How to Spot Top-Grade Engineered Hardwood Flooring in Toronto

When shopping for engineered hardwood flooring in Toronto, you need to know how to spot a quality product. Not all hardwood flooring is the same, and knowing how to recognize a good grade of flooring gives you a huge advantage. Most consumers are influenced by clever advertising and hype, and usually end up purchasing less than the best quality flooring. Investing the time to read this article will guarantee that you are not one of those who end up with an inferior product because of being swayed by clever advertising. The following information will equip you with the facts you need to recognize quality engineered hardwood flooring in Toronto.

Look for Uniformity When Shopping for Hardwood Flooring in Toronto

Investing a few minutes in a simple procedure will help you to immediately spot an inferior product. You simply place a few planks of flooring on the ground and fit them together. If the tongue and groove joints fit together easily and uniformly you have found a good grade product. Check to make sure that the planks are also level with each other and that there is no warping. If the flooring wobbles when placed on the ground it is a sign that some of the planks are warped.

What to Look for in the Finish

A single huge mistake that many consumers make when buying hardwood flooring in Toronto is assuming that the more coats the planking has the more durable the finish is. That is not necessarily true, as what creates a durable finish is the type of coating used. Factory finishes are generally more durable than those applied on site because they are applied in optimal conditions. Factories use ultra-violet light to dry the finish, which can last for up to 30 years.

One way to spot a quality finish is to check that the color is uniform from box to box. It is also important to inspect the planks to make sure the coating covers the joints as this will ensure that dirt and liquids won’t seep into the flooring and discolour it.

Look for Imperfections When Choosing Hardwood Flooring in Toronto

Much of the beauty of hardwood flooring is created by the natural mineral marks and knots. They don’t affect the quality of the flooring, but unnatural flaws such as raised grain or broken joints do. Such imperfections can cause injury as well, so keep a careful eye out for them. Conscientious contractors specializing in hardwood flooring and installation in Toronto will check for such flaws themselves, but it doesn’t hurt to have a second pair of trained eyes looking out for them as well.