ENGINEERED > SOLID?
There is no doubt about it: the benefits of engineered wood floors are real and numerous. This layered flooring solution is a favorite of many homeowners and developers. Read on to learn about their history and benefits. After that, we will explore how Smartwood takes wood floors to the next level!
Wood is one of the best materials for floors in your home or commercial space. It is hard to beat the elegant beauty and timeless appeal of real wood flooring. Wood floors have come a long way from their humble beginnings in the 17th century. One should first have a grasp of the history of wood floors and their composition. After that, we will explore the benefits and advantages of engineered wood flooring.
WOOD FLOORING 101
Wood floors and their design remained largely unchanged since their invention in the 1600’s. Early wood floors were made of raw, unfinished planks laid over dirt or stone. European elites were able to afford these and customize them, but for the average person even the simplest wood flooring was an unattainable luxury.
North American colonists encountered massive untouched forests and consequently began to introduce wood flooring to the common man. Settlers would lay unfinished, imprecise planks in their homes and then allow them to wear smooth through use.
Modern day solid wood floorboards are precisely cut and often carefully finished. However, solid wood flooring remains much the same as it was almost 400 years ago. Tongue & groove edges added in the early 1900’s made for easier installation, but a solid wood floor remains a solid wood floor.
THE ENGINEERED REVOLUTION
In the second half of the 20th century, the post-war development boom in the United States introduced more widespread demand for wood flooring. Unfortunately, the premium price of high-quality solid wood flooring proved prohibitive for many developers and homeowners. The demand for wood floors at an affordable price point led to the development of engineered wood flooring in the 1960’s.
Engineered wood flooring introduced differences in technology and composition. To clarify, layers of cheaper wood or plywood glued together support a thin top layer of the desired hardwood. This creates a more durable foundation, a similar appearance to solid wood floor, and a lower price point.
Engineered floors reduce moisture problems, provide added stability, and require less maintenance than their solid wood forefathers. Engineered wood floors are also better for the environment. Manufacturers slice the veneers, producing no sawdust. This technique uses much more of a tree’s wood. Engineered wood floors also use considerably less of the desired hardwood. This allows one tree to create much more square footage of flooring.
Please refer to the Home Depot engineered wood floor guide for more information on different types of engineered wood flooring.
Please refer to the National Wood Flooring Association for more information on the different types of custom hardwood flooring.
THE SMARTWOOD DIFFERENCE
Plato said it best: “necessity is the mother of invention.” We spent years in the flooring and development industry working with suppliers, customers and designers. As a result, we learned a few things. We realized that wood floors have not kept up with the technological advancements of our time. Smartwood was born in 2008 with a focus on durability, adaptability and the highest quality.
Smartwood employs a number of modern technological advancements. These create a better wood floor. We discovered that we could match the benefits of traditional engineered wood flooring and add to them.
NATURAL WOOD
First, we select the finest hardwood species and finishes. This ensures that your wood floor will be beautifully built to last. Smartwood is available in many different colors. Moreover, we also offer custom color and finish development for unique projects. In addition, our proprietary wood flooring is available in a variety of widths and lengths to fit any space and project.
COMPOSITILE BASE
Our proprietary base is the real VIP. It is made of 75% recycled material and lends each Smartwood board the convenience of tile. Tongue & groove profiles allow for hassle-free installation. This also creates nearly limitless customization options. Above all, Smartwood is perfect for nearly any climate. Our Compositile base allows heat transfer and temperature change without warping.
SOUND DAMPENING
Smartwood reduces sound with SmartGuard™. This is our dual-layer barrier of sound reduction. The first layer of protection is a unique pre-attached honeycomb membrane. Next comes Smart-Step, our proprietary rubberized adhesive bottom layer. Most importantly, they combine to form a dual-layer of sound reducing performance.
Now you know about the history and advantages of engineered wood floors. We also discussed the innovations that make the Smartwood difference. Therefore, its time to begin your custom hardwood flooring journey!
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