Differences between Engineered Hardwood and Solid Hardwood

So you have decided that it’s time to replace the floors in your home, or perhaps you are building your dream home and you are trying to choose the best flooring. Either way, you are bound to come across plenty of options. One of the most popular options is, of course, hardwood.

Though it’s not as simple as walking into a store and picking up some hardwood. There are different types that you’ll need to consider, and they are: engineered or solid hardwood. At this point, you’re probably wondering: What’s the difference between the two? Which one is right for me? To help you decide which option you will love for years to come, we put together this article which breaks down the differences between engineered hardwood and solid hardwood.

Engineered Vs. Solid – Composition

Solid hardwood flooring is made from solid wood, just as the name suggests. Engineered hardwood, on the other hand, is made from real wood – but with a slight difference. The top layer consists of a hardwood veneer while the core or bottom layer is made from hardwood or plywood. It’s always a good idea to ask for detailed product descriptions and technical information before making your choice.

Engineered Vs. Solid – Durability

Whether you choose solid or engineered hardwood, you will be happy to know that they both offer superb stability and durability. It is worth noting that wood does contract and expand so you might find that your solid hardwood will need to be re-secured to the sub-floor over time.

Engineered flooring is less prone to expansion and contraction due to temperature variations. This makes them a bit more resistant to rippling or buckling. The better quality the engineered hardwood floor, the tougher it will be.

Engineered Vs. Solid – Installation

When it comes to installing solid hardwood floors, it’s important to remember that they are best suited for installation above ground level. In other words, they are not the best option for rooms like basements. The installation of these floors is best done by a professional since they need to be nailed, stapled or glued to a wood sub-floor. It’s also important to allow enough space for the natural contraction and expansion of the wood. If they are too loose, the gaps in between will become too wide. If they are placed too close together, it can cause the floor to buckle.

Engineered hardwood floors can be installed using glue, nail, staple or even a floating method. It can be installed over or below radiant heat. While they are easier to install in comparison, it’s still best to have an expert perform the installation. Not only will you enjoy more aesthetically pleasing results, but it will be a lot quicker too.

Engineered Vs. Solid – Prices

It’s no secret that money is usually the greatest determining factor when it comes to just about everything in life. When planning something like a home renovation, your budget is certainly something that needs to be considered.

In most cases, engineered hardwood is the cheaper choice. However, it also depends on the quality of the wood and the wood species. Exotic woods are usually more expensive. Remember to ask about the type of wood whenever buying any type of hardwood flooring. You should always be properly informed and understand exactly what you are getting for your money.

The above points are important to keep in mind when shopping for hardwood flooring. If you are looking for the finest quality engineered or solid hardwood flooring, we invite you to visit your nearest Flooring Liquidators location or call us at 1 (866) 473-7222 for more information. We have locations across Southern Ontario, including cities like Toronto, London and Oshawa. Use our Store Locator to find a location near you.

We stock a wide variety of finished and unfinished hardwood flooring products to suit every preference and budget. Feel free to ask our helpful team for professional advice as well as product details that will allow you to make the best-informed decision. Whether you want to give you home or business a new look, we have the perfect quality flooring solutions for you!