Best Engineered Hardwood Flooring Brand

Best Engineered Hardwood Flooring Brands: A Comprehensive Guide

Engineered hardwood flooring has become a popular choice for homeowners and builders alike, offering a blend of the aesthetic appeal of solid hardwood with enhanced stability and versatility. Unlike solid hardwood, engineered hardwood consists of multiple layers, typically with a top layer of genuine hardwood veneer adhered to a core of plywood, fiberboard, or composite material. This construction makes it less susceptible to moisture and temperature fluctuations, allowing for installation in a wider range of environments, including basements and over concrete slabs. Selecting the "best" engineered hardwood flooring brand depends on individual needs, budget, and aesthetic preferences. This article explores several leading brands in the engineered hardwood flooring market, analyzing their key features, benefits, and drawbacks to assist in making an informed decision.

Understanding Key Considerations When Choosing an Engineered Hardwood Brand

Before diving into specific brands, it is crucial to grasp the factors that differentiate high-quality engineered hardwood from its less desirable counterparts. Several key considerations influence performance, longevity, and overall satisfaction.

Wood Species and Veneer Thickness: The species of wood used for the top veneer significantly impacts the appearance, durability, and cost of the flooring. Popular options include oak, maple, hickory, and walnut, each offering unique grain patterns and hardness levels. Softer woods like cherry are also available but are generally more prone to denting and scratching. Veneer thickness, measured in millimeters, is another critical factor. A thicker veneer allows for more refinishing over the floor's lifespan, extending its overall durability. Generally, veneers of 3mm or greater are considered suitable for multiple refinishing cycles, while thinner veneers may only allow for one or none.

Core Construction: The core of engineered hardwood plays a crucial role in its stability and resistance to moisture. Plywood cores, especially those with multiple layers (multi-ply), are known for their exceptional dimensional stability and resistance to warping. Fiberboard cores, such as high-density fiberboard (HDF), offer good density and stability at a more affordable price point. Composite cores provide a balance of affordability and performance.

Finish and Wear Layer: The finish applied to the hardwood veneer protects the wood from scratches, stains, and wear. Common finishes include polyurethane, aluminum oxide, and oil-based finishes. Aluminum oxide finishes are particularly durable and scratch-resistant, making them a good choice for high-traffic areas. Oil-based finishes tend to offer a more natural look and feel but may require more frequent maintenance. The wear layer, often combined with the finish, provides an additional layer of protection. Look for products with a robust wear layer for increased durability.

Installation Method: Engineered hardwood flooring can be installed using various methods, including glue-down, nail-down, and click-lock systems. Click-lock systems are generally considered the easiest for DIY installation, while glue-down and nail-down methods typically require professional installation. The chosen installation method can impact the overall cost and ease of installation.

Environmental Certifications: Consider brands that prioritize environmental sustainability. Look for certifications such as Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification, which indicates that the wood comes from responsibly managed forests, and FloorScore certification, which ensures low VOC emissions for improved indoor air quality.

Leading Engineered Hardwood Flooring Brands

Several brands consistently rank high in terms of quality, durability, and design. These brands offer a wide range of options to suit diverse needs and preferences.

Armstrong Flooring: Armstrong Flooring is a well-established and reputable brand offering a broad selection of engineered hardwood flooring options. They provide various wood species, styles, and finishes, catering to both residential and commercial applications. Armstrong is known for its innovative technologies, such as its Diamond 10 Technology, which provides exceptional scratch and stain resistance. Their Luxe Plank collection offers waterproof options suitable for moisture-prone areas. Armstrong flooring generally provides a balance of quality and affordability, making it a popular choice for many consumers.

Shaw Floors: Shaw Floors is another prominent brand with a long history in the flooring industry. They offer a diverse range of engineered hardwood flooring, including options with different wood species, veneer thicknesses, and finishes. Shaw is known for its durability and style, with collections that cater to both traditional and contemporary designs. Their ScufResist Platinum finish provides excellent scratch resistance, making it a suitable choice for households with pets and children. Shaw Floors also offers antimicrobial protection in some of its products, inhibiting the growth of bacteria and mold.

Bruce Hardwood Floors: Bruce Hardwood Floors is a brand under the Armstrong World Industries umbrella, specializing in hardwood flooring. Bruce offers a range of engineered hardwood options at more accessible price points than many premium brands. They offer classic and timeless styles, focusing on the natural beauty of the wood. While their product line may not be as extensive as some other brands, Bruce provides reliable and durable flooring solutions for budget-conscious consumers.

