Евроштакетник или профнастил что дешевле: «Ломаем голову какой забор выбрать- евроштакетник или профнастил?» – Яндекс.Кью

Профнастил или металлический штакетник — что выбрать?

Выбрать забор для участка – задача не из легких, когда на строительном рынке такое изобилие материалов и видов ограждений. Забор из профнастила и вертикального штакетника – 2 вида металлического забора с существенными различиями.

Внешний вид
Профнастил – глухой забор, надежно скроет участок от посторонних глаз. Не отличается интересным дизайном и монтируется на кирпичные, каменные или металлические столбы.
Вертикальный металлический штакетник популярен разнообразием форм: М-образный, П-образный или рифленый. Штакетины установите в один или два ряда (в шахматном порядке). Регулируйте расстояние между штакетинами, создайте необходимые просветы в заборе.
Штакетник не создает такой приватности участку, как профнастил, но дает обзор территории за участком, для кого это важно.

Состав
И профнастил и вертикальный штакетник изготавливаются из оцинкованной стали с полимерным покрытием палитры RAL или имитацией под дерево или камень. Забор с декоративным покрытием напоминает деревянный забор, но в отличие от деревянного забора его не нужно красить или наносить специальное защитное покрытие. Металлическому забору не страшны перепады температур и влажность.

Установка
Что касается транспортировки материала, то металлический штакетник очень удобно перевозить, за счет небольших размеров. Размер планки штакетника в длину составляет до 2-х метров, а в ширину – до 13 см. Металлический штакетник легко поместится в легковой автомобиль. Не возникнет проблем и с монтажом этих видов забора. С установкой профнастила или штакетника справится даже непрофессионал, главное вооружиться необходимым инструментом (шуруповерт, уровень, ножницы по металлу и т.д.).

Конечно, одного желания установить тот или иной забор мало. Например, в домах, расположенных близко к дороге или трассе, другого выбора, кроме как профнастил – нет. Установка глухого забора здесь как нельзя, кстати, чтобы избежать большого количества пыли на участке и постоянного шума от дороги.
Стоимость забора также влияет на выбор. Так, самый доступный на сегодняшний день материал -это профнастил для забора .

 

 

Профлист или штакетник — что выбрать

Профлист и штакетник – прочная нержавеющая сталь с полимерным покрытием, которая сохраняет свойства без специального ухода. Срок службы до 50 лет, простота монтажа, дешевизна – тот самый набор достоинств, который отличает такие заборы от деревянных, кирпичных и каменных. Плюсы штакетника и профлиста ощутимы на каждом этапе – от закупки и установки до эксплуатации.

Такой выбор для дачи и дома вряд ли можно подвергнуть сомнениям. Вопрос, как правило, стоит по-другому: чему отдать предпочтение — профлисту или штакетнику?

В сущности, это одно и то же. Однако кроме общих характеристик профнастил и евроштакетник имеют особенности, которыми существенно отличаются. Разница заключается в технике изготовления, стоимости, особенностях эксплуатации на участке. Обладая этой информацией, вы легко определитесь с тем, что лучше, забор из профлиста или штакетника.

Особенности забора из профнастила

Такие ограждения мы часто наблюдаем в частном секторе, вокруг строительных и производственных объектов. Крепче и бюджетней забора не найти. Поэтому и частники, и крупные компании нередко отдают предпочтение профлисту.

Забор из профнастила представляет собой сплошное стальное полотно, закрепленное на направляющих между опорными столбами. Для установки ограждения вкручивают, бетонируют или бутонируют лаги (кирпичные, железные). Для большей надежности заливают ленточно-столбовой фундамент. В частном секторе обычно обходятся лагами, а способ закрепления этих элементов зависит от характера грунта.

Профлист не имеет разновидностей форм, а производится по стандарту, независимо от способа прокатки гофр – одновременного, последовательного или комбинированного. Но палитра, в которой выпускается стройматериал, позволяет экспериментировать с цветом. 

Ограждение из профлиста надежно закрывает участок от посторонних глаз, но вместе с тем плохо пропускает солнечные лучи. Плотность такого забора может стать помехой на пути ураганного ветра, впоследствии чего ограда может быть нарушена из-за отсутствия парусных свойств.

Что представляет собой евроштакетник

Если коротко и по-простому, евроштакетник – это «задизайненная» версия забора из профлиста. Такое ограждение хорошо вписывается в атмосферу загородного дома. Палитра, в которой выпускают штакетины, включает около 50 насыщенных цветов, эффекты древесины и «металлика». Можно установить забор с имитацией под сосну, дуб, камень, кирпич; или выбрать неестественный яркий цвет.

Штакетины имеют гнутую форму: полукруглую, П-образную, М-образную. Более эстетично, по мнению большинства наших клиентов, выглядит последний вариант. Кроме эстетики М-гофрированный профиль обладает более высокой прочностью в сравнении с другими типами, так как содержит больше ребер жесткости.

Евроштакетник изготавливают из тех же листов рулонной стали, только меньшей ширины. Поэтому забор имеет ту же высокую прочность, что и профлист. Но устанавливая евроштакетник, нельзя рассчитывать на абсолютную изоляцию. Монтаж такого ограждения в некоторых случаях обходится дороже, чем установка профлиста.

Некоторые виды штакетника бывает сложно отыскать на строительном рынке. Широкий выбор материалов со скидкой от производителя обеспечивает компания «Крым Строй Маркет». Нашим клиентам доступна полная палитра, набор форм и, соответственно, больше вариантов дизайна.

Наглядно отличия евроштакетника и профлиста мы отразили в таблице:

	Профлист	Штакетник
Парусность	отсутствует	есть
Светопропускная способность	отсутствует	есть
Изоляция	полная	частичная
Полимерное покрытие	есть, но не обязательно присутствует	есть, но не обязательно присутствует
Цвет	палитра RAL	палитра RAL
Дизайн	можно выбрать цвет и высоту	можно выбрать цвет, высоту, форму и количество ребер жесткости
Высота	есть ограничения (по СНИП)	нет ограничений (по СНИП)
Срок службы	до 50 лет	до 50 лет
Спецтехника при монтаже	не нужна	не нужна
Транспортировка	легкий	легкий
Цена	низкая	низкая

 

Выбор в каждом случае индивидуален и зависит от того, в каких целях используют участок, какие функции ограждения ставят в приоритет. Таким образом, можно сделать несколько выводов.

По цели использования участка

Для дачи штакетник подходит больше. Такой забор надежен, но хорошо пропускает солнечный свет и воздух, необходимый для роста растений и плодов.

По расположению участка

На участке, который находится возле проезжей части, лучше установить профнастил, который хорошо отгораживает от шума и пыли. Однако если земля расположена в тихом живописном месте на опушке или у речки, оптимальным решением будет евроштакетник. Такой забор надежно защитит от проникновения, но позволит любоваться красотой природы.

По цене

Профлист или евроштакетник выбирают, как правило, когда необходимо в короткий срок установить бюджетное ограждение. В отношении экономии профнастил слегка превосходит конкурента. Причиной удорожания евроштакетника часто становится усложненный дизайн. Когда штакетины устанавливаются в классическом варианте, стоимость забора ничуть не выше цены ограждения из профилированного листа. 

Для дачи можно выбрать недорогой профлист. Но в этом случае посадку нужно распределять таким образом, чтобы светолюбивые растения находились дальше от межи.

По закону

В плане соблюдения норм в СНТ неплотный забор из штакетин с просветами полностью удовлетворяет СНИПам. Такое ограждение может иметь любую высоту. Тогда как разрешенная высота сплошного ограждения из профнастила ограничивается 0,75-1 метром. Более высокий забор строят только с разрешения соседа по участку.

Практически повсеместно этими нормами СНИПа пренебрегают и устанавливают высоченные сплошные заборы в СНТ без согласия соседей. Теоретически спорная ситуация возникнуть может. Однако в России еще не было случаев разбирательства по поводу высоты соседского забора. Следовать нормам или нет – дело ваше и сугубо личное.

По внешним характеристикам

В эстетическом отношении выигрывает евроштакетник. Такой забор позволяет выбирать дизайн и делать живописную зеленую изгородь.

Если расставить приоритеты сложно, добиться баланса между функциональностью и эстетикой можно при помощи различных техник укладки штакетника. Например, шахматки. Штакетины укладывают с двух сторон направляющих в шахматном порядке, уменьшая таким образом просветы. Такой забор хорошо изолирует, но сохраняет парусность, светопроницаемость и внешний вид. Правда, в этом случае несколько увеличивается цена ограждения.

