Looking for flooring that perfectly balances the durability of modern design with rich, classic character? Engineered hardwood could be the best choice for your home.

Here, we discuss what engineered hardwood is, how it compares to solid wood and wood-look options, as well as why it’s a popular choice for homeowners in Middletown, DE, and beyond.

If you’re ready to discover engineered hardwood built to handle Delaware’s humidity, our reliable team at Floor Coverings International® of Middletown, DE, brings the floor shopping to you, so you can choose floors that are a perfect fit for your home. Contact us for a free consultation today.

What Do We Mean by Engineered?

What is engineered hardwood? Is it real wood? Is it man-made. The best answer is yes, because it’s both.

The top layer is a beautiful hardwood veneer that gives the flooring natural grain a rich character that Middleton homeowners love. Below the real wood, there are multiple layers of plywood or high-density fiberboard (HDF) that stack in a crisscross pattern to give the floors added stability and prevent warping from moisture contact.

Key Differences Between Engineered Wood and Solid Wood Floors

Engineered wood flooring gives a modern take on traditional hardwood floors. Instead of being completely crafted from one piece of wood, engineered wood incorporates layers that bring more stability. Installation is also simpler with engineered wood flooring because it’s designed with a modern click-lock system that makes it possible to install over a concrete or wood subfloor.

How Engineered Wood Differs from Wood-Look Floorings

While some mistakenly group engineered hardwood with wood-look floorings, the floors are very different. If you've been comparing engineered hardwood vs laminate or vinyl, here’s a how to tell them apart: First off, the cost is very different because with engineered wood, you get real wood on top, while laminate and vinyl use printed designs to mimic wood grain. Engineered woods also feel warmer and more authentic because you’re walking on actual wood, not an imitation.

Benefits of Engineered Hardwood for Delaware Homes

As a blend of modern innovation and timeless character, engineered wood flooring in Newark, and the surrounding area, combines the rich wood charm that homeowners have loved for centuries with modern design that makes the floors a practical fit for modern lifestyles.

These are some advantages you can expect with engineered wood floors:

  • Real wood appearance. Since the top layer is real hardwood, you can choose the wood species, stain, and finish like you would for traditional hardwood. Once the flooring is installed, it looks and feels exactly like solid hardwood options.
  • Climate-ready durability. Thanks to its layered design, engineered hardwood is the best wood flooring for humid climates, like ours. It has more stability than solid wood and won’t expand or contract as much with Delaware's seasonal humidity. This also means you can install it in places where traditional wood isn’t ideal, whether it’s basements or rooms with higher moisture.
  • Flexible installation. Engineered wood is designed with click-lock of floating technology that makes it simple to install over wood or concrete subfloors. This makes it a practical choice for remodels or finished basements. With no need to glue or nail boards down, installation is often quicker and less expensive.
  • Refinishing options. Can engineered wood be refinished? In many cases, yes. But not always. It depends on the thickness of the wear layer. A thickness of 3mm can be refinished two or three times, while a thickness of 4mm or more can be refinished multiple times.
  • Long-term value. Similar to solid wood flooring in Delaware, engineered hardwood improves your home’s resale value. It may offer slightly less value than solid wood simply because some floors are more limited in how many times they can be refinished.

Ready to Add Lasting Value with Engineered Hardwood?

For homeowners that love the look of real hardwood, but want practical floors that handle everyday life, engineered wood flooring in Middletown, DE, could be the perfect solution. Its layered construction is resistant to humidity and adds flexibility, making it a practical and lasting investment for homes across Middletown, and beyond.

Choosing to work with a local flooring team gives you an advantage to rely on the local expertise of professionals that understand Delaware's climate conditions and the unique qualities of homes around Middletown.

Our team at Floor Coverings International® offers personalized in-home consultation, where you can easily compare samples and get guidance that fits your style. And with our professional installation, you’ll enjoy engineered wood floors that look stunning, feel comfortable, and stay strong for years.

If you’re ready to compare samples and find your favorite wood tone, call us at (614) 683-0300 or schedule your free in-home consultation today. We'll bring our Mobile Flooring Showroom® to you and make shopping for new hardwood convenient from the start.