If you decide to purchase engineered bamboo flooring for your home from Woodwudy Wholesale Flooring, you will have options to choose from regarding the core of the flooring, a plywood core or a HDF (High Density Fiberboard) core. The core of the flooring is important because it is the foundation of the flooring that supports the top bamboo layer. Plywood has commonly been used to make the core for engineered flooring and has been considered to be the better choice. However, HDF core is more moisture resistant, harder and more stable than a plywood core.
One reason being that plywood is made from more common species of wood like Poplar that has a Janka Hardness Rating of 500 to Birch that has a Janka Hardness Rating of 1200. On the other hand, HDF core has a Janka Hardness Rating of 1700, making it harder and therefore, more durable and impact resistant. It will be less susceptible to denting from the impact of heavy objects landing on the floor or spiked heels or furniture legs that leave unsightly indentations.
Some people prefer engineered flooring because it is less likely to expand and contract due to temperature changes or the amount of humidity in the air, making it more stable, since solid wood flooring will absorb moisture from the air and expand accordingly and then contract when there is less moisture in the air, due to seasonal changes. Plywood has a cross ply construction, which is achieved by placing thin layers of wood on top of each other in a cross grain method and then bonding them together. HDF is made of recycled sawdust from real wood that is mixed with a resin and compressed together, creating a more stable core. So, if you live in an area near water, where there is high humidity in the air or an area that experiences dramatic weather changes, HDF core bamboo would be a better choice.
In the unfortunate event of flooding or exposure to excessive moisture from such things as a broken water pipe, all wood flooring is susceptible to damage. The difference between HDF core and plywood core when exposed to water is that initially HDF is more moisture resistant and will absorb moisture at a lower rate and plywood will absorb water faster, giving HDF core the advantage. Both of these cores will swell equally when exposed to large amounts of water. However, there is a 50% chance that the plywood core will shrink back down to its original shape and size after it dries out and the HDF core will not, giving the plywood core the advantage.
Most likely, if an incident occurs and your house is flooded, bamboo or hardwood flooring will sustain water damage and have to be replaced. In such instance, your homeowners insurance will cover the cost of replacing your flooring, thus you will be covered should a catastrophe happen, so that should not hinder your decision to choose engineered flooring.
At Woodwudy Wholesale Flooring we are always glad to serve you.
If you have any questions please contact us or give us a call at 1-877-966-3983.
