Engineered wood flooring is a form of synthetic flooring consisting of engineered hardwood (hence the term engineered wood flooring) and a variety of non-engineered wood products such as plywood, veneer, hardboard, fiberboard, and MDF. Engineered wood, also known as mass wood, composite wood, engineered hardwood, man-made hardwood, or fabricated plywood, has a broad range of synthetic products that are chemically engineered or bonded together to create a composite material that is stronger than either the natural wood of the product or the more traditional materials such as particle board and MDF. You can find some great examples of this type of flooring from companies like Irwin Tiles.
It is being used in residential and commercial applications alike, although the real difference between the two is that engineered wood flooring is much more durable and has better long-term performance when compared to the other types of materials.
The primary benefit of using engineered wood flooring is that it can withstand high humidity and moisture, especially where there is a high level of activity and traffic such as offices, hospitals, schools, and shopping centres. In these settings, it is very common for moisture and heat to seep into the floors and cause damage. While particle board and MDF are not waterproof and will therefore eventually warp if exposed to high levels of humidity, engineered wood flooring can stand up to even the most extreme conditions because of its physical structure. Engineered wood boards contain multiple layers of veneers and can even be coated with a variety of different finishes, providing the customer with an extensive choice when choosing the right product for his or her specific application.
