What are the differences between solid and engineered hardwood flooring? And how do you decide which is better for you?
When considering new flooring options for your home, hardwood remains a popular choice for its timeless appeal and durability. However, homeowners ultimately have to make a decision between solid hardwood flooring and engineered hardwood flooring. Understanding the critical differences between these two types can help you make an informed choice that suits your needs, lifestyle, and budget.
Structure and Composition
Solid Hardwood Flooring
Solid hardwood flooring is made from a single piece of wood, typically ¾ inch thick. Each plank is milled from a solid piece of lumber, giving it a homogeneous construction. This type of flooring can be sanded and refinished multiple times over its lifespan, which can extend for decades, if not centuries, with proper care. The consistency and purity of solid wood provide a classic look and feel, along with a tactile experience that is hard to replicate.
Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Engineered hardwood flooring, on the other hand, is composed of multiple layers of wood. The top layer, known as the veneer, is real hardwood, which gives engineered wood its authentic appearance. Beneath this veneer, there are several layers of plywood or high-density fiberboard (HDF) that are bonded together to form a stable core. This layered construction makes engineered hardwood more resistant to environmental changes like humidity and temperature fluctuations.
Durability and Stability
Solid Hardwood Flooring
While solid hardwood is durable and long-lasting, its single-piece construction makes it more susceptible to changes in moisture and temperature. In areas with significant humidity changes, solid wood can expand or contract, potentially leading to gaps, cupping, or warping. However, its thick profile allows for multiple refinishing sessions, which can effectively renew the surface and extend its life.
Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Engineered hardwood is designed to withstand environmental changes better than solid wood. The plywood or HDF core layers are arranged in a crisscross pattern, which enhances dimensional stability and reduces the likelihood of warping or swelling. Although the top veneer layer of engineered wood can sometimes be sanded and refinished, depending on the thickness of the veneer, it has a limited number of refinishing opportunities compared to solid wood.
Aesthetic and Style
Solid Hardwood Flooring
Solid hardwood offers an unmatched depth and richness, with natural variations and grains that enhance its authentic appearance. The ability to sand and refinish the surface allows homeowners to update the look over time, matching changing decor trends.
Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Engineered hardwood is available in a wide range of finishes, styles, and colors, closely mimicking the look of solid wood. Advances in manufacturing have made it difficult to distinguish between high-quality engineered wood and solid wood at a glance. Some engineered options even offer unique styles, such as wider planks or exotic wood species, that may be cost-prohibitive in solid form.
Hardwood Flooring from Jason Brown Wood Floors
At Jason Brown Wood Floors, our commitment to quality installation is clear in all that we do, which is why our customers consistently rate us as one of the top contractors in the region. We have been awarded Baltimore Magazine’s Best of Baltimore Award 4 times and have been proudly serving the Baltimore Area for over 18 years. If you’re ready to speak with someone about your hardwood flooring project, we want to hear from you! Contact us at 410-668-9131 or send us a message here.
Jason Brown Wood Floors is also your convenient dealer of high-quality, professional-grade power tools. We offer brands that tradespeople trust most for the job. Come check out our Abingdon showroom to browse the in-stock selection of products and tools by Festool, Freud, Diablo, Shaper, Mirka, Makita, Saw Stop, and Grex.
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