof wood soon!

[@michellemontgomery4022]

In process of installing wood flooring, now. We have narrowed our choices to 3. It is so stressful while shopping & shuffling through all the different wood combinations & choices! Each company with their own sales pitch, & different variations of wood flooring. Every store with their own particular brand of knowledge. 😮 U'r exhausted & totally overwhelmed everytime U, exit a store. I tend to really over think , even struggle with decisions this big ,& expensive- convinced I'm making the wrong choice with all the options I'm given. As they say knowledge is power- I appreciated that U broke it all down , making it so simplistic 4 all us wood virgins.

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Thanks for the kind words and best of luck on your search!

[@lindatolleyparker9351]

VERY informative! Thank you!

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Thanks for watching!

[@oxanastalmakov4925]

Thank you!

[@kerripalmer2311]

Thank you for this! I’m currently floor shopping, and I’ve been on the fence about what I want for a remodel. I live in New Mexico (and also have concrete slab) with radiant floor heat underneath. What you said makes perfect sense on why I should go with engineered. 👏 I appreciate your knowledge and help!

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Thanks for the feedback! Let me know what else you might like to learn about for your remodel. Im always open to new video ideas!

[@JoseRuiz-ny7ns]

Great video! 👌

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Thank you!

[@user-cl9ew4ie4g]

Hello I'm in yuma az . I have engineered wood floor what glue you recolor barrier cover thanks

[@MarshalNey13]

What is the Cadillac brand/material for engineered wood? If budget were not an issue what is the highest quality/best one could use?

[@mdhonze]

robert thank you for this video it has so much info to take in. can u please tell me how I can get around the fact that my dog has pee accidents in the same spot almost every other day. I really want to get engineered floors but I don't want to have my dog ruin the floor. can I reasonably fix or relay planks if I need to?.....thanks again...Mark

[@tammyvo9019]

Hi Robert! Thank you so much for your great video. I wish I could go to your store and purchase the type of wood floor I want to. But we live in MD where only Home Depot has it. Briefly, would you give me a short recommendation for our plan? We want to install hardwood floor for our living room, the room is on the solid ground; we have two young children, 9 and 6 years of age. So what is the best choice of wood floor for us? Thank you so much! you are appreciated!

[@sgbabyflex]

Hello Sir. What kind of flooring wouod you recommend for an aqua seal engineered hardwood floor over concrete slab in the dry southwest ? Thank you so much .

[@russellames8446]

Can I put cabinets on the engineered hardwood floors I think it will have a better look

[@chellycoyle5082]

I have been watching your videos recently in order to help my sister and brother replace their kitchen flooring. They are both handicapped and one uses a very heavy motorized wheelchair in the home that weighs when empty about 400 lbs. The chair has ruined their present vinyl sheet flooring. I am looking for your opinion on what type you might recommend. From the videos I have watched I am leaning toward the Mohawk laminate. Tile, stone, slate are out of question and I believe wood floors both solid and manufactured would not handle the wheelchairs abuse. What are you thoughts?

[@venalluri]

Can you please suggest water resistance engineered wood. I saw some in Floor & Decor. But need some expert advice. Thanks!

[@shad6519]

I like smooth texture, without any gaps or line in between. Semi gloss finish if its available. Is this type available. Thanks 🙏

[@jamieackinclose2236]

We're looking at some beautiful CRAFT floors for our build here in BC, with a 3mm wear layer. How important is the wear layer in engineered hardwood? Thanks 😊

[@thereddoor4586]

I’m trying to find out the difference of the engineered bases. I see some with mdf - is that ok? Or big no no? I know a plywood base is better. If the humidity in the house is kept fairly stable, would they all do ok? Abs what about spills? Does the water stay on the surface or is there a way for the water to work through the seams underneath. Thank you!

[@Isleskye]

What engineered floor brands do you recommend and how thick should the wear layer or veneer be? I had a high spec marabou floor installed in my old home in Scotland over electric underfloor heat. It was gorgeous and had a thick top wood layer finished in a many layered hard finish. I’m back in California USA now and the products I see doesn’t appear to be as thick in terms of top layer mm nor as hard surfaced in terms of finish. I saw another KZbinr talk of a product sold by Lowe’s which comes in waterproof multiwidth and multilengrh planks. Not sure he was talking about waterproof laminate or waterproof engineered wood though. Some folk seem to call them both laminate flooring. He and you are the first I’ve heard of other plank flooring being waterproof other than LVP vinyl. Thanks for any input and clarification. This video was great!

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

at least half inch thick (5/8 or 9/16 inch thick) with good solid core and warranty!

[@ajlurgio87]

Hello! What about putting these over radiant heat? (Water based not electric)

[@histevenhere]

What brands do you recommend?

[@mandyb5295]

Great video, thanks! I’m interested in knowing more about the pros and cons, durability, etc with the different depths of the wear layer on engineered products. I’ve been looking and have seen everything from 1mm to 4+mm. Are there certain applications where having a deeper wear layer is better and other applications where it may not be necessary? Thanks!

