Because of it’s tendency to shrink and expand with extreme temperature and humidity changes, it is recommended to have a climate controlled environment when choosing solid wood for the home.

It’s made from layers of wood stacked and glued together under heat and pressure. There are usually three to seven layers (plies) stacked with grains running perpendicular to each other. The top finish layer can be cut from a variety of domestic or exotic hardwood species and is generally factory prefinished with a polyurethane or an aluminum oxide finish. Engineered wood is more dimensionally stable than solid hardwood because the layers keep heat and humidity in balance. Because it is less inclined to swell and shrink, engineered wood can be installed in areas where solid wood cannot such as over concrete or in high-moisture areas.