Иногда на участках можно встретить смешанные ограждения, когда вдоль проезжей части установлен профнастил, а вдоль межи идет забор из штакетника или сетки-рабицы. Так владельцы закрывают участок от посторонних глаз и шума, но сохраняют благоприятный «климат» для растений. Кроме того, комбинированный забор соответствует нормам СНИП. Однако в этом случае «страдает» эстетическая сторона.

Заказать забор из профлиста или евроштакетник можно в компании «Крым Строй Маркет». Выполним точный расчет стоимости обоих вариантов за 5 минут и поможем с выбором ограждения. Делаем заборы, которые отвечают требованиям клиента и строительным нормам.

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If you are on a tight budget, this might 90007 eliminate hardwood flooring altogether. 90008 90005 90002 Hardwood flooring is one of the more expensive types of flooring on the market. That is because it is made from natural product — a tree — and not engineered to replicate another product. For this reason, 90003 hardwood flooring can be much more expensive than carpet 90004 90003.90004 90005 90002 In most cases, hardwood flooring can cost between 90003 $ 9 and $ 12 per square foot 90004, including installation. However, some of the higher end versions can cost even more. Reclaimed wood, for example, could cost as much as $ 30 per square foot. 90005 90002 Carpet, on the other hand, is definitely much friendlier on the budget. Most carpet options cost between 90003 $ 3 and $ 5 a square foot 90004 installed, with padding and all. Some of the higher-end carpet options could come in closer to $ 10 a square foot.90005 90002 Back to Top 90005 90016 Appearance 90017 90002 Another big difference between hardwood flooring and carpet is the appearance. It would be very hard to confuse the two types of flooring because of how different they look. Depending on your style and the style of your house, one flooring choice could be much better than the other. 90005 90002 Hardwood flooring is what could be called the 90007 «prestige» choice 90008 in flooring. That’s because today, 90007 hardwood flooring is seen as a high-end and luxurious option 90008.Current popular design is definitely trending toward 90003 hard flooring surfaces, 90004 and wood fits in perfectly with that. 90005 90002 While wood was always the classic look for homes, it has now worked its way back into the preference of most homeowners. Hardwood flooring can look sleek, rustic, timeless and luxurious. This is why many people are leaning toward hardwood flooring over carpet. 90005 90002 One of the other nice features of hardwood flooring is that it can take on many different looks.The different types of wood — such as oak and pine — will have a different appearance. Plus, there are many stains available on the market that you can apply to a hardwood flooring to make it look 90003 light, dark or in between. 90004 90005 90002 Carpet is a much different look than hardwood flooring is. That is not to say that it is a cheaper look than hardwood flooring is. In fact, many people still prefer the look of carpet, especially in certain rooms of the house. 90005 90002 The great thing about carpet when it comes to appearance is you can 90007 choose just about any color 90008 under the sun.This makes carpet a very versatile flooring choice, as you can mix and match colors and shades based on other design choices in the room. Carpet can also look firm or plush, depending on the type you choose. 90005 90002 Back to Top 90005 90016 Cleanliness and Care 90017 90002 Hardwood flooring and carpet are also very different when it comes to how you need to clean and care for them. Each flooring type has its pros and cons in this regard. So 90007 which is better, hardwood or carpet? 90008 90005 90002 Hardwood flooring is easier to maintain on a weekly basis.That’s because it does not require very many deep cleanings. In fact, it is advisable that you do not use liquid cleaning products on hardwood floors because it could warp and damage the material. 90005 90002 It is easier to spot dirt and dust on a hardwood floor than it is on carpet. As a result, it’s easier to spot when your floor needs a good cleaning. For hardwood flooring, that cleaning includes a recommended 90003 sweep and vacuum (with a hardwood vac) at least a few times a week 90004 to keep it clean.90005 90002 Carpet, on the other hand, is a little tougher to keep clean. Dirt, dust, pollen and other allergens can easily get stuck within the fibers of a carpet and stay hidden from your eye. That’s why carpets are sometimes a hard choice in 90007 high-traffic areas or as a flooring for families with pets. 90008 90005 90002 Carpet requires a vacuuming and / or sweeping at least once a week. Thinking longer term, your carpet will also require a more in-depth shampooing at least once a year.The frequency of that cleaning will also depend on how rough on it you are and what color you choose. 90005 90002 Back to Top 90005 90016 Durability 90017 90002 When you are considering the durability of hardwood flooring versus carpet, there are a few different angles that you have to consider. Not only do you have to take into consideration the overall lifespan of the flooring type, but you should also weigh the 90007 effect of your daily life on it. 90008 90005 90002 In terms of daily life, hardwood flooring is very susceptible to damage from spills or rough usage.That’s because the material itself is natural and softer in terms of its composition. Hardwood floors can warp with too much liquid and can dent or scratch from furniture or shoes, especially high heels. 90005 90002 Because of this fact, many families will have a «90003 no shoes» policy 90004 on their hardwood floors. This helps to keep the flooring protected from damage from shoes or anything the shoes may drag into the house. It’s also why people sometimes shy away from installing hardwood floors into bathrooms or kitchens.90005 90002 Long term, hardwood is designed to last. If you care for it properly, some hardwood flooring can 90003 last up to 100 years 90004 before you need to replace it. And if the floor starts to fade, you can sand, re-surface and re-stain a hardwood floor a few times in its lifespan. 90005 90002 In the short term, carpet can be the more forgiving flooring type. While indents can be made on carpet, it’s not as susceptible to heavy furniture or other dings. Spills on carpet are often a nightmare, but they can be scrubbed clean.90005 90002 In the long term, though, 90003 carpet is not the most durable flooring option 90004. That’s because if a rip, tear or permanent stain occurs, you must replace at least the damaged section. In addition, a carpet floor will need a 90003 full replacement every five to 15 years 90004, depending on wear and tear. 90005 90002 Back to Top 90005 90016 Sustainability 90017 90002 The next area of ​​discussion between hardwood versus carpet is 90007 what each product is comprised of.90008 This topic is especially important today, as people are becoming more conscious of what each product they buy is made of. 90005 90002 Hardwood flooring is natural and ecologically friendly. This is because it is a natural material that is made from trees that can be replanted when they are cut down. Like anything, though, make sure to 90003 do your research on the company 90004 producing the hardwood if you want to be extra environmentally-conscious. 90005 90002 Carpet, meanwhile, is made mostly from petroleum.It’s not a material that most people would consider natural or sustainable in any way. In fact, petroleum is an extremely limited resource. 90005 90002 Back to Top 90005 90016 Comfort 90017 90002 For some people, it all comes down to comfort when they are choosing a flooring type. It’s more about how a flooring 90007 feels 90008 than whether the style is trendy. This can be especially true depending on which room you are potentially outfitting with either hardwood or carpet. 90005 90002 As no surprise, hardwood flooring is a harder material than carpet.It can often be tougher on your feet, especially when you are standing for a long period of time. Hardwood is also 90007 not that comfortable to kneel or lay on 90008, which can be important factors if you have children who will be in the room a lot. 90005 90002 Carpet, meanwhile, is a much 90003 softer and more comfortable material. 90004 It’s plush and soft and very easy on your feet and your body. It’s one of the main reasons why people choose carpet over hardwood in waterproof basements, family rooms and bedrooms.90005 90002 Back to Top 90005 90016 Safety 90017 90002 Safety should be a major concern when you are making a choice between any types of flooring and for whatever room you might install it in. This is an important factor not only if you have kids, but if it will be just adults in a house. Safety first, is what they say. 90005 90002 Hardwood flooring is not as safe when compared to carpet. That’s because over time, individual planks in the flooring could rise or lift, which could result in a tripping hazard.In addition, as a hardwood floor gets older, it’s possible that 90007 nails in it could start to rise above the floor level, 90008 which can be very dangerous if someone steps on them. 90005 90002 Carpet is a 90003 much safer flooring type 90004 in comparison for the simple fact that it’s so much softer. It is not as much of a concern when it comes to tripping, and if a fall does occur, there is padding to help protect people’s bodies. This cushioning also helps protect against dropped objects such as glass that could result in dangerous cuts and scrapes.90005 90002 Back to Top 90005 90016 Insulation and Noise Reduction 90017 90002 Temperature and noise might not be the first things that come to your mind when you are choosing between flooring types. However, each type of floor will have a big effect on both the 90003 warmth and noise level 90004 in your home. So which is better, hardwood flooring or carpet? 