Engineered hardwood
Flooring that pairs a real hardwood wear layer with a 90° cross-ply core, which is what gives it dimensional stability over concrete, in condominiums and above radiant heat.
The surface is real hardwood. The difference is underneath: layers oriented at 90° to each other, so the movement of one layer is opposed by the next.
That construction is the reason it is the correct specification for the majority of Toronto projects — not a compromise, and not a cheaper substitute.
Related
Terms this one depends on
- Solid hardwoodFlooring milled from a single piece of wood, typically 3/4" (19 mm), with a generational wear layer and high sensitivity to humidity swings.
- Cross-ply coreThe layered substructure of engineered flooring, with each layer oriented at 90° to the one beside it.
- Wear layerThe thickness of real hardwood above the core — what determines how many times a floor can be refinished.
- Glue-downBonding flooring directly to the substrate with adhesive — correct for engineered flooring over concrete, and in condominiums.
- FloatingInstalling flooring so it rests on the substrate without being fastened or bonded to it — correct over radiant heat, or where acoustic separation is required.
Referenced by
Terms that point here
Provenance
Where this definition comes from
Framework pillars this term is material to
Browse