Installing Engineered Hardwood in Toronto Basements: What You Need to Know

Installing Engineered Hardwood in Toronto Basements: What You Need to Know

Although many Toronto homeowners have a soft spot for solid wood flooring, basements are not the ideal location. The alternative is engineered hardwood flooring. Indeed, this is the best option if you want to install new basement flooring that looks like hardwood.

At AA Floors, we believe it is important to know what you are buying before you buy it. So, here we explore the pros and cons of installing engineered hardwood flooring in your Toronto home’s basement.

Let’s get started.

Engineered Hardwood Flooring in Toronto Basements: Pros & Cons

Basement flooring tends to be overlooked by many Toronto homeowners, but it’s a great way to add extra square footage to your home. Find out its benefits and drawbacks before deciding if it’s the right option.

The Pros

Here are a few reasons why engineered hardwood flooring remains a popular option in Toronto basements.

1. It Is Aesthetically Pleasing

Many homeowners list wood flooring as their top choice because of its durability and appearance. There is no denying the charm and beauty of hardwood floors, but they are not suitable for a basement’s high-moisture environment.

Engineered hardwood flooring is an excellent substitute that looks the same and is more suited to the level of moisture found below ground.

2. It Is Easy to Install

Professional installation is highly recommended for all types of flooring, especially in moisture-prone areas. However, if you are looking for ways to save money, you will be glad for engineered hardwood’s ease of installation.

Engineered hardwood flooring is easier to install than solid wood flooring. Just make sure you have the right tools and expertise, as poorly-installed flooring can be expensive to fix.

3. It Increases Your Home’s Resale Value

Any home renovation should increase your property’s value. Renovating basement flooring can yield up to 70% return on your investment (ROI), so for every $1,000 you spend, you can expect to get back $700. This is great if you ever plan to sell.

Engineered hardwood flooring is a great alternative to solid wood flooring and can yield a similarly high return on your investment.

4. It Resists Moisture

Solid wood flooring is never a good idea in a dark, damp basement, as it will eventually become damaged. Engineered hardwood flooring performs better and lasts longer in moisture-prone areas if installed correctly.

5. It Is Comfortable Underfoot

Toronto winters can be bitterly cold, particularly in basements. An improved underfoot experience can be achieved by installing engineered hardwood flooring. It is installed with underlayment, which offers cushioning and insulation.

The Cons

Like any other flooring material, engineered hardwood also has disadvantages which should be considered when shopping for basement flooring.

1. Quality Can Vary

The quality of the product will vary by the manufacturer, which will directly impact the performance of the engineered hardwood flooring in your Toronto home.

Low-quality engineered flooring tends to absorb moisture even if the area is sealed correctly, which eventually causes flooring issues like unwanted expansion. So, make sure to invest in high-quality flooring from reputable manufacturers.

2. It Can Be Expensive

If budget is an important factor when choosing your basement flooring, note that engineered hardwood can cost $3 to $9 ft², plus installation. Higher-quality engineered flooring can cost even more, so be sure to budget for a quality product.

 

We hope this helps you make the right decision when it comes to buying engineered hardwood flooring for your Toronto basement. It is very important to consider all aspects, such as your budget and lifestyle when considering any flooring option. Renovating your basement floor can be a great way to transform the space and use it as an extra bedroom or home office. Need help? Consult our team. They will help you choose the right product for your space.