90005 90002 Hardwood is a much colder and noisier flooring type because it does not have absorption properties. Heat does not absorb into hardwood floors, which makes them much colder to walk on, especially in the winter months.At the same time, noise bounces off hardwood flooring, which could make rooms with hardwood noisier as it results in an echo effect. 90005 90002 Carpet is the complete opposite when it comes to insulation and noise. It has absorption properties, which makes it a much warmer surface and much more comfortable in that regard in the colder months. Carpet also absorbs noise, reducing the decibel level in rooms that have it installed in it. 90005 90002 Back to Top 90005 90016 The Verdict 90017 90002 As you can see, there are many factors that you need to take into consideration when you’re weighing hardwood flooring versus carpet.The answer to the question, «Which is better?» really depends on your 90007 particular situation, budget and taste. 90008 90005 90002 Because of its classic style, look and overall luxurious appearance, many people would prefer to have hardwood flooring. Even though it is more expensive than carpet, hardwood may be worth the extra money up front because it will ultimately 90003 last much longer than carpet. 90004 90005 90002 Because of its makeup and features, hardwood flooring is a great option for main living areas of the home and even bedrooms, but might not be the best option for basements, kitchens and bathrooms.90005 90002 Carpet, meanwhile, is a 90003 much more budget-conscious 90004 flooring option. However, that does not mean it’s cheap and is not a great choice for certain rooms and situations. Carpet is plush, warm, comfortable, safe and reduces noises. 90005 90002 Because of these factors, carpet is a great choice for bedrooms, less formal family rooms and waterproof basements, especially if you have children in your home. At the same time, pros do not suggest carpets for bathrooms, kitchens or laundry rooms because of the likelihood of exposure to a lot of liquids.90005 90002 Back to Top 90005 90274 90002 About Will R 90005 90002 Will R. is a creative writer, editor and storyteller. He has been working in the fields of journalism, marketing and public relations for the last 14 years. 90005 .90000 Engineered Hardwood vs Bamboo Flooring 90001 90002 It’s time to pick your new hard flooring and you’ve narrowed it down to two popular options: 90003 engineered hardwood vs. bamboo 90004. Both look great and are growing in popularity among homeowners, but which one is right for YOUR home? 90005 90002 Picking your new flooring should go beyond just looking at samples and deciding which one you like the best. You need to consider other features such as 90003 durability, price, and installation 90004 — features which we’ll review in this guide.90005 90002 We’ll compare engineered hardwood and bamboo flooring side-by-side across 90003 six different categories 90004 to help you determine which flooring is right for you. Whether you have pets and worry about damage to your floors or you’re looking for a floor that you can install yourself without hiring a contractor, these comparisons will help you 90013 make the right choice for your home. 90014 90005 90002 90003 In this guide, we’ll explore: 90004 90005 90020 Side-by-Side Comparison 90021 90022 90023 90024 90025 90026 90025 Engineered Hardwood 90026 90025 Bamboo 90026 90031 90032 90033 90024 90035 Durability 90036 90035 Extremely durable, but varies based on wood species 90036 90035 Very durable, but can be damaged over time 90036 90031 90024 90035 Sustainable 90036 90035 Some engineered hardwood floors are sustainable 90036 90035 Yes 90036 90031 90024 90035 Cleaning 90036 90035 Daily cleaning with a dust mop, broom, or vacuum cleaner.Heavier cleaning with a damp mop or cloth and a product made for engineered hardwoods. 90036 90035 Daily cleaning with a dust mop, broom, or vacuum cleaner. Heavier cleaning with a product made for bamboo flooring wiped off with a dry mop or cloth. 90036 90031 90024 90035 Refinishing 90036 90035 Yes, most flooring 90036 90035 Yes, some flooring 90036 90031 90024 90035 Installation 90036 90035 Floating, nail-down, glue-down 90036 90035 Floating, nail-down, glue-down 90036 90031 90024 90035 Pet-Friendly 90036 90035 Yes but nails should be kept trimmed 90036 90035 Yes but nails should be kept trimmed 90036 90031 90024 90035 Price 90036 90035 $ 3 to $ 13 per square foot 90036 90035 $ 5 to $ 7 per square foot 90036 90031 90024 90035 Installation Costs 90036 90035 $ 3 to $ 10 per square foot 90036 90035 $ 4 to $ 6 per square foot 90036 90031 90024 90035 Lifespan 90036 90035 Up to 100 years 90036 90035 Up to 50 years 90036 90031 90024 90035 Waxing 90036 90035 Yes 90036 90035 No 90036 90031 90024 90035 Flooring Guide 90036 90035 Engineered Hardwood Flooring Guide 90036 90035 Bamboo Flooring Guide 90036 90031 90122 90123 90020 Durability 90021 90002 One of the most important features of flooring is its durability.Will it hold up to kids and pets, or will you have to repair — or worse, replace — it after a short period of time? If you live in a busy household, you do not want to worry about damaging your floors just by living your life. 90005 90002 Engineered hardwood is different from solid hardwoods because it is 90013 created in layers. 90014 The 90003 top layer is always made of hardwood 90004, so it’s prone to the same damages as traditional hardwood flooring. 90005 90002 With a softer type of wood like 90003 pine 90004, you may have to worry about scratches, dents, and dings.This can occur from sliding furniture across the flooring or from pet claws or kids playing with toys. 90005 90002 However, if you choose a harder wood like 90003 hickory 90004, you will not have to worry so much about damage. Most exotic engineered hardwood floors rank highly on the Janka hardness scale, which measures the 90013 hardness and durability 90014 of wood. Select a wood from one of the high-ranking species, and your floors will be far more resistant to damage. 90005 90002 One advantage that engineered hardwood has over solid hardwoods is that this type of flooring is 90013 more resistant to moisture 90014.The placement of the layers makes this type of flooring more stable than solid wood, so you can install it in below-grade rooms like basements. Although these floors should never get wet, a little bit of moisture exposure will not cause engineered hardwood to warp like solid hardwoods. 90005 90002 When engineered hardwood becomes too damaged, it can be 90003 sanded and refinished 90004 to restore its beauty. 90005 90002 Bamboo floors are also more resistant to damage than traditional hardwoods.However, they are not completely impervious to damage. Furniture legs, pet claws, kids, and even heavy traffic can lead to scratches, scuffs, and discoloration. 90005 90002 Bamboo is also slightly more resistant to water damage than traditional hardwoods. You can even install it in below-grade rooms. However, excessive exposure to moisture can lead to the growth of mold or warping of the floor. 90005 90002 One of the drawbacks of bamboo flooring is that you can not refinish all of it. You will not be able to refinish cheaper flooring products with a thinner upper layer.Therefore, if you plan to refinish the floors in the future, make sure to select a 90003 high-quality flooring product 90004 that you will be able to refinish. 90005 90002 Although it’s a close race in this category, engineered hardwood is more durable. It is more resistant to water damage, its tough enough to hold up under daily household use. You can refinish it if you need to do so to prolong the life of the floor. 90005 90002 Back to Top 90005 90020 Lifespan 90021 90002 Since we’re talking about the durability of flooring, it only makes sense to address the lifespan.In other words, how long should you expect your flooring to last before you need to replace it? 90005 90002 Engineered hardwood floors have an 90013 extremely long lifespan 90014 if you select a product with a 90003 thick upper layer 90004. Flooring with a thinner upper layer will typically last around 90003 20 years 90004. However, investing in a thicker product will pay for itself over time, as this flooring can easily last for 90003 100 years. 90004 90005 90002 Of course, for your engineered hardwood floors to last this long, you’ll have to properly maintain them.Cleaning engineered hardwood correctly, making repairs as needed, and refinishing when needed will extend the life of your flooring. 90005 90002 Bamboo flooring is 90013 also durable 90014, but it’s lifespan falls a little short. Most bamboo flooring will last for 20 to 25 years through normal wear and tear. However, higher quality bamboo flooring can last for 90003 50 years 90004 or longer. 90005 90002 Like engineered hardwood, you can greatly extend the lifespan of hardwood flooring with regular care and maintenance.Purchasing a thicker flooring that can be refinished over time is also key to getting the most life out of your floors. 90005 90002 Even though both floors can easily last for many years, engineered hardwood is the superior choice in this category. With a lifespan of 100 years or longer, it is the only other flooring that is 90013 comparable to solid hardwood. 90014 90005 90002 Back to Top 90005 90020 Installation 90021 90002 Maybe you want to try your hand at installing your floors yourself.If you are not the DIY type, perhaps you have a budget, and you have to be careful in how much you spend on labor costs. When compared side-by-side, which is the 90013 easiest, most inexpensive 90014 flooring to install? 