Engineered wood flooring is made from natural wood but is not solid wood. It is constructed from multiple layers of wood material stacked and glued together, with a top layer of hardwood.
One of the critical components of engineered wood flooring is the wear layer, which is the topmost layer of flooring. For instance, when you buy engineered flooring, you may see options like 6mm wear layer engineered flooring. The thicker the wear layer, the better it is. This wear layer plays a critical role in the flooring’s durability, appearance, and overall quality.
What is the wear layer in engineered wood flooring?
The wear layer is the topmost layer of the engineered wood flooring and is made of real hardwood. It is the layer that is exposed to the elements and is the most visible part of the flooring.
The thickness of the wear layer can vary depending on the manufacturer and the specific product, but it is usually between 2mm to 20mm thick. The thickness of the wear layer is responsible for providing the flooring with its durability and resistance to wear and tear.
What is the role of the wear layer in engineered wood flooring?
Durability
The wear layer is the first line of defense against wear and tear, such as scratches, dents, and scuffs. The thicker the wear layer, the more durable the flooring will be. A 6mm wear layer engineered flooring means that the flooring will be able to withstand more traffic and heavy use without showing signs of wear.
Appearance
The appearance of the flooring is primarily dependent on the wear layer. The hardwood in the wear layer is typically finished with a stain or clear finish that enhances the natural beauty of the wood.
The wear layer can also be sanded and refinished multiple times, giving the flooring a longer lifespan and maintaining its beauty for years. For instance, if you have 20mm engineered wood flooring, it can be sanded at least 15 to 20 times.
Quality
The wear layer also significantly impacts the quality of the flooring. A high-quality wear layer will provide the flooring with a smooth and even surface without any knots, cracks, or imperfections. It helps create a consistent and uniform appearance, making the flooring more visually appealing.
Resale value
You must invest in thicker wear layer flooring, such as 6mm wear layer engineered flooring when it comes to resale value. A thick and durable wear layer can increase the home’s resale value, making the flooring a valuable investment.
It is because the flooring will maintain its appearance and durability for a longer period of time, making it a more appealing feature for potential buyers as they do not have to install new flooring after every few years.
Maintenance
A thicker wear layer means the flooring can be sanded and refinished multiple times, making it easier to maintain its appearance over time. On the other hand, a thinner wear layer may need to be replaced sooner, which can be more costly and time-consuming.
Conclusion
Hence, when choosing engineered wood flooring, it is essential to consider the thickness of the wear layer and how it will impact the overall quality and lifespan of the flooring. A thick and high-quality wear layer will provide the flooring with the durability, appearance, and quality you are looking for, making it a valuable investment for your home or office.
