Courses / Selecting Flooring

Selecting Flooring for Interior Designers

Learn what to look for when selecting engineered wood flooring, from how it’s made to installation and long-term care.

Flooring products can look similar while differing in construction, finish, and installation requirements. Knowing what’s beneath the surface helps you choose a product that fits the project.

What to look for in engineered wood flooring

Engineered wood has a real wood surface over a layered core. When comparing products, look at the construction, wear-layer thickness, finish, and installation requirements. The right choice also depends on the room and the condition of the subfloor.

  • Construction. Compare the materials used in the core and surface layer.
  • Wear layer. Check whether the wood surface can be sanded and refinished.
  • Finish. Look at how the surface is protected and maintained.
  • Installation. Account for moisture, subfloor flatness, and expansion gaps.

The honest learning curve

You cannot judge flooring by looking at a picture. Start by learning the differences between engineered wood and solid hardwood. Compare samples and product information with installation and maintenance in mind.

COURSE

Selecting Flooring for Interior Designers

A self-paced course covering engineered wood flooring, how it compares with solid hardwood, and the basics of selection, installation, finishing, and long-term care.

Common questions

What should I compare when selecting flooring?

Compare construction, wear-layer thickness, finish, and installation requirements. Consider the room, moisture, and subfloor conditions too.

Is flooring selection different for commercial and residential projects?

Both require you to consider how the floor will be used. On a commercial project, durability, maintenance, and installation requirements may carry more weight because of heavier use.

How is engineered wood different from solid hardwood?

Solid hardwood is wood throughout the plank. Engineered wood has a real wood surface over a layered core. How often either can be refinished depends on the product and the thickness of its wood surface.

How can I compare flooring products?

Review samples and product information side by side, including construction, finish, installation needs, and care instructions.

How long is the course and what does it cost?

It includes approximately 21 minutes of video instruction. Allow additional time for the workbook and assessment. A single course is $49.50 a month, the three-course materials track is $126 a month, and All Access is $350 a month.

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