90005 90002 Engineered hardwood flooring is 90003 fairly easy to install 90004 if you have the right tools and take your time during the process. Prep work includes preparing the subfloor and installing a moisture barrier. 90005 90002 Engineered hardwood comes with a 90003 tongue-and-groove design 90004, so the 90013 planks click together in place 90014.However, other types of installations include nailing down the floors or using an adhesive to glue down the floors. The floating floor is the easiest to install for most homeowners. 90005 90002 You’ll need just a few basic tools for the installation of your floors, including a measuring tape, power saw, and rubber mallet. 90005 90002 If you do not want to take on the task of installing the flooring yourself, you can always hire a professional contractor. For engineered hardwood flooring, expect to pay between 90003 $ 3 and $ 10 per square foot.90004 Pricing varies based on your location, the type of installation required, and the overall difficulty of the job. 90005 90002 Installing bamboo flooring is very similar. You can opt to install 90003 tongue-and-groove flooring or Uniclic flooring 90004 with a floating installation. People can also nail down the floor or glue down the floor. 90005 90002 You will need the same basic tools for this installation process. Those include a power saw, nails (for nail-down installations), or adhesives if you’re gluing the floor down.90005 90002 Even if you have no experience installing your own flooring, online tutorials can help you through the process. With the right tools, proper preparation, and taking the time to ensure the job is done correctly, anyone can tackle this job. Like engineered hardwoods, 90003 a floating floor installation 90004 is the easiest and most straightforward. 90005 90002 For professional installation, you can expect to pay between 90003 $ 4 and $ 6 per square foot. 90004 As with other flooring, companies determine the pricing based on the cost in your area, the difficulty of the job, and how they install the flooring.90005 90002 Even though both of these flooring types are easy to install, bamboo flooring has the slight edge. This is because professional installation is cheaper, which could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars on your flooring project if you opt to hire a contractor. 90005 90002 Back to Top 90005 90020 Cleaning 90021 90002 Most of us live very busy lives, and we do not have hours each week to devote to keeping our floors cleaned. Between engineered hardwoods and bamboo flooring, 90013 which is the easiest to clean? 90014 90005 90002 You can clean 90003 engineered hardwood 90004 on a daily basis with a 90003 broom, dust mop, or vacuum cleaner 90004.If you choose to use a vacuum cleaner, it must be specifically for use on bare floors to prevent scratching or otherwise damaging your wood. 90005 90002 You can use a slightly damp mop or cloth for deeper cleaning. However, you should always dry the floor with a dry cloth immediately after. 90005 90002 You can also spray on a product meant for cleaning engineered hardwoods a small section at a time, cleaning with a dry mop or cloth as you go. Always make sure that the product you use is specifically for use on engineered hardwood.90005 90002 You can wax some engineered hardwood floors to restore shine, but always make sure to 90013 consult with manufacturer’s specifications 90014 before applying wax or a wax-based product. 90005 90002 90003 Daily cleaning of bamboo flooring 90004 is similar to engineered flooring. Remove daily dirt, dust, and debris using a 90003 dust mop, broom, or vacuum cleaner 90004 specifically for hard floor use. 90005 90002 You can use a product especially for use on bamboo floors when you need to do a deeper cleaning.Apply this in small sections and promptly wipe it up with a dry mop or cloth. You should not use a wet mop on bamboo floors. 90005 90002 You can not wax most bamboo floors. Always avoid waxes or waxed-based cleaner to prevent a buildup that will need to be stripped. 90005 90002 Again, this is another category where engineered hardwood flooring and bamboo are neck-and-neck. However, because you can wax 90003 engineered hardwood 90004 and use a damp mop as needed, it does not have as many special considerations and is 90013 easier to clean.90014 90005 90002 Back to Top 90005 90020 Price 90021 90002 You may love the look of a flooring and everything it has to offer, but one big thing can have a major impact on your final decision: the price. If you’re following a budget like most homeowners, price is a major deciding factor in your new flooring selection. Between engineered hardwood and bamboo, which is the 90003 most inexpensive 90004 flooring for budget-minded shoppers? 90005 90002 A thinner engineered hardwood flooring costs about 90003 $ 3 to $ 5 per square foot 90004.Engineered hardwoods with a medium thickness may cost between 90003 $ 5 and $ 10 90004 per square foot, while the highest quality flooring costs between $ 8 and $ 13 per square foot. 90005 90002 Even though it may be tempting to purchase the cheapest type of engineered hardwood, the wood veneer of these products is often very thin. This means that you will not be able to refinish the floor, and it may have a lifespan of 90003 20 years or less 90004. You can refinish a higher quality but more expensive floor.It could 90003 last up to a century. 90004 90005 90002 Bamboo flooring costs, on average, approximately 90003 $ 5 to $ 7 per square foot. 90004 While this is the less expensive option, it’s important to remember that it has a shorter lifespan. You will typically need to replace it sooner than engineered hardwood. 90005 90002 If you’re looking for the most budget-friendly option, bamboo flooring is the right choice for you. 90005 90002 Back to Top 90005 90020 Sustainability 90021 90002 Many homeowners are looking for ways to make their homes more eco-friendly and green.This is not just some passing trend, as more of us are beginning to realize human impact on the environment. When it comes to sustainability, which is the better option: engineered hardwood or bamboo? 90005 90002 Some engineered hardwoods are 90003 sustainably harvested 90004, which means that they are harvested from trees in a controlled environment that has very little impact on the environment surrounding it. However, you have to make sure that the product you are purchasing is sustainable, since there are many options that are not sustainably harvested.90005 90002 Bamboo flooring is one of the 90003 most eco-friendly 90004 flooring options. Bamboo is classified as a grass, which grows faster than hardwood trees. It also regenerates after it is harvested. 90005 90002 Because bamboo flooring is very renewable and sustainable, it is considered the 90013 most eco-friendly option between the two. 90014 90005 90020 Final Verdict 90021 90002 Engineered hardwood flooring and bamboo flooring are both great flooring options. These floors not only look great, but they can last through everyday life, even when your home is a little bit hectic.The type of flooring you select should be based on your own personal preferences. 90005 90002 If you’re looking for an 90003 extremely durable 90004 floor that’s easy to clean and maintain and can easily last through an entire century, 90013 engineered hardwoods are a great choice 90014. Even though these may be a little more expensive initially, their unsurpassed durability makes them a wise investment for any homeowner. 90005 90002 However, if you’d rather have a floor that’s 90003 less expensive 90004 in terms of installation and material costs and is sustainable, 90013 bamboo 90014 could be the right flooring for your home.Even though it has some drawbacks, purchasing a high-quality product will enhance the beauty of your home without breaking the bank or significantly impacting the environment. 90005 90002 Back to Top 90005 90332 90002 About Nikki Seppala 90005 90002 Nikki is an experienced writer and editor and has worked in industries that range from home improvement to entrepreneurship. For over 10 years, she’s used her unique talent and love of the written word to uncover the stories that people want to read.90005 .90000 Solid vs Engineered Hardwood Flooring 90001 90002 When searching for attractive, durable, one-of-a-kind wood flooring to increase the value of your home, there are two great products to consider: 90003 hardwood vs. engineered hardwood. 90004 90005 90002 There’s a lot to love about both of these options. Each is made from 90003 100% real wood 90004. And, unlike laminate or vinyl plank alternatives, no two pieces are ever exactly alike. 90005 90002 But what’s the difference between the two? In the sections that follow, we’ll walk you through both products.We will also share 90011 advice and best practices 90012 from building experts, flooring manufacturers, and product reviews from real customers. 