What is Engineered Wood?

Engineered wood is a type of man-made wood

Engineered wood is a type of artificial wood made from plywood or a combination of resins and sawdust under pressure. The material was introduced in the 1960s as a cost-efficient alternative to solid wood. It has since become one of the most popular types of wooden paneling, especially in commercial construction, but also in residential applications.

Plywood consists of plies (thin layers) glued together with resin and sawdust under pressure. Plywood consists of one or more thin layers of medium density fiberboard (MDF), oriented strand board (OSB), particleboard, chipboard, or another similar material covered with an outer layer in which many resin-based adhesives have been laid down before application. MDF is fabricated with many small fiber strands woven into long fiber bundles at angles so that individual fibers are aligned along the width of the board. OSB is manufactured by cutting long sheets from lumber milled into narrow strips and then further compressed under heat and pressure for compression bonding.

The two main types are:

1- Plywood refers to panels composed of multiple thin sheets bound together with glue and often coated with a plastic or epoxy resin binder, which creates a lightweight yet sturdy product suitable for interior applications.

2- MDF refers to a single sheet made from several layers glued together with various resins to form highly resilient panels used primarily for exterior use as siding systems adhered to framing members placed on both inside and outside surface(s).

 

Engineered wood can have layers of different types

Engineered wood is plywood, hardboard, veneer and other products made by layering pieces of wood. Plywood and hardboard are made up of thin sheets of wood glued together with the grains alternating at right angles. This gives them strength, durability and resistance to warping. Veneer is made by gluing a thin layer of high quality wood to other lower grade woods or manmade materials. Engineered wood products are more stable than solid wood because they are less likely to warp or split due to changes in temperature and humidity. They also have a greater resistance to shrinking, swelling and cracking than solid wood does.

 

Engineered wood is high performance.

Engineered wood is also much stronger than natural hardwood and holds up better to the elements. It’s water-resistant, termite-resistant, rot-resistant and it doesn’t warp, crack or shrink. This means that engineered wood flooring can be installed in rooms where natural hardwood would not be recommended, like bathrooms and kitchens. Floors are easier to install since there is no need for acclimation prior to installation (the process of letting wood adjust to the humidity of its surroundings). Engineered wood is also more dimensionally stable than natural hardwood, which makes it a great choice for wide plank applications. This added stability results in fewer lengths of transition strips for a more seamless looking floor.

 

Engineered wood has design flexibility.

Engineered wood has design flexibility. Because it can be molded and shaped, it is an ideal material for curved or arched structures. If you are looking to create a unique, designer look for your home’s exterior, engineered wood is the perfect choice because of its flexibility to meet your specific needs. In addition to its design flexibility, engineered wood performs well in a variety of outdoor conditions from sub-zero temperatures to hot and humid climates.

 

You can find engineered wood for almost every use in your home.

  • Engineered wood can be used for most hardwood flooring.
  • It is also used for cabinets, furniture and doors.
  • Engineered wood is even used in the manufacture of some musical instruments.
  • And, it’s an essential component in the construction of large buildings.

 

Understanding engineered wood is important if you’re looking to do remodeling or building.

Engineered wood is made from multiple layers of wood, including plywood, oriented strand board (OSB), and hard or softwood veneer. It offers several benefits over natural wood:

  • Strength: Engineered wood can be many times stronger than natural wood. This makes it an excellent choice for remodeling projects that involve framing walls, flooring, and furniture making.
  • Durability: Because it’s made from different types of material, engineered wood is often able to withstand the elements better than natural wood.
  • Cost: Some types of engineered woods are cheaper than their solid counterparts.


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