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Great question. I suggest an overall thickness for the whole plank of at least 1/2" and a veneer thickness at least 2mm. The veneer thickness is only part of the equation as the species of wood, balance of the additional ply layer materials, finish, and overall construction can impact the final durability and stability of the wood floor. A good rule of thumb is to stick with some of the more tried and true brands. I'm also biased in favor of American made products.

[@kimcates-yu9oi]

I really want to put engineered hardwood floors in. I’m on the intercoastal. Do you see it being a problem in that environment?

[@shad6519]

What about the different finish of ENGINEERED HARDWOOD FLOORING? Thanks 🙏

[@irvingcherny477]

Great presentation! Regarding concrete floor installation of engineered wood, you indicated that gluing was done directly to the prepared concrete. When and/or why would you use underlayment material with an engineered wood, i.e. the "soft pad" material?

[@TheCoolOwen]

If your HOA requires soundproofing

[@jasonharris3557]

Hey Robert, great video and thanks for all the information. Got a question. I built a sunroom on a raised platform. I live in Iowa. The underside will be insulated with batt insulation and foam board to keep out drafts but that’s it. My question is what kind of moisture barrier should I use if I go with engineered hardwood floor?Thanks man.

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Always refer to the manufacturer's specific guidelines for installation requirements but if you are planning to nail/staple it in we generally use a 30lb roofing paper.

[@shad6519]

I am living in an apartment and what do you recommend? I am living in Toronto. Thanks 🙏

[@Guest-jc7dy]

Which Engineered hardwood flooring is better? HDPC vs typical engineered hardwood with plywood core? How to pick HDPC engineered hardwood flooring?

[@skyesquires1648]

Hello Robert, are you familiar with LifeCore Flooring? Thoughts? Thank you

[@almanis9738]

More pictures and dimension availability and price range would be helpful.

[@whitetuberose2782]

I’m in Scottsdale and looking for floors from someone I can trust- are you working with new contracts?

[@huda07043]

Thanks for the informative video. Really helpful. Just an FYI some of the links in the description do not work.

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Thanks so much for watching and for the heads up on the links. I should have it updated now!

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

Make sure to get all pricing not just estimate and good service! Also some floors require special cleaning oils.

[@cameronharris2862]

I know it’s an old video. But if i find a good price 10” wide white oak birch core 6mm veneer engineered for $7.40 a sqft. It’s worth it right? They can be refinished? I here 3mm is just throw away floor. Hearing you say no engineered can be refinished makes me think why not always get solid in that case

[@jagjim1485]

Can I apply additional Poly to the engineered pre-finished flooring after installation? I like a VERY durable floor finish that holds up to traffic and some outdoor elements such as snow and ice melting salt that may come in on the feet during winter.

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Prefinished floors should not be treated with any additional finish after installation, and you will likely void any manufacturer warranty if you attempt to do so. The only exception to that is natural oil finished floors, which can have natural oil reapplied periodically, using the manufacturers' guidelines.

[@pmcoughlin]

Can engineered hardwood be installed on a concrete slab under appliances and cabinets in a kitchen?

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Absolutely. This is done all the time. The wood will go under the stove and refrigerator. Generally any flooring will only go past the kickplate of the dishwasher for height issues.

[@EZgoin1974]

I have an 800 lb pool table. Is there any particular EWF type I should look for that will not crack, split, or leave indentions in the floor? Can EWF be cleaned with a steam mop? Please reply

[@RemodelWithRobert]

I would not suggest steaming a wood floor, though there are some waterproof woods that may say its fine. An 800lb pool table on 4 legs should not be an issue on a wood floor, it should not be pushed across the floor to move it though. Dragging heavy furniture is what most commonly damages the floors, not stationary furniture.

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

also put felt coasters under each pool table leg to protect wood from scratching or damage!@@RemodelWithRobert

[@sime1983]

Do you have experience with Bella citta or En bois brands ? I’m looking at purchasing and not sure if there is a difference between the two.

[@RemodelWithRobert]

My apologies but I dont have experience with either of these brands. There are a lot of manufacturers out there and we carry most of the major names but for every brand I have dealt with there are probably 5 I havent. It seems like you are doing your research to have found this video and hopefully this will at least have helped with the things to look for while you make your selections. Beat of luck!

[@sime1983]

@@RemodelWithRobert thank you for your response . How about legno bastone? It’s a dark horse but my wife likes it so that may end up winning out .

[@thuycheshire5212]

Hdf or ply???

[@shad6519]

What about the gaps in between the planks. I like a floor WITHOUT ANY GAPS OR VISIBLE LINES. Thanks 🙏 please help. Thanks 🙏

[@LABoyko]

@shad6519. How I deal with gaps. Find a polyurethane stain matching the floor as close as practicable. Place painter's tape along the edge of the gap. Fill the gap with wood filler. After it dries completely, stain the wood filler. Remove the painter's tape. Will be detectable only upon close scrutinization.

