Are you looking to install new floors in your Alpharetta home? Engineered flooring is a great option to consider. Engineered flooring provides the look and feel of solid hardwood, but with more stability and durability. With so many types and styles of engineered flooring on the market, it can be tricky to select the right product for your home. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the benefits of engineered flooring Alpharetta and provide tips on choosing the perfect engineered floors for your Alpharetta home.
What is Engineered Flooring?
Engineered flooring consists of multiple layers of materials pressed together. The top layer is real hardwood, usually oak, maple, hickory or walnut. This top layer, called the wear layer, provides the visible surface and texture of the floor. Underneath the wear layer are several layers of plywood or high-density fiberboard. These layers create stability and help minimize expansion and contraction.
On the bottom is a layer of cork or foam padding. The entire engineered flooring unit is then milled into planks or tiles. Engineered floors install just like solid wood, either by nailing/stapling down or with glue. The layers are cross-grain constructed to maximize strength and stability.
Benefits of Engineered Flooring
There are several benefits that make engineered floors a great choice for Alpharetta homes:
Stability
The layered construction minimizes the natural expansion and contraction of solid wood. This makes engineered floors perfect for installing over concrete, radiant heat systems or crawl spaces. The stable structure prevents gaps or buckling.
Durability
Engineered floors can withstand more variances in temperature and humidity than solid woods. The layers help prevent dents and make engineered floors very pet-friendly. Most engineered floors can be refinished at least once or twice.
Variety
Engineered floors come in a wide variety of wood species, colors, board widths and finishes. You can find an engineered floor with the exact look you want. Popular Alpharetta choices include oak, hickory, maple and exotic woods.
Ease of Installation
Engineered flooring in Alpharetta installs without many of the special requirements for solid hardwood. The pre-assembled boards make installation quicker. And engineered floors can be installed on any level of the home.
Affordability
Because fewer natural wood resources are used, engineered floors are 20-30% less expensive than solid hardwoods. And engineered floors can be installed over more subfloor types, reducing demolition and preparation costs.
With all of these advantages, engineered floors are a great investment for active Alpharetta families. Now let’s go over what to look for when shopping.
Choosing an Engineered Floor Construction
The layered construction of engineered floors can vary by manufacturer. Here are the main components to understand when comparing products:
Wear Layer
The top wear layer is the visible wood surface and should be made from quality hardwood. Most wear layers are 1/8” thick, but some engineered floors have thinner or thicker wear layers. In general, thicker wear layers (1/4” or more) will be more durable. Popular Alpharetta choices like oak and hickory make great wear layer woods.
Core Layers
Under the wear layer are the core layers that provide structure. These are usually made from plywood or high-density fiberboard (HDF). The number and thickness of core layers will affect the floor’s structural stability. More layers usually provide better performance.
Backing Layer
On the bottom is a backing layer made from cork, foam or softwood. This layer helps minimize sound transmission through the floor. It also compensates for any small subfloor imperfections.
When comparing engineered floors, look closely at the construction details and materials used. Better quality woods and thicker wear layers will increase durability and longevity.
What to Look for in an Engineered Floor Finish
The finish applied to engineered flooring also affects looks and durability. Most engineered floors today have aluminum oxide-based urethane finishes. Here’s an overview of the finish options:
Acrylic Infused
Some value-priced engineered floors have a thin acrylic coating fused to the top layer. This offers minimal protection.
Urethane
Multiple coats of urethane create a durable, repairable finish that resists scratches and dents. Urethane offers good protection for family homes.
Aluminum Oxide-Infused Urethane
This extremely strong and durable finish provides the best scratch, stain and fade resistance. Aluminum oxide particles are infused into the urethane for added protection. This is ideal for active families or pets.
Always check the type of finish used and application method. Engineered floors with quality urethane finishes will look better and last longer.
Engineered Flooring Styles
One of the great advantages of engineered floors is the wide variety of plank styles available. Let’s look at the most popular options for Alpharetta homes:
Widths
Engineered boards come in a range of widths, from 2” up to 7” planks. The widths chosen will impact the visual look. Wider planks create a more rustic or spacious appearance. Narrow 2” or 3” boards have a more traditional look. Mixing widths adds interesting variation.
