Engineered Hardwood (Hardwood Laminate) flooring is a type of flooring made from layers of wood veneer or planks that are bonded together to form a sturdy and stable core. It is designed to mimic the look of solid hardwood flooring while offering some advantages in terms of durability and flexibility.

Here's how engineered hardwood flooring is typically constructed:

1. Top Layer (Veneer): This is the top layer of real hardwood, typically ranging from 0.6mm to 6mm in thickness. It provides the genuine wood appearance and can be sanded and refinished, although fewer times compared to solid hardwood.
2. Core Layers: Beneath the top layer, there are multiple layers of plywood or high-density fiberboard (HDF). These layers are glued together with the grains running in opposite directions. This construction provides stability and helps to prevent the planks from warping or bowing due to changes in humidity and temperature.
3. Backing Layer: The bottom layer, also made of wood, provides further stability to the planks.

The benefits of engineered hardwood flooring include:

1. Stability: Engineered hardwood is less susceptible to expansion and contraction due to humidity changes compared to solid hardwood. This makes it a suitable option for environments with fluctuating moisture levels.
2. Installation Versatility: It can be installed over a wider variety of subfloors, including concrete, and can even be installed below ground level in basements.
3. Cost-Effective: Engineered hardwood is often more affordable than solid hardwood, making it a popular choice for those looking for a real wood floor on a budget.
4. Environmentally Friendly: Because it uses a smaller amount of actual hardwood than solid wood flooring, engineered hardwood can be considered a more sustainable option.

However, it's worth noting that the top layer of real wood can only be refinished a limited number of times, depending on its thickness. Thicker veneers can be refinished more times compared to thinner ones.

Overall, engineered hardwood flooring offers a balance between the beauty of solid hardwood and practical considerations for installation and maintenance.