[@shad6519]

@@LABoyko thanks 🙏 how do I find smooth, thick and plain Laminate flooring and how do I trust who will do a good job because once it is done, nothing can be done. Thanks 🙏

[@willsx2]

What are the benefits of the engineered hardwood over true plank hardwood floors ( besides price)?

[@RemodelWithRobert]

The biggest benefit I mentioned in the video which is the increased stability against the expansion and contraction effects on the wood. This is especially true on particular species that are more prone to issues outside of their ideal temperature and relative humidity range. It is also better for installing directly on concrete slabs for those whose homes are on a poured foundation. Some engineered products also offer a locking system allowing a floating floor should someone want to install it with that method.

[@fzr1000981]

Is glue down generally more stable, less likely to make noise when you walk on it?

[@gimis1]

@@fzr1000981 yes

[@shad6519]

Does the engineered hardwood flooring have gaps in between similar to the TILES. Thanks 🙏

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Engineered hardwood flooring still has individual planks that are laid tight to eachother though expansion and contraction could create slight gapping in some floors. It is not intentionally installed with a gap like tile as there is no grout like product being put between the planks.

[@madelinevandeven6627]

19:40

[@reytrujillo1025]

Can I install that floor with out glue?

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Engineered floors are generally designed to be glued down if over a concrete slab or staple/nail is an option over a wood subfloor. Unless the wood comes with a locking system, I would say you are most often looking at a glued application.

[@VJones-mr2vu]

I thought you were going to rate the various woods according to hardness.

[@mikehamilton5927]

Can engineered floors be screened and recoated with polyurethane.

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Some engineered floors can be, although most modern prefinished engineered floors are not meant to be refinished.

[@gn2665]

Can I paint engendered wood? Like if I want a white engineered floor…

[@RemodelWithRobert]

I would noy recommend trying to paint a floor though there are some brands that offer a whitewash look for wood flooring.

[@gn2665]

Sorry not sure if I understand well but is vinyl floor made of real floor? Actually sorry I think I just understood: there is engendered wood, solid wood, vinyl and laminate… and engineered I even better than solid wood

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Engineered isn't necessarily better than solid wood, however in some climates it provides a helpful stability in the product and often an easier install process. There are a lot of factors that affect which I would recommend on a case by case basis. Thanks for watching and hope that helps!

[@sfl6307]

I purchased engineered flooring and some of the wood slightly cracked.

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

get it replaced under warranty for defect on inspection by company

[@taklamakanprime]

I'm surprised to hear you discourage the idea of refinishing engineered floors so categorically. I see products with a 5mm wear layer where the manufacturer claims you can refinish as many times as their hardwood products.

[@RemodelWithRobert]

I know I am going to get some backlash on this haha, and it goes against my own early education of these products from many conversations with the manufacturers in terms of refinishing options on prefinished woods. However, the amount of wood available for sanding is not the reasoning behind my opinion here. I mainly discourage it for three reasons. The elimination of a lot of the characteristics that the floor was manufactured with such as losing the hand-scraping, beveled edges, etc. Also, many of the products today offer finishes that make sanding much more difficult than just getting through a polyurethane finish which I have seen first hand create damage to the wood, and applying a new finish on site is never as hard or precise as a factory finish achieves in a much more controlled environment.

[@eb9864]

Is Engineered wood different fromLaminate floor

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Engineered wood is different from laminate. Traditionally engineered hardwood can still be 100% wood but in a plywood construction. Now the core of the product can be laminate or even spc, with a layer of real wood on the top.

[@shad6519]

Because it’s not water proof it’s not a good idea. Thanks 🙏

[@TheCoolOwen]

New wood flooring? You are looking at $16,000 to $20,000 to get the work done.

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Ive done wood flooring projects for $2-3k and Ive done projects that exceeded $100,000. It really depends on the size and scope of the project and the cost of the wood material being used.

[@shereedaye3405]

Too much discussion about real wood floors. I thought this was about engineered wood floors!

[@RemodelWithRobert]

The entire video is about engineered wood flooring. Engineered wood floors are still real wood, unlike laminate or vinyl plank floors. Ive also done videos on those products.

[@cw6136]

I love the folks who brag about having solid wood furniture, yet their entire house is veneered flooring 😂😂😂 Spend the money and go with solid hardwood. I can show you 250+ yr old homes in New England with original hardwood floors. You...will...NEVER... get that performance from an "engineered" floor.

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Although I love solid wood floors as well, in places with extreme climates like Arizona where I live, solid wood floors do not perform as well as engineered wood floors. Our concrete slabs create a lot more situations where glued down engineered flooring is far more stable and reliable. Certain looks, species, sizes, etc are not feasible in solid wood here, and engineered gives us a lot of additional options. It's not always a matter of cost at all, but of the specific environmental factors we contend with. I agree that back east, and many other parts of the country, solid wood is king! Thanks for watching!