The Differences Between Solid & Engineered Hardwood Flooring

The Differences Between Solid & Engineered Hardwood Flooring

Choosing the right flooring is one of the most important decisions a homeowner will make when undertaking a renovation project. And while there are plenty of different types of flooring, hardwood is an enduring favorite.

Choosing the right flooring is one of the most important decisions a homeowner will make when undertaking a renovation project. And while there are plenty of different types of flooring, hardwood is an enduring favorite.

If you have started researching your options, you may be wondering about the differences between solid hardwood and engineered hardwood. 

What is Solid vs. Engineered

Solid wood flooring is exactly what it sounds like, solid pieces of wood. And although engineered hardwood looks very much like the solid version it actually consists of a top lay made of real hardwood and between 3 and 12 layers of high-quality plywood. These layers of are crossed, glued and pressed together to form a strong bond. It is this bonded core that makes engineered wood flooring even stronger than a single piece of wood of the same thickness and allows the floor to remain stable even when conditions change such as fluctuating temperatures and moisture levels.

Which is Better?

Is one better than the other? It depends on your home and your lifestyle. One thing to consider is that although solid hardwood flooring is typically a bit more expensive, it can be refinished many times throughout the years.  

Which Looks Better?

From an appearance perspective, the engineered boards tend to be wider and some have slightly beveled edges creating slight grooves between boards, while solid hardwood flooring generally has very tight seams between boards.But from a care perspective, both floors are cleaned in a similar manner consisting of vacuuming, sweeping and occasional damp mopping.