Engineered vs. Solid Hardwood Floors

Hardwood flooring is a timeless choice that can instantly elevate any space with its natural beauty and warmth. When selecting hardwood for your space, you'll discover two main categories — solid wood and engineered hardwood flooring.

While both can give you the look you desire, they have distinct differences that may make one better suited to your needs. Let's explore the different hardwood flooring options and find the perfect fit for your home.

What Is Solid Wood Flooring?

Solid wood flooring is crafted from single, solid planks typically 3/4 inch thick. These classic planks are milled from various popular wood species, such as oak, maple, hickory, walnut and cherry. The wood goes through a thorough kiln-drying process to remove excess moisture before being shaped into tongue-and-groove planks, which make installation seamless.

One of the most appealing aspects of solid wood flooring is the option to choose between prefinished and unfinished planks. Prefinished solid wood comes ready to install, with the stain and protective coating applied at the factory. Unfinished planks, however, let you customize the look on-site, giving you the freedom to create a truly personalized look.

No matter the finish, solid wood flooring adds an authentic touch that effortlessly elevates any space. 

What Is Engineered Hardwood Flooring?

Engineered hardwood is an innovative flooring solution that combines the beauty of real wood with enhanced stability and versatility. Unlike solid wood planks, engineered hardwood has a multi-layered construction. The top layer, or wear layer, is a thin slice of genuine hardwood, providing the same natural look as solid wood. This layer is bonded to a strong core made of plywood or high-density fiberboard, with layers arranged in a crisscross pattern for added dimensional stability.

The unique construction of engineered hardwood flooring offers several benefits. Its increased resistance to moisture and temperature changes makes it a great choice for areas where solid wood might not work as well, such as basements or rooms with higher humidity. The thickness of the wear layer varies among engineered hardwood products, ranging from 1/16 to 1/6 inch, with thicker wear layers allowing for more refinishing options in the future.

Comparing Solid vs. Engineered Hardwood

While both engineered hardwood and solid wood flooring showcase the natural beauty of real wood, there are notable differences to consider when making your choice.

Durability

With proper care, solid wood floors can last for generations, making them a true investment in your home's value. Their thick, solid construction allows for multiple sanding and refinishing sessions over the years, letting you refresh the look of your floors whenever you want.

Engineered hardwood, while still durable, generally lasts 20 to 30 years. The longevity and refinishing options of engineered floors depend mainly on the thickness of the wear layer, with thicker layers providing more opportunities for refinishing.

Moisture Resistance

One of the major differences between solid wood and engineered hardwood is how they respond to moisture and humidity. Solid wood is more likely to warp, cup and gap when exposed to major changes in humidity or moisture. This sensitivity makes solid wood less suitable for areas like basements, bathrooms or kitchens where moisture levels fluctuate.

In contrast, the layered construction of engineered hardwood flooring provides better stability, allowing the planks to handle moisture and temperature changes more effectively. This moisture resistance makes engineered floors a better choice for rooms with higher humidity or the occasional spill.

Installation

Solid wood flooring is usually installed using a nail-down method and needs a wooden subfloor for proper installation. The installation process can be time-consuming and is best left to professional installers.

Engineered hardwood flooring can be installed in various ways. Along with the nail-down or glue-down techniques used for solid wood, many engineered products can be installed as a floating floor. This click-and-lock method doesn't need fasteners, which makes installation much easier, even for DIY fans. The flexibility in installation options also allows engineered floors to be installed over various subfloors, including concrete.

Cost

When it comes to cost, solid wood flooring is often more expensive than engineered hardwood. The price of solid wood can change a lot based on the wood species and grade selected, with rare or exotic species costing more.

Engineered hardwood is often more budget-friendly, offering the look of real wood at a more affordable price. However, note that high-end engineered options can cost about the same as solid wood, depending on the quality of the materials and the thickness of the wear layer.

Appearance

Both solid wood and engineered hardwood flooring offer the timeless beauty and warmth of natural wood. Solid wood has a wide range of species and grades, allowing for more customization options. Unfinished solid wood planks can be stained on-site for a specific color or look that perfectly complements your decor.

Engineered wood floors also come in various species and finishes, but they have a more consistent appearance across each board. The surface layer of engineered floors is chosen because it is uniform, which makes the space look even. Plus, engineered floors are available in wider plank sizes than traditional solid wood, making them a great choice for those seeking a more modern look.

How to Choose the Right Wood Floors for Your Home

Selecting the perfect wood flooring involves considering your budget, lifestyle and style preferences. Keep these factors in mind as you explore your options:

• Budget: Solid hardwood is a bigger upfront investment, while engineered hardwood offers a more affordable option without sacrificing style.
• Location: Engineered hardwood is generally better for areas with high moisture, such as kitchens, basements and bathrooms. Solid hardwood performs best in aboveground spaces with stable humidity levels.
• Lifestyle: If you have pets or children, consider the durability and refinishing benefits of each option, as well as how often you can keep up with cleaning. Both flooring types are easy to maintain, but solid hardwood will need to be refinished every several years, especially in homes with high foot traffic.
• Desired look: Solid hardwood offers more customization options, but engineered hardwood has a more consistent appearance across the floor.
• Long-term costs: Think about the potential expenses of refinishing and repairs for each option. You should also weigh the initial installation cost against the impact on your home's resale value.

Purchase Wood Floors From Carpet & Tile Mart

Whether you choose the classic charm of solid wood or the versatile performance of the best engineered hardwood flooring, both options can transform your home with warmth and beauty. The choice for you ultimately depends on your specific needs, preferences and the unique features of your space.

At Carpet & Tile Mart, we're here to help you find the perfect wood flooring solution. With 14 convenient locations across Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, we offer an extensive selection of solid and engineered hardwood options to suit every style and budget. Our friendly team provides top-notch customer service, ensuring you get the ideal flooring for your project. 

Choose Carpet & Tile Mart for unbeatable value and convenience. Visit one of our showrooms or explore our selection online to discover the perfect wood floors for your home!