5 Reasons to Choose Engineered Hardwood for Your Covina Home

There is a common misconception that “engineered” hardwood is a synthetic substitute for the “real thing.” As a family-owned business serving Covina since 1975, we’ve seen flooring technology evolve, and we can confidently say: Engineered hardwood is the gold standard for California living.

1. Built for Concrete Slabs

Most homes in the San Gabriel Valley and Orange County are built on concrete slab foundations. Solid hardwood is rarely recommended for slabs because moisture from the concrete can rot the wood from the bottom up. Engineered hardwood’s plywood or stone-polymer core acts as a moisture barrier and can be “floated” or glued down safely.

2. Resistance to Warping

Because the layers of an engineered plank are stacked in a cross-grain pattern, they cancel out the wood’s natural tendency to twist. This means your floors stay flat and beautiful through every season.

3. Sustainable and Ethical

Engineered flooring uses about 1/3 of the “precious” timber (like Walnut or French Oak) compared to solid planks. The core is made of faster-growing, sustainable wood, making it a greener choice for the eco-conscious California homeowner.

4. Thick Wear Layers

High-quality engineered floors, such as those from Gemwoods, feature a thick “wear layer.” This is the top slice of real wood. A thick wear layer means the floor can be sanded and refinished in the future, just like a solid wood floor, giving you a 50-year lifespan.

5. Wider, Longer Planks

Because engineered wood is more stable, manufacturers can create much wider planks (up to 10 or 12 inches) without worrying about the wood bowing. This allows for the high-end, luxury look currently dominating SoCal interior design.

Want to see the difference for yourself? Visit our Covina showroom and let our experts show you the beautiful grain patterns available in our engineered hardwood selections.