What is Engineered Wood?

Sometimes called composite wood, engineered wood flooring is manufactured using the strands, particles, and veneers leftover from other production tasks. Plant fibers such as bamboo, hemp, and sugarcane are also used in some composites. During the engineering process, layers of wood are glued together to create a final product known for its stability and longevity.

Putting new wood together from old allows for nearly endless customization, so wood products can be created for specific uses. This results in uniform finished pieces that are less susceptible to warping and other deformities that can occur in natural woods. For flooring, multiple ply layers are fused together to create sturdy, flat boards that can stand up to decades of use.

What Makes Engineered Wood Flooring Sustainable?

Rather than cutting down trees to make flooring and other products, the engineering process recycles wood that can’t be used in other projects. There will always be scraps leftover from sawmills and the manufacturing of goods, and engineering ensures that these pieces don’t go to waste.

For every square foot of regular hardwood flooring, four square feet of engineered wood can be made. The amount of resources reused and the number of trees saved per square foot adds up fast. Plus, companies are always working to increase the efficiency of the manufacturing process to use fewer resources in all areas of production.

Engineered vs. Green

Although the terms “sustainability” and “green” are often used interchangeably when describing engineered wood floors, not all manmade wood products are as eco-friendly as they seem. True green products use low-VOC adhesives to prevent the possibility of chemical contamination in homes. However, some low-end products still rely on the glue that contained formaldehyde, which can off-gas into the air and causes a variety of unpleasant symptoms, including:

• Coughing and wheezing
• Allergic reactions
• Irritation of the skin, eyes, nose, and throat

When purchasing engineered flooring, always look for products that use formaldehyde-free glue and are made by manufacturers that adhere to honest green practices.

Benefits of Choosing Engineered

Opting for engineered instead of hardwood floors offers a wealth of benefits for you and your home:

• Engineered products look just like real wood.
• Pieces are easy to customize and install.
• Man-made composites have a high level of moisture resistance.
• Engineered floors can be sanded and refinished multiple times as desired.
• Exceptional durability provides protection against frequent foot traffic.

Cochran’s offers a wide range of engineered wood flooring made in America pre-finished for more efficient installation and care.  Contact us today to learn about our custom finishes and more.