Discussing Hardwood vs. Engineered Wood for Floors

An ongoing debate is whether you should use hardwood or engineered wood for your floors. Some experts say there is nothing like real hardwood to add value and style to a home. Others say that with modern engineered wood, no one will be able to tell the difference. Here is how the two types of wood flooring stack up.

Hardwood Flooring

Solid hardwood is made up of just one piece of wood. It can expand or contract with the changes in humidity levels. You will often see baseboards and molding around the edges to compensate for the movement in the floor.

When installing hardwood, you’ll want to make sure you use a plywood subfloor or install it over an existing hardwood floor. It is also best to keep it above grade, which means not in a basement. Putting solid hardwood in a basement increases the likelihood of damage from moisture.

Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered wood is real wood. It’s just several layers of wood that are constructed together from wood fibers and bonded to hold up to climate changes. This type of wood does not contract or expand because it doesn’t respond to changes in humidity.

Engineered wood can be installed anywhere in the house. So, if you like the idea of a wood floor in the kitchen or bathroom, engineered wood is the best option. It works well in basements and elsewhere throughout the house. It can also be installed directly over concrete.

Installation

Both types of flooring are best left to the experts for installation. However, if you choose the floating installation that is found with engineered wood floors, you may be able to handle the project yourself. Just remember that you want the floor to look good and last a long time, so it is often worth the extra cost to have the pros install.

Maintenance

Both types of flooring can be refinished. However, solid hardwood can be sanded down and refinished more times because it is thicker. This type of wood is designed to last a lifetime and longer. You’ll find hardwood floors in homes that are well over a century old. No other flooring will last that long.

Both types of flooring will require upkeep to ensure they keep looking good. You’ll have to be aware of heavy traffic areas and the potential for scratches and dents.

Cost

Solid hardwood floors are also often the most expensive flooring option for initial cost. However, when you factor in the number of years you can have this floor in your home, the costs go down. Engineered wood can also be long-lasting, but you may not be able to refinish it as often.

Both types of flooring can add value to your home, with solid hardwood adding the most value in many cases. In the end, it may come down to where you want to install the wood floor and which option your prefer. Always discuss your situation with a hardwood flooring expert to get results that you will be happy with.

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