Engineered hardwood offers colors and finishes for any taste and budget. Made of layers of wood, bonded together with adhesives under intense heat and pressure, they also have an important feature - the Wear Layer - located underneath the finish. But what exactly is a Wear Layer? What thickness should you look for in your flooring? And why does it matter so much?
What is a "Wear Layer" in Engineered Hardwood Floors?
A sheet of engineered hardwood flooring consists of an inner layer of plywood and a thinner top layer of hardwood. This top layer is referred to as the Wear Layer. The Wear Layer is what gives engineered hardwood the natural appearance of solid hardwood. It's not just for aesthetics but also provides the stability for installation with ease.
Layers vary from 2mm to as many as 10mm with 5mm to 7mm layers known for good quality engineered wood. Thicker wear layered engineered wood can be refinished 4 to 5 times.
The Benefits of a Thick Wear Layer
Lifespan – Thick wear layered engineered wood lasts way longer as they can be re-sanded and finished multiple times.
Cost – It’s cheaper to re-sand and refinish instead of having to replace or throw away a thinner wear product.
Durability - Thicker wear layered engineered floors are strong enough take on the impact of everyday foot traffic.
Quality Engineered Floors are Designed to Last
Engineered hardwood floors with a thick wear layer are considered a better investment because they are engineered to last. The wear layer is what makes an engineered hardwood floor resistant to the scuffs and scratches you would see on natural wood. The wear layers also prevent moisture from seeping in, which rule out warping, buckling, or cracking.
So if you are considering engineered hardwood flooring, don’t hesitate to contact one of our design consultants and they can show you an engineered floor that will stand up to the test of time.