90005 90002 They will help you understand the differences between hardwood and engineered hardwood floors. Then, you can decide which is better for you! 90005 90002 90003 In this guide, we’ll explore: 90004 90005 90020 Side-by-Side Comparison 90021 90022 90023 90024 90025 90026 90025 Hardwood 90026 90025 Engineered Hardwood 90026 90031 90032 90033 90024 90035 Looks 90036 90035 Beautiful, natural look, no two pieces are exactly alike.Wide variety of wood types and finishes 90036 90035 Beautiful, natural look, no two pieces are exactly alike. Wide variety of finishes. Especially great for wide plank floors 90036 90031 90024 90035 Materials 90036 90035 100% wood — solid 90036 90035 100% wood — composite 90036 90031 90024 90035 Durability 90036 90035 Varies by wood type, thickness, width, and finish 90036 90035 Varies by veneer type and thickness, board thickness, and finish 90036 90031 90024 90035 Good for pets? 90036 90035 Look for types that are recommended by the manufacturer for pets, take special precautions to protect floors 90036 90035 Look for types that are recommended by the manufacturer for pets, take special precautions to protect floors 90036 90031 90024 90035 Expansion and Contraction 90036 90035 Prone to expansion and contraction 90036 90035 Does not expand or contract 90036 90031 90024 90035 Moisture and Temperature Resistance 90036 90035 Sensitive to moisture and temperature fluxuation 90036 90035 Sensitive to moisture and temperature fluxuation, but less so than hardwood 90036 90031 90024 90035 Care and Cleaning 90036 90035 Frequently sweep or vacuum, occasionally mop with approved cleaner and damp mop 90036 90035 Frequently sweep or vacuum, occasionally mop with approved cleaner and damp mop 90036 90031 90024 90035 Refinishing / Sanding 90036 90035 Can be sanded and refinished multiple times 90036 90035 May be sanded and refinished once, twice, or not at all depending on veneer 90036 90031 90024 90035 Radient Heat Compatability 90036 90035 Compatible with a small subset of hardwood floors 90036 90035 Most are compatible, check with specific manufacturer 90036 90031 90024 90035 Installation Off Limits 90036 90035 Never below the table (basements).Avoid areas where moisture is present. 90036 90035 Use with caution in basements, bathrooms, kitchens (and consider better options like tile, vinyl, etc.) 90036 90031 90024 90035 Installation Methods 90036 90035 Nailed 90036 90035 Nailed, stapled, glued, floating 90036 90031 90024 90035 DIY? 90036 90035 Not recommended 90036 90035 Yes, especially floating method 90036 90031 90024 90035 Cost 90036 90035 Varies from approx $ 3-18 90036 90035 Varies from approx $ 3-18 90036 90031 90024 90035 Flooring Guide 90036 90035 Hardwood Flooring Guide 90036 90035 Engineered Hardwood Flooring Guide 90036 90031 90146 90147 90020 What’s the Difference? 90021 90002 Hardwood and engineered hardwood floors are both 90011 beautiful, natural options 90012 that add value to any home.It’s also impossible to tell them apart. In order to understand the differences between hardwood and engineered hardwood floors, you must look below the surface. 90005 90002 90003 Traditional hardwood floorboards, 90004 the kind that have been used by builders for hundreds of years, are cut from logs of solid wood. They are a classic choice, long associated with 90011 quality and durability. 90012 90005 90002 Manufacturers offer hardwood floors in every type of wood imaginable. That includes soft pine to the hardest mahogany.90005 90002 These days it’s common for hardwood floorboards to come pre-finished from the factory. They will have oil, wax, or varnish. However, homeowners also have the option to install raw wood floors for on-site finishing. 90005 90002 90003 Engineered hardwood floors 90004 are a relatively new option, compared to hardwood. These floorboards have a thin veneer of wood on the surface 90003 (1/12 — ⅙ inches thick) 90004. That is fused with crisscrossed layers of wood slices underneath (think plywood).90005 90002 The bottom layer gives floorboards superior strength, helping them resist expansion and contraction. The veneers are usually made of hard wood and are pre-finished in the factory. They use pretty stains and protective coatings that enhance durability. 90005 90002 Back to Top 90005 90020 Moisture Resistance 90021 90002 Before you begin the process of comparing wood floor products, determine if wood floors — either hardwood or engineered hardwood — will 90011 hold up to the environment in your home.90012 90005 90002 Start by evaluating the climate in the places where you hope to install your flooring. Is it excessively damp or humid? Do you live in a part of the world that is prone to fluctuation in humidity or temperature? 90005 90002 For both types of wood flooring, experts recommend maintaining humidity between 90003 35% and 55% 90004. Floors that are subjected to higher percentages of humidity or rapid temperature shifts are prone to expansion and contraction. 90005 90002 That may cause gaping between boards, curling, or warping.If you 90187 really 90188 want wood floors but live in a place that falls outside this range, all is not lost. Humidity may be controlled using humidifiers and / or dehumidifiers. 90005 90002 Unfortunately, if your space is excessively humid, prone to sudden temperature shifts, or below ground level (basements), wood floors may not be the best choice for your home. That is even the case for engineered hardwood, which beats hardwood at moisture resistance. 90005 90002 Luckily, there are plenty of options built to withstand moisture.Those include 90003 tile or vinyl plank flooring. 90004 90005 90002 Back to Top 90005 90020 Standing Water Resistance 90021 90002 Standing water is the enemy of organic materials, including wood. Before investing in wood flooring for your home, first consider the day-to-day activities that occur in the space. 90005 90002 For rooms in your home where people may track in or 90003 spill liquids 90004 onto the floor — such as mud rooms, bathrooms, or kitchens — proceed with caution before purchasing wood floors.90005 90002 When it comes to water protection, engineered hardwood has a slight advantage over hardwood floors. That is because its crisscrossed layers below the surface provide extra strength and resistance to buckling and warping. 90005 90002 Some experts say that engineered hardwood does fine in bathrooms, kitchens, and even basements. That is, as long as precautions are taken to contain standing water using mats and rugs. 90005 90002 Others believe that especially with so many 90011 attractive, water-resistant options 90012 out there, wood floors are a risky choice.90005 90002 No matter which type of floor you choose, be sure to pick one that has a durable, water-resistant finish that’s 90003 covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. 90004 90005 90002 Back to Top 90005 90020 Wear and Tear 90021 90002 There are two major factors that determine how well a floor’s surface will hold up to daily life. Those are 90003 the type of wood it is, and the durability of its finish. 90004 90005 90002 For example, in high traffic areas, you may want to avoid floors made with softwood, like pine, which are more susceptible to dents and gouges.Instead, opt for floors made of harder wood varieties, such as oak or mahogany. 90005 90002 Likewise, the 90011 durability of treatments 90012 used to finish the floor (varnishes, waxes, oils) makes a big difference when it comes to protecting hardwood or engineered hardwood floors from daily scuffs and scrapes. 90005 90002 Hardwood flooring comes in all types of wood. Make sure to do your research and buy the hardest you can afford. 90005 90002 Engineered hardwood manufacturers tend to default to durable wood varieties for the veneer layer of their products.But 90011 pay attention to thickness. 90012 90005 90002 A veneer on the thicker side (⅙ inch) is going to hold up better than a thin one 90003 (1/12 inch). 90004 Especially when it comes to resisting dents. In both cases, the harder / thicker the wood, the more expensive it will be. 90005 90002 No matter what kind of flooring you choose, be sure to pay attention to how the manufacturer (or your flooring installer) treats the boards. Look for finishes that can definitely withstand household abuse and UV light.90005 90002 Choose manufacturers who back their products with a substantial warranty. A floor they guarantee for 90003 25 years 90004 is likely to last much longer than one they only guarantee for 5 years. 90005 90002 Back to Top 90005 90020 Good for Pets? 90021 90002 Between claws, hard toys, water bowls, and the occasional potty accident, if you’re a pet owner you’ll want a floor that can stand up to Fluffy and Fido. 90005 90002 Pets amplify all of the wear, tear and potential hazards we’ve discussed in other sections for hardwood and engineered hardwood floors alike.Pets and wood floors can co-exist. 90005 90002 However, 90011 pet owners should take extra precautions 90012 to protect their wood floors. Those include using area rugs and putting the water dish on a tiled floor. In addition, trim your pets ‘claws to prevent excessive scratching. 90005 90002 Even with these precautions in place, some pet owners are still unhappy to discover that their floors are no match for claws. To avoid problems, seek out 90003 flooring that specifically claims to stand up to pets 90004, study customer reviews carefully, and make sure that having pets 90011 does not void the product warranty.90012 90005 90002 Back to Top 90005 90020 Refinishing 90021 90002 Having the option to strip, sand, and refinish your floors makes wood an attractive choice for homeowners looking to invest in their home for the long term. 90005 90002 If refinishing your floors in the future matters to you, know that hardwood offers the flexibility to refinish multiple times, but engineered hardwood 90003 may only withstand one or two rounds of refinishing 90004. You can not refinish it at all in some cases.90005 90002 Because hardwood floors are a single piece of wood, you can sand and refinish them repeatedly without losing strength or durability. With thinner veneers, there’s a risk of sanding down through to the plywood below. 