Somerset Hardwood Flooring: Somerset Hardwood Flooring is a brand committed to American-made products, sourcing their wood from responsibly managed forests in the Appalachian region. They offer a range of solid and engineered hardwood flooring options, known for their quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. Somerset focuses on producing flooring with consistent color and grain patterns, creating a uniform and aesthetically pleasing look. Their engineered hardwood floors feature a thick veneer, allowing for multiple refinishing cycles.

Mannington Mills: Mannington Mills offers a diverse range of flooring products, including engineered hardwood. They are known for their innovative designs and commitment to sustainability. Mannington's Restoration Collection features waterproof engineered hardwood flooring, providing enhanced protection against moisture. They also offer a range of styles and finishes, catering to various design preferences. Mannington emphasizes environmental responsibility, using recycled content and eco-friendly manufacturing processes.

Mohawk Flooring: Mohawk Flooring is a leading flooring manufacturer offering a comprehensive range of products, including engineered hardwood. They provide various wood species, styles, and finishes, catering to a wide range of tastes and budgets. Mohawk is known for its innovative technologies, such as its ArmorMax finish, which provides exceptional scratch and stain resistance. Their RevWood Plus collection offers waterproof engineered hardwood options, suitable for areas prone to moisture. Mohawk also offers a range of installation options, including click-lock systems for easy DIY installation.

HomerWood: HomerWood specializes in handcrafted, sustainably sourced hardwood flooring. They are known for their commitment to quality and their unique character-grade flooring, which showcases the natural imperfections and variations in the wood. HomerWood's engineered hardwood floors feature a thick veneer and a multi-ply core, providing exceptional stability and durability. Their products are handcrafted in the USA, ensuring a high level of quality control. HomerWood appeals to consumers seeking unique and character-rich flooring options.

USFloors: USFloors is a brand focused on sustainable and innovative flooring solutions. They offer a range of engineered hardwood flooring, including options with cork and bamboo cores. USFloors is known for its commitment to environmental responsibility, using recycled content and sustainable manufacturing practices. Their engineered hardwood floors feature a durable finish and a range of styles and colors. USFloors appeals to environmentally conscious consumers seeking sustainable flooring options.

Provenza Floors: Provenza Floors specializes in high-end, designer-inspired hardwood flooring. They offer a range of engineered hardwood options with unique textures, colors, and finishes. Provenza is known for its European-inspired designs and its commitment to quality craftsmanship. Their engineered hardwood floors feature a thick veneer and a multi-ply core, providing exceptional stability and durability. Provenza Floors appeals to consumers seeking luxurious and stylish flooring options.

Factors Influencing Brand Selection

The ultimate choice of an engineered hardwood flooring brand hinges on several factors specific to the project and the homeowner's priorities.

Budget: Engineered hardwood flooring prices can vary significantly depending on the brand, wood species, veneer thickness, and finish. Setting a budget upfront is essential to narrow down the options and avoid overspending. It's important to consider not only the cost of the flooring itself but also the cost of installation and any necessary subfloor preparation.

Style and Design Preferences: Different brands offer a range of styles, colors, and textures. Consider the overall aesthetic of the space and choose a flooring option that complements the existing décor. Factors such as wood species, grain pattern, and finish color will significantly impact the look and feel of the room.

Durability and Traffic: The level of foot traffic and the presence of pets and children will influence the choice of flooring. Opt for a durable finish and a thicker veneer for high-traffic areas and households with pets. Consider options with enhanced scratch and stain resistance for added protection.

Moisture Resistance: If the flooring is being installed in a moisture-prone area, such as a basement or kitchen, choose a waterproof or water-resistant engineered hardwood option. These floors are designed to withstand moisture and prevent warping or damage.

Installation Method: Consider your DIY skills and budget for professional installation when choosing an installation method. Click-lock systems are generally easier for DIY installation, while glue-down and nail-down methods typically require professional expertise.

Environmental Concerns: If environmental sustainability is a priority, choose a brand that is committed to responsible forestry practices and uses eco-friendly manufacturing processes. Look for certifications such as FSC and FloorScore.

Choosing the best engineered hardwood flooring brand requires careful consideration of individual needs, budget, and preferences. By understanding the key factors that differentiate high-quality engineered hardwood and researching various brands, it is possible to find the perfect flooring solution for any home.