Solid or Engineered Hardwood Floors?

When you decide on hardwood floors for your home, you may be asked the question "solid or engineered?" If you do not know the difference, you may not know how you should answer. While both types of flooring fall under the hardwood category, they are very different from each other.

Solid Woods

One of the major differences between the two types of wood is in how they are manufactured. Each plank is made from a single piece of wood. It is covered with a coating to be a protective layer for the wood. This coating may be in the form of aluminum oxide or it may use either a ceramic or acrylic monomer.

Solid wood is often thicker, which makes it easier for the homeowner to sand and refinish the floor several times without replacing the floor. This fact makes it more cost effective and a worthwhile investment.

Solid wood does have its drawbacks. The main one is the fact that it expands and contracts based on humidity, making it more important for a home to maintain a constant humidity level between 45% and 65% all year long. It also limits the use in areas such as a basement or bathroom. It should also be installed over a wood subfloor such as plywood. It will be nailed in place with allowances along the wall for expansion.

Engineered Wood

Engineered wood planks are made up of multiple layers of wood. Between three and five layers are joined together to form one plank. The process uses extreme pressure and a very high heat, which is one reason that engineered wood is not affected as much by humidity as solid wood.

On top of the layers of wood is a veneer that is often made of plywood but may contain recycled wood fibers. This top layer provides the durability to the floor. This type of floor is ideal in areas where you cannot use solid wood, such as the basement or in a bathroom or kitchen. It is also better suited for use with heated floors since it does not expand and contract like solid wood. However, you will need a barrier between it and the subfloor if you use it in a basement or anywhere there is moisture.

An engineered floor often uses the tongue and groove installation method to create a floating floor instead of being nailed in place.

The Best Choice

The right choice between solid and engineered wood depends mainly on where you are installing it. Solid wood is best in living areas, bedrooms and other spaces that do not have extreme heat and humidity. Engineered wood is the best choice for those areas. While both floors have beautiful tones, if you want a traditional design, solid hardwood will be better suited to your design style. Both choices have numerous options to fit your décor and personal taste.

If you want to add value and beauty to your home that will be long-lasting, choose either a solid or engineered hardwood floor.

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