Lengths
Standard engineered boards range from 12” to 48” long. There are a few products that offer extra-long planks up to 120” for dramatic appearance. In general, longer planks create a sense of openness.
Thickness
Engineered floors are available in different thickness options. Thinner boards around 1/2” work well over existing floors. For the most authentic hardwood look, choose thicker 5/8” or 3/4” boards.
Layout Patterns
The direction the planks run and how the ends connect create decorative patterns. Options include parallel line patterns or varied layouts with randomized lengths. Be sure to plan the flooring layout pattern before installing.
With engineered flooring, you can truly customize the plank sizes and layouts to complement your Alpharetta home’s style.
Which Engineered Floor is Best for Your Alpharetta Home?
The wide selection of styles, colors, and textures allow you to find the perfect engineered floor for your home’s decor. Keep these tips in mind as you shop:
Traffic
For high-traffic entryways or family rooms, look for engineered floors with thick wear layers and durable aluminum oxide finishes. These will hold up best to active lifestyle demands.
Moisture Resistance
In basements, bathrooms or laundry rooms, choose engineered floors with water-resistant cores and subsurface treatments. This prevents moisture damage in damp areas.
Radiant Heat Compatibility
Check if the floor can be installed over radiant heating systems. Products rated for radiant heat have stabilized cores that won’t dry out or buckle.
Kid and Pet Friendly
Seeking ultra-durable floors for rambunctious pets or playrooms? Opt for an exceptionally scratch-resistant aluminum oxide-infused urethane finish. Thicker wear layers also minimize dents.
Matching Existing Trim
If matching wood trim, bring home samples to compare colors. Seek out engineered floors in matching wood species, grades and stains.
Prioritize the features most important for the space, such as durability or moisture protection. This will help narrow down the selection of engineered floors to best meet your Alpharetta home’s needs.
Professional Installation Tips
Installing engineered flooring takes skill and precision for the best end results. Unless you’re very experienced, it’s wise to hire professional Alpharetta flooring installers. Here are some hallmarks of a quality installation:
- A proper moisture test of the subfloor and relative humidity
- Setting a proper 1⁄4” expansion gap at all edges
- Careful inspection of each plank before installing
- Proper transitions between rooms
- Matching up grooves and tongue connections securely
- Rolling the installed floor with 100-150 lbs roller
- Using quality underlayments if needed
Investing in professional engineered flooring installation will help ensure your new floors look amazing for years to come. Most flooring providers can recommend trusted local installers they partner with regularly.
Maintaining and Protecting Engineered Floors
Once your beautiful new engineered floors are installed, you’ll want to keep them looking fresh. Follow these maintenance tips:
- Place durable mats at exterior doorways to limit grit and moisture.
- Sweep and mop regularly using the flooring manufacturer’s recommended cleaners. Avoid excessive water.
- Area rugs in high traffic zones help limit wear and scratches.
- Apply floor protectants like polyurethane periodically as needed.
- Avoid rolling heavy appliances directly over the flooring.
- Use furniture pads under chairs and table legs.
- Keep pet nails trimmed.
- Remove spills promptly to avoid discoloration.
- Maintain moderate humidity levels in the home.
- Refrain from using steam cleaners which may damage the flooring.
With proper care, quality engineered flooring can stay beautiful for over 25 years!
Finding Top Quality Engineered Flooring in Alpharetta
We hope this overview helps you select the perfect engineered flooring Alpharetta for your unique Alpharetta home. Always look for floors backed by warranties of 25 years or more. Buy from reputable brands known for quality construction and materials. For the widest selection of styles and colors to choose from, visit a full-service flooring showroom.
The knowledgeable flooring professionals at stores like Carpet One Floor & Home® will help you find the right engineered flooring product at the right price to suit your home. Stop by a showroom today to browse the beautiful engineered flooring collections available for Alpharetta area homes and start planning your dream floors.