90005 90002 If you’d like the ability to refinish your engineered hardwood floors in the future, look for one with a 90003 thick veneer (ideally ⅙ inch or more), 90004 and always confirm with the manufacturer that the product if, and how often, the floor will hold up to refinishing.90005 90002 Back to Top 90005 90020 Care and Maintenance 90021 90002 Wood shows all the dirt and debris that comes in the door, there’s nowhere for it to hide. Since both types of flooring have similar surfaces, it makes sense that manufacturers recommend nearly identical wood cleaning methods to minimize damage and keep floors looking beautiful. 90005 90002 With hardwood and engineered hardwood floors, 90011 prevention is key. 90012 Manufacturers advocate the use of 90003 doormats and rugs 90004 to collect debris, as well as 90003 shoe removal 90004 and 90003 trimming pets ‘nails 90004 to minimize damage.90005 90002 Frequent sweeping with a 90003 microfiber floor sweeper and / or vacuuming with a hardwood-friendly soft brush 90004 will eliminate dust and abrasive grit. And when it’s time for a deeper clean, a damp terrycloth mop paired with a manufacturer-approved cleanser will remove deeper dirt and gunk. Some manufacturers recommend proactively drying the floor with a rag immediately after washing, while others say it’s OK to air dry. 90005 90002 In short, wood floors are a bit high-maintenance when you compare them to carpet, tile, linoleum or vinyl.That is something to consider if you hate housework. 90005 90002 Back to Top 90005 90020 In-Floor Heating System Compatibility 90021 90002 Energy-efficient, luxurious heated floors are all the rage these days, but these systems are not compatible with all types of wood flooring materials. While it is possible to install hardwood floors over an in-floor heating system, there are many limitations and considerations for doing so. You’ll have more flexibility if you go with engineered hardwood.90005 90002 If you’ve got your heart set on installing hardwood over a floor heating system, be sure to choose floorboards that consist of American hardwoods (cherry, oak, ash, for example), are 90003 2 ¼ inches 90004 wide or less, quartersawn , and have a moisture content of 6% or less. 90005 90002 Engineered hardwood, by contrast, is built to withstand temperature fluctuation by design. It is usually compatible. Always double-check with the manufacturer. Most engineered hardwood floors do fine with in-floor heating systems as long as you observe installation guidelines and temperature limits 90003 (usually 80-85 degrees F).90004 90005 90002 Back to Top 90005 90020 Self-Installation 90021 90002 If you enjoy building things yourself or are looking to save on installation costs, you probably have interest in flooring that you can install yourself. When it comes to DIY floor installation, there are some 90003 big advantages to choosing engineered hardwood 90004 over hardwood floors. 90005 90002 Hardwood floor installation is an art and a science. It is best for someone with experience with subfloor selection and prep, moisture monitoring, proper board spacing, and all of the other details that will prevent floor damage down the road do a proper installation.90005 90002 90003 Nailing is the only installation method for hardwood 90004, and you must do it in a deliberate way. Mistakes may cause the floor to buckle or leave gaps with natural expansion and contraction. 90005 90002 Engineered hardwood is much more flexible, making it possible for homeowners to install a wood floor without hiring a professional. You may nail, staple, glue, or even install floorboards as a «floating» floor. That is the 90011 most DIY-friendly option 90012. If you’re not a flooring professional and are looking to install wood floors yourself, engineered hardwood is absolutely your best bet.90005 90002 Back to Top 90005 90020 Cost 90021 90002 As we’ve mentioned many times in this article, the options for wood floors vary widely, and so do the costs. Not all hardwood nor engineered hardwood floors are created equal, and when weighing a hardwood and an engineered hardwood floor of similar quality, the price will also be similar. 90005 90002 When shopping for hardwood floors, understand that the 90003 wood variety, width, thickness, and finish will determine the price 90004 — generally the harder, wider, thicker, and more durable the floor, the more you will need to pay.90005 90002 With hardwood there are also labor costs to consider. You’ll need to pay a professional for installation, and unless you buy pre-finished boards (which cost more), be sure to account for the costs associated with finishing too. 90005 90002 Engineered hardwood also comes in a dizzying array of options with many variables and corresponding price points. As with hardwood, the 90011 width, thickness, and finish each impact the price tag, 90012 but veneer thickness and the type of materials used in the plywood core also matter — the thicker and stronger, the better and more expensive.90005 90002 With both types of floors, it’s also worth considering the length and coverage of the warranty. If two different manufacturers sell two identical floors but one offers a 90003 25-year warranty for $ 200 more 90004 while the other is cheaper but only offers 10 years, spending the extra cash may be totally worth it for peace of mind. 90005 90002 Back to Top 90005 90020 The Verdict 90021 90002 As you can see, hardwood and engineered hardwood flooring each have their own advantages and limitations.If you are looking for a 90003 DIY option 90004 with the flexibility to install it in a variety of rooms, engineered hardwood is probably for you. 90005 90002 If you want a floor that you can 90003 refinish repeatedly and have it last for generations 90004 to come, hardwood flooring might be more your speed. No matter your goals, ask yourself what is non-negotiable for your project, and always be sure to read the fine print so you know your floor’s exact limitations. 90005 90002 Back to Top 90005 90370 90002 About Floor Critics 90005 .90000 Engineered Hardwood vs Tile Flooring 90001 90002 A common question renovations or builders consider when they are planning a flooring project: 90003 engineered hardwood or tile flooring? 90004 90005 90002 Whether you are looking primarily at cost or considering only design elements; that question can be an immense consideration for many different reasons. This article will take an in-depth look at 90007 both flooring options 90008, in the hopes of offering an impartial view for consideration.90005 90002 In this exposé, we will consider both products and weigh the 90003 pros and cons 90004 of each product, while we look into the different options engineered hardwood and tile flooring afford the consumer. 90005 90002 90003 In this guide, we’ll explore: 90004 90005 90018 Side-by-Side Comparison 90019 90020 90021 90022 90023 90024 90023 Engineered Hardwood 90024 90023 Tile 90024 90029 90030 90031 90022 90033 Origin 90034 90033 Man-made — First manufactured in the 1960’s 90034 90033 Man-made — First manufactured in ancient times 90034 90029 90022 90033 Ingredients / Composition 90034 90033 Thin layers of manufactured wood (plywood plus high-density or medium-density fiber-wood) soft or hard plywood inner core glued and pressed together in a criss-cross fashion with a thicker hardwood veneer layer.90034 90033 Thin layers of clay molded and let dry (for ceramic and terracotta) or baked to ensure dryness; glazed and baked to create porcelain; or cut from mineral and stone deposits. 90034 90029 90022 90033 Design Options 90034 90033 Dozens of wood styles and finishes. Different board widths, and parket styles. Dozens of color styles. 90034 90033 Unlimited. 90034 90029 90022 90033 Durability 90034 90033 Can show surface scratches. Can absorb moisture and warp or cup. 90034 90033 Can crack and chip under harsh conditions.90034 90029 90022 90033 Waterproof / Water Resistant 90034 90033 More water resistant than hardwood, but still made from wood so will absorb moisture and can become saturated, or grow mould. 90034 90033 Water resistant used in pools and bath houses. 90034 90029 90022 90033 Cleaning 90034 90033 Industrial cleaners can remove finish. Standing water can harm flooring. Dry sweeping and damp mopping when necessary. 90034 90033 Dry sweep and dry or wet mop cleaning. 90034 90029 90022 90033 Stain Resistant 90034 90033 Different wood species used in engineered hardwood can be somewhat stain resistant if the wood’s protective finish is entact.However liquids or other staining substances may stain the wood if left unattended for a length of time. 90034 90033 Most tile is stain resistant, and if the tile and grout has been sealed, most industrial strength cleaners can be used to remove staining. 90034 90029 90022 90033 Longevity 90034 90033 Average lifespan manufacturers suggest is 100 years, since it has only been around for going on 60 years, lifespan is yet unknown. 90034 90033 Some tile lifespan is said to be over 2000 years, so longevity is so-far timeless.90034 90029 90022 90033 Pet-Friendly 90034 90033 Surface scratches from pets — several comments from customers. Manufacturers state the flooring consumer purchased was not a high enough standard to not be affected by pets running on the surface and creating «nail strikes». Consumers advised to purchase and install higher quality engineered hardwood. 90034 90033 With the exception of glazed tile, most tile flooring is pet-friendly and does not show scratches from nail-strikes. 90034 90029 90022 90033 Environmentally-Friendly 90034 90033 Uses less «prize» wood than traditional hardwood.Can be sanded down and refinished two or three times over the lifetime of the product. 90034 90033 Ceramic, porcelain and terracotta tile are eco-friendly because no natural ingrediants are used. Stone and mineral tiles are less eco-friendly in the sense that they use deposits. But are eco-friendly in the sense that they can last several lifetimes before they have to be replaced. 