Engineered wood is made of pieces of real wood, scrap wood, shredded wood fibers and/or sawdust that are binded together.
Engineered hardwood is made of layers with 100% natural wood on top, wood on the bottom, and a highly stable core in the middle.
The core consists of 5 to 7 layers of plywood, pressed together in a crisscrossed pattern.
Engineered wood, also called mass timber, composite wood, man-made wood, or manufactured board, includes a range of derivative wood products which are manufactured by binding or fixing the strands.
Good quality engineered wood is durable and resistant to moisture.
Marine ply is most suited for use in kitchens and bathrooms.
Engineered wood is suitable for making modular kitchens, bookshelves, and wardrobes, and can be finished with veneers or laminates.
Solid wood is by far a much better choice for homeowners.
It may cost more than furniture made out of engineered wood, but will last much longer making it much better value for money.
Engineered hardwood typically lasts between 20 and 30 years.
Because they do have a top layer of hardwood, like solid hardwood, they are susceptible to scratches.
If scratch resistance is important to you, look for engineered hardwood floors with a scratch-resistant top coat.
All traditional engineered hardwood is not waterproof.
A new engineered hardwood product has a vinyl core with a wooden top or outer wooden layer.
It is called engineered vinyl plank or EVP.
MDF or medium-density fiberboard is a type of engineered wood that is made by breaking down the fiber of hardwood and softwood.