The advantages of engineered hickory wood flooring are numerous. The wood is the second hardest flooring option in the United States, according to the Home Improvement Guide. The extremely hard floor surface means that it is much more resistant to impact damage and marking than oak flooring. The wood is also durable, making it suitable for locations where there is a large amount of footfall. This makes hickory more suitable for locations where quality of the wood needs to remain the same over a long period of time.
The disadvantages of engineered hickory wood flooring include its inability to be cut easily. The hardness of the wood makes it hard to cut straight and cleanly, according to the Home Improvement Guide. This can mean that installation in the home without professional experience can be troublesome. Another disadvantage is the hardness of the wood. This can provide a surface that doesnt sag when walked upon, which gives a less comfortable feel within the home.
There are also many advantages of using engineered oak flooring. One of the main factors is its aesthetic quality. An oak floor can give a distinctive, warm and unique feel to an internal or external space. The wood also ages well, meaning the aesthetic quality of the wood will improve over time. Similar to engineered hickory wood flooring, oak is extremely durable. It is also not easily marked and doesn't split easily. Oak is also water resistant, making it suitable for use outdoors.
One of the main disadvantages of Engineered oak flooring is the environmental considerations of the product. This means that more energy is required to make the product and more transportation logistics are required, leading to an increased use of carbon to reach the completed flooring product. This makes oak flooring less suitable than hickory for use in a more energy efficient house design.