Prefinished Engineered Plank

Prefinished Engineered Plank Guide

There are many types of prefinished hardwood flooring products on the market today, which makes it very important for interior designers, decorators and homeowners to determine their particular performance, style and installation requirements.  Selecting the type of prefinished wood for the floor is usually a matter of personal preference. The inherent color and grain of the tree is going to show through any finish applied. However, some woods are harder than others. The harder types of wood usually look better in heavy-traffic areas.

There are essentially two types of wood flooring constructions: Traditional solid oak and engineered products. Engineered wood floors, available in three-- and five-ply varieties, consist of wood pressed together with the grains running in different directions. This makes it more dimensionally stable than solid wood, meaning the floor will expand and contract less during changes in humidity and temperature. Engineered products are built to withstand moisture, which makes them applicable for many commercial applications.

Most engineered wood floors are factory-finished and backed by extensive warranties covering both finish and structural integrity. By comparison, warranties for unfinished products vary by flooring contractor or installer because they are not finished under controlled conditions.

Site preparation is simpler because many prefinished engineered woods are longer and wider than individual solid hardwood planks, allowing installers to gain more coverage in less time. The installation of factory-finished floors is quicker and heater than that of unfinished wood, which requires many labor- and time-intensive steps of sanding, staining and finishing. Factory-applied finishes also offer the benefits of greater consistency and durability.

Several finish options are available in pre-finished products, including ultraviolet cured urethane, water-based urethane, moisture-cured urethane, seal and wax. Although the finishes on the market today are all good, end users' specific needs may dictate the best finish. That is why experts advise designers to consult with their flooring contractor concerning which finishes are available for their product of choice.

Featured Brands

The Best 10 Prefinished Engineered Plank Brands


Shaw Hardwoods Flooring
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Shaw Hardwoods Flooring

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Shaw Hardwood Flooring offers consumers the timeless tradition of hardwood flooring with a wide variety of species, colors, and sizes. Shaw hardwood flooring brings Beauty and Strength to Any Room. See our Collection of Wood Flooring Stains and Grains. Learn More

Bruce Prefinished Engineered Plank
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Bruce Prefinished Engineered Plank

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A trusted brand for over a century. Superior quality through exacting precision in the milling process and rigorous inspections featuring up to 75 quality checkpoints. A luxurious selection of design styles, colors, species, and specialty finishes. Learn More

Mannington Engineered Plank
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Mannington Engineered Plank

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Fine graining and subtle variations in color makes American Hardwoods Maple an excellent choice for any room. A true American classic, maple is the preferred choice and a perfect compliment to modern cabinetry. Learn More

Armstrong Prefinished Engineered Plank
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Armstrong Prefinished Engineered Plank

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Natural beauty and lasting durability. The enduring appeal of hardwood flooring is in its timeless look and the value it adds to your home. Armstrong offers the most choices in styles, finishes, and installation options to fit your taste, lifestyle, and budget. But with so many choices, there’s a lot to think about beyond choosing the right color and wood species. Armstrong takes the guesswork out of the selection process by explaining the important considerations you need to know before buying. Learn More

Mirage Prefinished Engineered Plank
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Mirage Prefinished Engineered Plank

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The Sweet Memories Collection, a floor with character. Our exclusive staining and brushing processes create floors with all the charms of yesteryear. Variations, knots, cracks, and other natural characteristics give this collection an authentic appearance. Learn More

Mullican Hardwood Flooring
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Mullican Hardwood Flooring

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Since its founding in 1985, Mullican Flooring has dedicated itself to creating the highest-quality hardwood flooring in the world. The company’s founders knew the combination of precision milling, advanced kiln-drying techniques and the most demanding inspectors available would result in products that would be unmatched by its competitors. Learn More

Somerset Hardwood Flooring
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Somerset Hardwood Flooring

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Somerset Wood Products is one of the largest manufacturers of Appalachian lumber and flooring in the midwest. Our corporate headquarters is located in Somerset, KY. We have two supporting production facilities, also located in the Somerset area, with a staff of over 300 employees. We also employ a full time forester, to oversee responsible forestry management practices that exceed Best Management Practice standards. Learn More

Robbins Hardwood Flooring
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Robbins Hardwood Flooring

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Enjoy the beauty of natural oak and maple flooring all through your home. Learn More

HomerWood™ Flooring
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HomerWood™ Flooring

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Choose from the unparalleled beauty and quality of oak, ash, cherry, hAppalachian Hardwood, lovingly handcrafted into the finest American-made hardwood floors - The Essence of HomerWood. Recalling the age of quality and craftsmanship, we hand select each plank from sustainable, center-cut lumber to reveal the character and unsurpassed beauty created by nature. From these planks we handcraft and custom design exceptional hardwood floors for those who seek style, elegance and individuality. Learn More

Mercier Prefinished Engineered Plank
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Mercier Prefinished Engineered Plank

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Hickory (Carrya spp.) is a textured wood with visible growth rings. Its colour varies widely in tone, going from golden brown to full-bodied brown. This species also has pronounced knots that accentuate its natural character. It has a Janka hardness rating of 1820. Learn More

Prefinished Engineered Plank Videos

The Top 2 Prefinished Engineered Plank Videos


How to Install Pre-Finished Engineered Flooring - This Old House
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows how to install a beautiful wood floor in just less than one day.

Mannington Hardwood Flooring: Stunning Styles, On-Trend Colors
Designed to reflect the latest trends in American home furnishings and cabinetry, Mannington hardwood floors offer beauty, durability, and performance. And our floors are crafted with care to ensure that you get a floor you'll love for many years to come.

Prefinished Engineered Plank News

Latest Prefinished Engineered Plank News

Prefinished Engineered Plank
...There are many types of prefinished hardwood flooring products on the market today, which makes it very important for interior designers, decorators and homeowners to determine their particular performance, style and installation requirements.  Selecting the type of prefinished wood for the floor is usually a matter of personal preference. The inherent color and grain of the tree is going ...