Engineered Flooring is relatively new to the market but is an exceptional product that is quickly gaining popularity.  Although frequently (and incorrectly) confused with Laminate Flooring, Engineered Flooring is an altogether different product.  Its name is derived from the fabrication process which involves a plywood substrate (usually 5 or 7 layers) glued together with grains running at 90 degrees.  This gives the flooring exception resistance to warping and twisting, and great strength despite being thinner than most solids.  Atop the plywood substrate is a veneer of solid wood.  This veneer layer can range from 1/8" up to 3/8" or more.  It is then pre-finished with several coats of an aluminum oxide or ceramic enhanced polyurethane for incredible wear and fading resistance.  Engineered flooring can be nailed down, glued down, glued together, and floated over almost any subfloor and when installed is almost impossible to distinguish for a solid hardwood.  Ask our flooring professionals if Engineered Flooring is a good option for you.

Laminate Flooring generally refers to a flooring material that consists of a dense masonite-like substrate, with a woodgrained and colored image adhered on top.  This image is then coated with enhanced polyurethanes to create a remarkably durable finish.  Most Laminate floors feature a locking mechanism that allows the floor to be installed without the use of fasteners or glue.  Laminate floors can be installed over a wide variety of subfloors and in most residential and commercial applications.  Although the locking mechanism makes these floors easy to assemble, the expertise of a flooring professional is essential to avoid short and long term failure caused by moisture, insufficient expansion gaps, and incorrect transition usage.  When in doubt have a professional do it.  And choose John Leonard & Company for all your flooring needs.