After a year at home has left most of us wanting a naturalistic interior, light, cerused oak is the foundation most requested by homeowners because it complements nearly every interior style from Contemporary to Scandinavian to Eclectic Glamour.
Is It Really Real Wood?
Yes. Although the processes seems to vary between manufacturers, engineered real wood veneer is sealed in a way that prevents moisture from leaking through the gaps thus stopping mold, mildew and subfloor damage. Special plank locking systems also warrant against water seepage.
Sustainably Sourced
Engineered wood utilizes a lot less of the tree per plank than solid hardwoods, making it a more environmentally sustainable, natural product. Many waterproof hardwood flooring manufacturers are also producing domestically which reduces the high embodied cost and environmental impact of shipping products from overseas.
Low VOC Waterproof Flooring
Covid-19 forced many of us inside with an unprecedented shift in the way we live, work, and play. That shift has sparked an awakening in the interest in indoor air quality (IAQ). Many non-wood waterproof flooring options including laminate and vinyl can add VOCs to your home. 3rd party certifications awarded to manufacturers can help provide valuable information when shopping flooring. Top certifications include SCS Global Services Indoor Air Advantage Gold and FloorScore certification
Antimicrobial Technology and Cleanability
Actual waterproof hardwood flooring is safe for wet-mopping. New coatings not only prevent dirt from building up. they also add durability against dents and color fading. Some top layers also include antimicrobial technology that inhibits the growth of bacteria on the floor surface, thus providing an added degree of confidence in for use in bathrooms and laundries.
Unique Patterns
While imitation wood products might have only 4 to 7 patterns offered in a flooring collection, waterproof hardwood floors is actual wood so every plank is unique. There’s also beauty in wood imperfections such as knots.
Read the Fine Print
Don’t be fooled by marketing hype. Some floors may only offer 24 hour water protection while another might offer 72. Read the fine print for not only the material but also the installation requirements. Warranties can also vary. Mohawk is the only company I know of that offers a lifetime warranty. I’ve also seen 50 years which seems pretty good since many people remodel once every 20 years or so.