90034 90029 90022 90033 Installation Challenges 90034 90033 Moisture is an issue, but less than hardwood. 90034 90033 Messy during installation, but can be installed anywhere.90034 90029 90022 90033 Installation Surfaces 90034 90033 Any flat, hard and level surface (can be installed over cement as long as the cement has less than 4% moisture) 90034 90033 Can be installed over any surface as long as the surface is level and hard. After installation and sealing moisture is not relevant. 90034 90029 90022 90033 Heat Transfer 90034 90033 High heat transfer ability and can be installed over radiant in-floor heating 90034 90033 Cold, but can be installed over in-floor radiant heating systems 90034 90029 90022 90033 Manufacturers 90034 90033 Owens Plank Flooring, Vintage Solid Sawn, Vintage Northern Solid Sawn, Somerset Engineered Collection 90034 90033 AlysEdwards Tile & Stone, American Olean, Arto Brick, Crossville, Daltile, Eleganza, Emser Tile, Interceramic 90034 90029 90022 90033 Purchasing Options 90034 90033 Specialty Flooring Shops and Big Box Stores — Lowes and Home Depot 90034 90033 Specialty Flooring Shops and Big Box Stores — Lowes and Home Depot 90034 90029 90022 90033 Other Drawbacks 90034 90033 Cheaper flooring has a thinner «wear layer» which is the layer using the «prize» wood.Poorer quality flooring manufacturers are mostly in China. 90034 90033 Messy install, and cold flooring. Warm tile options are vinyl and leather — not spotlighted in the article. 90034 90029 90022 90033 Flooring Guide 90034 90033 Engineered Hardwood Flooring Guide 90034 90033 Tile Flooring Guide 90034 90029 90168 90169 90018 Engineered Hardwood Flooring 90019 90002 This is a 90003 man-made product 90004 consisting of layered wood in a crossed fashion and held together by epoxies and adhesives, then pressed under tremendous pressure and heat.The 90003 top layer 90004 of engineered hardwood is a thick hardwood — veneer stained and sealed. 90005 90002 The core of the engineered hardwood consists of other wood materials pressed in layers. The core can contain up to ten different plywood and pressed composite wood layers. Layers have the wood grain laid perpendicular layer, by layer. 90005 90002 The cores of the engineered hardwood planks are designed in such a way that the layers deter twisting because of the opposing grain placement.90005 90002 Engineered hardwood, like real hardwood, comes in 90007 many different hardness types, thickness types, and colors 90008. Among the common hardwoods available are 90003 walnut, hickory, oak, maple, and bamboo. 90004 90005 90002 Bamboo is available only in an engineered hardwood as bamboo is not available in a full hardwood plank flooring. 90005 90002 Back to Top 90005 90018 Tile Flooring 90019 90002 This is also a 90003 man-made product. 90004 Made of thin slabs of clay, tile products date back to the construction of man’s earliest buildings.Tile is available in many base materials and may come in a 90003 glazed or unglazed finish. 90004 90005 90002 It is available in porcelain, ceramic, terracotta, and stone. In addition to the types of tile flooring available, tile comes in different hardness options. Porcelain tile comes in 90003 six tile types 90004: matte or unglazed; glazed; polished; double charged; full body; and textured or stone finish. 90005 90002 Ceramic tile is offered in 90003 hardness ratings from zero to five, 90004 where zero through two hardness are great for wall tile applications; three hardness is optimal for most residential applications; finally, four and five hardness are the correct hardness for commercial flooring applications.90005 90002 You can custom create this flooring in different styles to resemble wood grain and other hardwood styles. You can even mold it to resemble hammered copper tile. 90005 90002 Back to Top 90005 90018 Nature’s Tile 90019 90002 Tile flooring is also available in 90003 natural marble, slate, sandstone, and granite 90004, to name a few. Mineral and stone materials such as marble and slate tiles are not man-made but rather man-finished. Cut from mineral and stone deposits; these materials are then finished into tile through cut and polish.90005 90002 Back to Top 90005 90018 Leather and Vinyl Tile 90019 90002 Tile flooring has «warm» options available for the consumer. For this article, I have only made comparisons to only include «cold» flooring tiles. Vinyl, leather and other «warm» flooring tile options will be a topic for another time. 90005 90002 Back to Top 90005 90018 Similarities Between Flooring Types 90019 90002 Both engineered hardwood and tile flooring options are available at most flooring specialty shops and renovation outlets, as well as big box stores such as Home Depot and Lowe’s.Both options can be 90003 purchased as inexpensively as $ 2 per square foot 90004 and higher. 90005 90002 Back to Top 90005 90018 From the Experts 90019 90002 Flooring and renovation experts have different views when it comes to which product is the best for both 90007 new construction and renovation 90008 flooring products. However, every expert will advise a client to research each product before deciding on which product is best for their use. 90005 90002 Looking at a few various styles of 90003 engineered hardwood flooring 90004, a consumer would note that each has a timeless essence and promotes a 90007 warm and inviting feeling 90008.Equally, to most renovators and builders, 90003 marble or porcelain tile flooring 90004 is rich and elegant and can look as timeless and classic. 90005 90002 Back to Top 90005 90018 Advantages & Disadvantages 90019 90002 Both tile and engineered flooring have their advantages and disadvantages. Let’s look at the many benefits and the difficulties of engineered hardwood. After that, we will look at the pros and cons of tile flooring. 90005 90002 After reviewing many articles and comparisons, and following manufacturer site product comments and other various professional and personal views, I have noted something.Consumers who have installed engineered flooring either personally or had a professional flooring installer come in have 90007 excellent things to say 90008 about their engineered hardwood flooring. 90005 90002 Back to Top 90005 90018 The History of Engineered Hardwood 90019 90002 Engineered hardwood was first invented and manufactured in the 1960s. Since its invention, manufacturers have made many advancements in both quality and finish of the product. The performance of the product alone has advanced tremendously.90005 90002 In the 90003 1960s 90004, engineered hardwood was known as 90003 «brittle» 90004. Therefore, it was difficult to install without the product easily chipping away. Today’s performance shows engineered hardwood to be strong and durable without that same «brittle» texture. 90005 90002 When manufacturers first produced it, engineered hardwood was known for an issue called 90003 «off-gassing» 90004 — the odor produced by the toxins in the resin and adhesives, pressed into the wood and also found in the stains and topcoats of engineered hardwood .Today, manufacturers maintain that most engineered hardwood does not off-gas, but it is always something consumers should research for themselves by 90007 contacting the manufacturer and assessing their green initiatives. 90008 90005 90002 When it comes to the appearance of engineered hardwood, in the 60s the product had only two or three finish options, whereas today’s engineered hardwood comes in 90003 dozens of wood species 90004, colors, surface effects, and plank widths. 90005 90002 Back to Top 90005 90018 Advantages of Engineered Hardwood 90019 90002 Let’s start by assessing the consensus of 90003 benefits of engineered hardwood flooring: 90004 90005 90288 90289 90290 Eco-Friendly 90291 — Engineered hardwood requires less «prize wood» and thus helps to conserve the forests all over the world.While hardwood flooring is made from solid «prize wood» wood planks, engineered hardwood has a core made from layers of plywood and includes a top layer of «prize wood.» Considering the difference: engineered hardwood flooring is between 90003 3/8 «to ¾» thick 90004, of layered wood; solid hardwood planks are between ½ «to ¾» of «prize wood.» Engineered hardwood uses less «prize-wood» per plank and is, therefore, more eco-friendly. 90294 90289 90290 Sustainability 90291 — Engineered hardwood flooring (like hardwood flooring) can 90007 last several lifetimes.90008 Most engineered hardwood flooring consists of a thick top layer of wood, which can be sanded down and refinished many times. Customers should ask suppliers to ensure the supplier provides a product which has a 90003 thick top wood layer 90004. Some inexpensive products do not have a thick top wood layer, which in turn would prohibit sanding and refinishing more than two or three times over the lifetime of the product. 90294 90289 90290 Moisture Vulnerability 90291 — Like hardwood flooring, engineered hardwood flooring is made from wood, which still makes it vulnerable to moisture.However, unlike hardwood flooring, engineered hardwood flooring has been explicitly manufactured to 90007 resist moisture 90008. Manufacturers maintain that engineered hardwood construction processes include enough heat and pressure force to limit the room for moisture. That is not to say that it can not become ruined by access moisture or by flooding. 