When you install new wide plank flooring, you want it to look nice and stable, but you don't need or want to know that it's an engineered floor. The only way to do this is to use a veneer layer that's cut in a specific way, and this is where we're going to get a little technical.

There are two ways to create the veneer layer of engineered wood flooring - using a dry-sawn surface, cut with a saw blade, or using a sliced and spin-peeled surface, cut with a razor blade. The first is like slicing a slice of bread, the second is like peeling a potato. They produce different characteristics both aesthetically and qualitatively. Many people believe that engineered wood flooring is not as beautiful as solid wood flooring, but you can eliminate this concern by understanding the type of engineered flooring you have.

The dry-sawn method will create the same visual effect as solid wood flooring. This is achieved by giving you the same beautiful heartwood, grain, and character while getting wider widths and lengths. This method also allows you to cut thicker layers of veneer, which will become the wear layer of the flooring. By using the ideal 3/16" wear layer, you now have the same wear layer as solid wood flooring. Now, your floor will last longer and it can be sanded multiple times (if needed).

In contrast, the cheap engineered hardwood flooring made from sliced and spun peeled material will only produce a thinner veneer layer (approximately 2mm). These thinner layers don't last as long, which means you'll have to repair or replace your flooring as soon as possible. This method also boils the wood before stripping it, which can cause moisture problems in the wood. Ultimately, this method creates a floor that is more like plywood than a true wood floor.

Expert's Tip: Ask the engineered wood flooring manufacturer (or engineered wood supplier/retailer) if the flooring is made from dry-sawn or rotary-stripped wood. If they don't know the answer to this question, you should reevaluate your sources. Order flooring samples and view product photos to get a thorough idea of how your flooring will look. Don't just look at the color, consider the grain, heartwood, character, and richness of the natural color (you can sometimes see these on the back of your sample if it's finished).

Environmental Issues - Internal and External

When you choose wide plank wood flooring for a residential or commercial space, you shouldn't worry about how the flooring will affect the healthy indoor air quality of the space.

However, we live in a global economy, and most flooring sold in North America today is manufactured overseas, where manufacturing practices and environmental standards may not mimic U.S. manufacturers. This is where concerns about VOCs and formaldehyde can become a real problem and impact indoor air.