Lumber is one of the essential components for any home improvement project. Over the past few years, engineered lumber has gained popularity in residential and commercial construction projects. It is widely used for furniture design, paneling wall and roof sheathing, and beams. Flooring is another aspect where it is extensively implemented.
There are various reasons for the popularity of engineered lumber for home improvement projects. Read on to learn about some of them.
Reasons to Use Engineered Lumber
Aesthetic Appeal
The appearance of engineered lumber is often confused with natural hardwood because they are pretty identical. It also has effective insulation and provides resistance against sound and temperature fluctuations. Engineered lumber is also available in various colors, textures, and designs. It offers a perfect and customized outlook for your space and increases the overall aesthetic appeal of your home.
Sanding & Refurnishing
The bottom layers of engineered wood are made of compressed wood—similar to laminates— and the top layer is the same as natural wood. So, you can provide them with a wide range of pre-treatments that solid timber might not be able to absorb. Sanding is one such treatment that can be used to refinish and retain the original color of the wood. This process helps the panels last longer and gives a fresh look to your floors or panels.
Durability
Certain researchers have found that engineered lumber has excellent durability. It can last longer than solid wood; in fact, if maintained well, engineered lumber may even last for over a hundred years. Engineered wooden flooring panels have an additional layer that provides more stability, making them sturdier than their solid counterparts. Thanks to the underlayment, you don’t have to worry about nails protruding around the panels. The reinforced layers of the wood particles can also protect them from scratches or dents. These qualities make engineered lumber ideal for your flooring, paneling, and roofing requirements.
Increase Property Value
In recent times, most of the population opts for engineered lumber flooring because of its look and durability. However, engineered lumber can also help you enhance your property value and assist you in attracting ideal buyers. So if you’re planning to renovate your home and sell it, engineered lumber might help you get a good deal.
Wide Range of Options
With engineered lumber, you can choose from a wide variety of colors and finishes based on your budget, tastes, and your home’s overall look. In addition to giving your home a sophisticated look, it is also easy to clean and maintain.
Strength
Strength is another major benefit of engineered lumber. Since they are designed to meet certain building standards, they are sturdy and of good quality. They are created with high-intensity glue that binds the wood particles. The glue enhances stability and strength. Moreover, it also makes engineered lumber waterproof and resistant to rot and pests. Additionally, the adhesive circumvents any warping and bending issues—which is common in natural wood. These qualities contribute to the extended life of engineered lumber products.
Resistance to Weather Changes
Natural or solid wood is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs the moisture resulting in swelling up of wood. As humidity reduces and the temperature fluctuates, moisture is released, causing the wood to shrink. This repeated process can affect the durability of your products. However, engineered wood has the potential to resist such climatic changes. This offers stability for any home improvement project, such as flooring, furniture, panels, or roofing.
Easy Installation
The process of installing any engineered lumber is easy and quick. It can be done even by an amateur without any specific equipment or tools. Engineered hardwood is dimensionally stable, it can be installed in many different ways, such as gluing using flexible flooring adhesive, floating over an underlay, or nailing and screwing. Moreover, you can use it immediately after installation. This makes engineered woods popular among DIY technicians who do the work themselves instead of seeking a professional’s help.
Cost-Effective
Home renovation is an expensive process, whether it’s a partial revamp or a complete makeover. The building materials account for the major cost of the project. One of the best ways to reduce expenses is to replace natural wood using engineered lumber. It has all the benefits of natural lumber and various other benefits. Moreover, you will find a significant difference in your remodeling, especially when it is a major project.
Eco-friendly
Engineered lumber is undoubtedly more eco-friendly than natural wood. Since it uses all parts of the tree—even defects or pieces leftover from cutting dimensional lumber—it not only reduces waste but also prevents the hazards of deforestation and retains the natural greenery. This is because engineered wood is made from usable wood particles or remnants which might be discarded or burned if they are not transformed into engineered lumber.
High-Quality
The consistency of engineered lumber is key to its quality. It is a blend of dry materials designed with strict adherence to manufacturing standards. The attention to detail and quality keeps engineered lumber from shrinking, cupping, bending, and more. It also makes the material resort to fewer defects adding reliability and credibility. Moreover, it is comparatively stronger, straighter, and stiffer than its conventional counterpart. As a result, it also offers greater protection from natural disasters.
Available in Different Sizes
Engineered lumber is available in various sizes. You can get bigger or smaller sizes because they’re created by composite, and cut from single trees.
Engineered lumber is a great choice for construction. It has immense benefits. The versatility it possesses makes it the perfect choice for home makeover projects. If you are looking forward to a home makeover and still wondering about engineered lumber? Reach out to Excelsior &KaslanderLumber Company. We are a team of experienced and well-equipped professionals providing innovative home construction products. We will walk you through every aspect to help you choose the best that meets your requirements.