90294 90289 90290 Installation Over Concrete 90291 — As with any installation, engineered hardwood still has manufacturer’s recommendations when installing over a concrete slab.Moisture in the concrete must be 90003 less than 4% 90004 before an engineered hardwood should be installed over concrete. Though it may seem obvious, many customer issues noted in my research revolved around engineered hardwood flooring mounted on top of a concrete slab not previously dried to less than 4% moisture. As a result, the moisture from the concrete slab became absorbed by the engineered hardwood, which in turn, caused the engineered hardwood to buckle and cup. 90294 90289 90290 Easy-Care 90291 — Well-maintained engineered hardwood flooring should only ever require 90003 hardwood vacuuming 90004, 90003 soft-cloth sweeping and washing.90004 It should never require wet-mop washing. If a liquid is spilled on engineered hardwood flooring, you should never use a wet mop and bucket to clean the floor. All liquids should be absorbed quickly with towels or paper towels to ensure the liquid does not have a chance to the seep into the flooring. Although the surface time is longer for liquids to absorb into engineered hardwood, in comparison to hardwood planks; both are still wood products, and fluids will eventually seep into them. 90294 90323 90002 One of the secondary qualities consumers found with engineered hardwood is that the 90007 heat transfer ratio was outstanding 90008, and consumers found the flooring to be a warm medium.Because engineered hardwood is a stable medium, you can custom order it in wider board widths. You can order some planks up to 90003 10 «wide. 90004 90005 90002 Another advantage with engineered hardwood is the 90007 range of ways you can install the flooring. 90008 90003 Floating 90004 engineered hardwood is an appropriate option for consumers with level subflooring. Other installation types for engineered hardwood include 90003 glue-down or nail-down options. 90004 90005 90002 Back to Top 90005 90018 Radiant Heating and Engineered Hardwood Flooring 90019 90002 You can install in-floor, radiant heating systems in a flooring area prior to engineered hardwood flooring installation.You can install engineered hardwood on any flooring surface, so long as the surface is secured well, flat and hard. 90005 90002 Back to Top 90005 90018 External Applications for Engineered Hardwood 90019 90002 You can also use engineered hardwood in external applications such as decks, if the application area offers 90007 decent drainage 90008 and the decking is 90007 not in a predominantly wet climate 90008. You can use engineered hardwood as outdoor decking anywhere you would use normal hardwood planks.90005 90002 Back to Top 90005 90018 Engineered Hardwood Complaints 90019 90002 I came across 90003 only two major complaints 90004 about engineered hardwood during my research: 90005 90288 90289 The first complaint I encountered was various consumers stating how their engineered hardwood flooring 90003 faded 90004 in spots where the daily direct sunlight hit the flooring. 90294 90323 90288 90289 The second complaint I encountered was various customers stating that their engineered hardwood flooring showed 90003 scratches from pets 90004 or shoes.One customer even stated that scratches from practicing the «foxtrot» showed up on her flooring after the first time she and her partner danced on the floor. 90294 90323 90002 I looked to the manufacturer’s comments for solutions for these issues. There, I discovered manufacturers recommending that customers look into the quality of the product the customers had purchased. I can only recommend that consumers looking to install engineered hardwood in their home, first look into the 90007 quality of the layers 90008 of the engineered hardwood and also follow any manufacturer’s recommendations for use.90005 90002 My research showed that there are differences in manufacturer specs. Some layers of the plywood used in the construction can be made from soft woods, while others are made from hardwoods. With this in mind, it is up to the consumer to choose the right flooring composition for the project. 90005 90002 As with engineered hardwood, my research into tile flooring yielded 90003 many pros and few cons. 90004 90005 90002 Back to Top 90005 90018 Advantages of Tile Flooring 90019 90002 Consumers realize that as with wood flooring, tile flooring is a great selling feature for homes on the market.I even came across many consumers who described ceramic tile flooring as being «the most 90003 versatile 90004 flooring product on the market, with applications for use in every building or renovation project.» High praise, indeed; I found that research into tile flooring supported this praise. 90005 90288 90289 90290 Longevity 90291 — If you were to visit the Isle of Pompeii, you would view many fantastic ceramic tile sites, which are still in near perfect condition, even after almost 2,000 years.People have made various and similar other tile discoveries in China, Mongolia, Italy, Rome, and England dating back hundreds and even thousands of years. People consider tile — virtually any type — to be 90003 timeless. 90004 Glazed tile is both 90003 stain- and water-resistant 90004. Unglazed tile requires sealant to become stain and water resistant, which in turn, improves the tile’s longevity. Terracotta tile is one of the oldest forms of tile in existence, yet it is still a leading tile style people use in floor construction today.90294 90323 90288 90289 90290 Versatility 90291 — From my research, I have found that tile is the only flooring type that people can install almost anywhere. You can install it in every room of a house. People use it in 90007 practically every commercial application 90008. You can install this flooring in high traffic areas, high humidity areas, cold climates, warm climates and every area or climate in between. 90294 90323 90288 90289 90290 Water-Resistant 90291 — When you properly seal, dry and install unglazed tile, glazed tile and sealed grout, they become water-resistant.People have used tiles to surface swimming pools and bathhouses dating back to the times of the Greek and Roman Empire rule. 90294 90323 90288 90289 90290 Easy Maintenance 90291 — When the grout and unglazed tile surface are sealed, maintenance of a tile floor should consist of 90007 sweeping or vacuuming with a tile vacuum, or a soft brush and damp-mopping the surface 90008. If stains should happen to set into the tile surface, most home and industrial tile cleaning products will clear the stain without damaging the tile surface.As in the case of a glazed tile, you must seal only the grout to keep out water and dirt, because of the glazed tile’s special treatment (glazing) during manufacture. 90294 90323 90288 90289 90290 Designability 90291 — Unlike every other flooring style, only the designers dreams limit tile flooring’s design. Custom creations have been in production since tile was first manufactured and from the days where 90003 kings and pharaohs 90004 have had their masons create their every design desire.Today, manufacturers carve tiles out of marble slabs in different shapes, both small and large. They make ceramic and porcelain tiles in molds which resemble wood planks etched with the wood’s grain, or in molds which have icon shapes etched in the surface. The manufacturer can make molds to look like stone with all different sizes of pebble curves. They can also make tiles look like small parts of a greater picture, like water tumbling over a mountain cliff or pieces of a grand mosaic. 90294 90323 90002 Back to Top 90005 90018 The History of Tile Flooring 90019 90002 As mentioned, people have produced tile flooring as far back into history as the recorded word.As ancient kings and pharaohs had the masons of the time produce many tile masterpieces for both floor applications and wall applications. 90005 90002 Through the ages, tile has represented prestige and wealth. However, in this day and age, tile flooring is a common application available to all classes, because tile flooring can be an 90003 inexpensive flooring option 90004, or it can be an indication of wealth and prestige by the use of 90003 more expensive 90004 tiling materials or more expensive molds and custom cuts of natural stone and minerals.90005 90002 Back to Top 90005 90018 Disadvantages of Tile Flooring 90019 90002 During my research adventure, I discovered only a couple «downsides» to installing tile flooring. Other than the mess during installation, the only other main drawback to tile flooring I came across happened to be the 90003 temperature 90004 of the product. 90005 90002 Tile flooring is «cold». However, you could easily install tile over in-floor radiant heating. Given this easy fix, can we even call the temperature of tile flooring a «drawback?» I will leave that assessment to the consumer.90005 90002 Back to Top 90005 90018 Flooring Conclusions 90019 90002 Like almost every consumer product, buyers need to research the exact product they intend to install when it comes to flooring. Only your project designer can decide whether your project calls for 90003 engineered hardwood or porcelain tile 90004. 90005 90002 Your research should include not only color, texture and width of the engineered hardwood or the size of the ceramic tile. It should also include the manufacture of the product in addition to the cost per square foot.90005 90002 No two design projects will be the same. Every consumer should be aware of the goal they are fulfilling when they choose the project’s flooring type. By defining and establishing 90003 your project’s flooring goal 90004, and keeping in mind the limitations or special requirements of the type of flooring you intend to install, your flooring project is sure to become the solid footing you want it to be. 90005 90002 Back to Top 90005 90470 90002 About Lori Hamm 90005 90002 I have been writing in one form or another since I was 11 years old and won my first national poetry contest.Now, at almost a half century young, I have over 200 published poems to my name and at least as many feature articles created and published in the last few years. 90005 .