Engineered wood is far from new. In fact, more than a century ago, the first so-called engineered wood product – plywood - was introduced. Since that humble beginning, the value of engineered wood has been recognized by builders and end users alike.  It’s not hard to understand why the strength and performance of engineered wood is excellent.  Further, the environmental benefits of engineered woods cannot be overstated. On average, one tree will produce 2,000 square feet of engineered wood, as opposed to only 500 square feet of other wood products.

Not all engineered wood is created equal, particularly in the flooring industry. Strength, stability and resistance are issues that separate the best from the rest. Fernand Dicaire, director of salesF for Parquet Deluxe, explained the kind of stringent testing that his firm utilizes to determine these qualities.

If you're a retailer looking for a hardwood manufacturer/distributor, it's best to start on the ground floor. There are six key criteria you should use to evaluate the category.