Engineered vs. Solid Hardwood Floors

The debate between engineered vs. solid hardwood flooring continues to captivate homeowners and designers. The evolution of flooring technology has blurred the lines between these two options, making the choice more nuanced than ever. 

This comprehensive guide will explore engineered wood flooring vs. hardwood, helping you decide the perfect foundation for your living space.

What Are Engineered Wood Floors?

Engineered wood floors represent the pinnacle of modern flooring innovation. Engineered planks consist of multiple layers, each contributing to the stability and performance of the floor:

• Top layer: Also known as the wear layer, it is made from high-quality hardwood, giving the floor its natural beauty and authentic wood appearance.
• Core layer: This section is typically composed of high-density fiberboard (HDF) and plywood. 

The layered construction is the secret behind engineered wood's remarkable dimensional stability. It allows the planks to resist warping and expansion in fluctuating environmental conditions. Recent manufacturing advancements have led to engineered floors with thicker wear layers and eco-friendly options.

What Are Solid Wood Floors?

Solid wood floors are the traditional choice, embodying timeless elegance and natural warmth. Each plank is milled from a single piece of hardwood. Its thickness is one of solid hardwood's greatest assets, allowing for multiple standings and refinishing over its lifetime. With proper care, solid hardwood can potentially last for generations.

Solid wood feels authentic, with each plank telling a story through its unique grain patterns, knots and color variations. Popular species include oak, maple and walnut, but exotic woods such as Brazilian cherry and tigerwood are gaining traction.

Solid hardwood flooring can come in wider planks, creating a bold, spacious feel in larger rooms. Distressed and hand-scraped finishes have also seen a resurgence, appealing to those who appreciate a more rustic, lived-in aesthetic.

Engineered Wood Flooring vs. Hardwood

When comparing engineered wood flooring vs. hardwood, several factors come into play. The following are their similarities and differences:

Aesthetics and Installation Versatility

Engineered and solid hardwood floors offer the natural beauty of real wood. They come in various species, colors and finishes, allowing homeowners to achieve virtually any desired look. Both options provide authentic wood grain patterns and textures, from rich, warm walnut tones to maple's light, airy feel.

Engineered planks often come in click-lock formats for easier DIY installation and can be installed below grade. Some can even be floated over existing flooring, simplifying the installation process. In contrast, solid hardwood is generally limited to above-grade installations and requires professional nailing or gluing to a wood subfloor.

Cost and Impact on Home Value

Engineered wood flooring is generally more affordable than solid hardwood, especially when considering exotic wood species. 

The construction of engineered flooring allows for a thin layer of premium wood over a less expensive core, making rare or exotic species more accessible. However, prices vary widely based on quality, brand and specific product lines. 

Hardwood floors, whether engineered or solid, are consistently cited as desirable features for home buyers. Due to their timeless appeal, they can potentially boost property values, making them a wise investment for homeowners. 

Eco-Friendliness

Engineered and solid hardwood flooring can be sourced from sustainably managed forests, making them environmentally friendly options. Many manufacturers now offer products certified by organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), ensuring responsible forestry practices. 

Additionally, the longevity of both flooring types means less frequent replacement, reducing environmental impact. 

Engineered flooring is likelier to have low-volatile organic compounds (VOC) finishes. It typically uses less slow-growing hardwood species in each plank, potentially making it more resource-efficient.

Durability and Refinishing

With proper care and maintenance, engineered and solid hardwood floors can last for decades. They're both resistant to wear and tear from daily foot traffic and can withstand the test of time if properly maintained. Regular cleaning and occasional refinishing can keep both floor types looking beautiful for years. However, solid hardwood flooring is generally more durable than engineered hardwood. 

While high-quality engineered floors can typically be refinished one to three times, solid options can withstand five to seven refinishes over its lifetime. 

The thicker wear layer of solid hardwood provides more material for sanding and refinishing, potentially extending its life span. However, advances in engineered flooring have produced options with thicker wear layers, narrowing this gap. 

Moisture Resistance

Due to its layered construction, engineered wood flooring typically outperforms solid hardwood in high-moisture environments. The cross-grain configuration of the plywood or HDF core provides superior dimensional stability. This strength reduces the likelihood of gaps forming between planks during dry seasons or cupping during humid periods. 

Solid hardwood is a natural product and is more reactive to environmental changes. It may require more careful climate control in the home. 

Traditional Wood Flooring vs. Engineered: How to Know Which is Right for Your Space

Choosing between engineered and solid hardwood floors depends on several factors, including:

• Location within the home: Engineered wood is often the better choice for basements or other below-grade areas. Its layered construction provides improved resistance to moisture and humidity typically found in these spaces. If you want to install wood flooring in above-grade rooms such as the living room, bedrooms, and dining area, engineered and solid wood will perform well.
• Subfloor composition: Engineered wood is generally better suited for installation over concrete subfloors. You can glue it down directly or install it as a floating floor, which provides more flexibility. If you want to install wood flooring over wooden subfloors, you can use engineered or solid hardwood. Solid hardwood is typically nailed down, while engineered can be nailed, stapled or glued. 
• Climate considerations: In areas with significant humidity fluctuations, engineered wood is the better option as it's less likely to warp or cup in response to moisture changes. Similarly, engineered wood is more forgiving if your home is in an arid climate. Solid hardwood may require humidifiers to prevent shrinkage and gapping in dry climates or strict air conditioning and dehumidifiers in humid environments.
• Budget constraints: If upfront cost is a primary concern, engineered wood often provides a more affordable entry point to hardwood flooring, especially for premium wood species. Solid hardwood's ability to be refinished multiple times might offer better long-term value despite higher initial costs.
• Installation method preferences: Engineered wood floors, especially click-lock varieties, are generally easier for DIY enthusiasts to install. Some can be floated without nails or glue. Solid hardwood typically requires expert installation to ensure proper acclimation and nailing.
• Aesthetic preferences: Solid hardwood, due to its full thickness, is best for a traditional wood look. Engineered wood often comes in diverse pre-finished options, including contemporary finishes and textures. 
• Refinishing expectations: If you anticipate wanting to change the color or finish of your floors multiple times over the years, solid hardwood's thicker wear layer will allow for more frequent refinishing.
• Resale value considerations: While both options can increase home value, in some markets, solid hardwood might have a slight edge among potential buyers due to its traditional appeal and refinishing potential.

Shop Hardwood Floors at Carpet & Tile Mart

Whether you're drawn to solid hardwood's traditional charm or engineered planks' versatile performance, Carpet & Tile Mart is your trusted partner. With our extensive selection and unmatched expertise, we'll ensure you have the perfect flooring for your home. 

Visit one of our 14 locations in Delaware, Pennsylvania or South Jersey for a hands-on experience and world-class service. If you can't visit, our online store brings our showroom to you, complete with nationwide shipping.