Moncton, NB
Are you thinking about upgrading your floors? If you want the beauty of hardwood without the hefty price or upkeep, engineered hardwood flooring might be the perfect fit. It looks like solid wood, feels like solid wood, but comes with better durability and flexibility, especially for homes in Dartmouth, NS, and Moncton, NB, where humidity and seasonal changes can affect traditional flooring. We get questions about engineered wood flooring all the time, so we’re answering the most common ones below to help you make a confident decision.
What is engineered hardwood flooring?
Engineered hardwood is a layered wood flooring product. It’s made with a top layer of real hardwood and several layers of plywood or fiberboard underneath. This structure gives it more strength and resistance to changes in temperature and moisture than solid hardwood.
In simpler terms: it’s real wood on top, with smart engineering underneath. You get the look and warmth of hardwood without the swelling, shrinking, or warping that can happen with solid wood.
How does it compare to solid hardwood?
The biggest difference is the construction. Solid hardwood is made from a single piece of wood, while engineered hardwood flooring is made from multiple layers. This layered design makes engineered flooring more stable, which is great for areas where moisture levels change, like basements, kitchens, or even our coastal climate here in Nova Scotia.
Most people can’t tell the difference visually. Once installed, engineered hardwood floors look just as beautiful as solid wood.
Can engineered hardwood flooring be refinished?
This is a big one. Yes, many engineered hardwood floors can be refinished, but not as many times as solid hardwood. It depends on the thickness of the top layer (called the wear layer). Thicker wear layers can handle sanding and refinishing once or twice, which is usually enough for most homeowners over the lifespan of the floor.
If refinishing is important to you, just ask us to show you options with thicker top layers.
Is engineered wood flooring waterproof?
No, it’s not fully waterproof, but it is more water-resistant than solid hardwood. The plywood core handles moisture better, and some engineered products even come with water-resistant coatings. This makes it a safer choice for kitchens, dining rooms, or any high-traffic areas that may see occasional spills.
That said, if you need true waterproof performance, you might want to explore luxury vinyl options.
What styles and colours are available with engineered wood flooring?
You’ll find engineered hardwood flooring in almost every wood species, finish, and colour imaginable. Oak, maple, hickory, walnut—you name it. Whether you love a rustic hand-scraped look or something sleek and modern, there’s an option to match your style.
It also comes in a variety of plank widths and textures. Want that wide-plank, cottage-style look? We’ve got it. Prefer something more traditional? That’s here too.
How long does engineered hardwood flooring last?
Engineered wood flooring can last anywhere from 20 to 40 years, depending on the quality, installation, and care. Higher-end products with thicker wear layers tend to last longer. Keeping your floors clean and dry and using furniture pads to avoid scratches will help extend their life.
It’s a long-term investment that adds both value and comfort to your home.
Where can engineered hardwood floors be installed?
Here’s where engineered hardwood flooring really shines. You can install it in places where solid hardwood usually isn’t recommended, like over concrete subfloors or radiant heat systems. It’s also great for finished basements, which are common in many homes in the area.
Depending on the subfloor and product, you can float it, glue it down, or even nail it.
Is engineered wood flooring eco-friendly?
Yes. Many engineered hardwood products are made using sustainable practices. Since they use less hardwood overall and combine it with fast-growing wood layers, they can be a more environmentally conscious choice. Some are even certified by organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
If sustainability matters to you, we can help you find the right fit.
We offer high-end hardwood floors in Dartmouth, NS, and Moncton, NB
At Ritchie's Flooring Warehouse, we carry a wide selection of engineered hardwood flooring from trusted brands. Whether you’re upgrading a single room or redoing your whole home, we’ll walk you through your options, answer your questions, and make sure you get the perfect floor for your space and budget. Our showrooms in Dartmouth, NS, and Moncton, NB, serve Moncton, Dieppe, Riverview, Shediac, NB, and Amherst, NS.
