When it comes to hardwood flooring, you have two main options: solid and engineered hardwood. Each one has its own set of unique features and advantages. You might wonder if one is better than the other.
So—is engineered hardwood better than solid hardwood? Or is it the other way around? The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best option depends on your lifestyle, location, budget, and long-term plans. Every flooring type has pros and cons. The best option comes down to your lifestyle, location, budget and long-term plans. Let us walk you through the differences so you can make an informed decision.
You’re probably wondering what solid and engineered hardwood are. They are the two main types of hardwood flooring. Let’s dive into each one.
Solid hardwood comes from a single piece of timber that’s usually ¾” thick. This timeless classic option can be sanded and refinished enough times to last up to a century. It’s commonly nailed down over a wood subfloor.
Engineered hardwood is often called the man-made floor because it consists of a real wood veneer that sits on top of a layered plywood core. Its surface appearance is similar to its counterpart, but it is more dimensionally stable, which is great for humid and moisture-prone areas. Floating, glue-down and nail-down installation methods are the most common.
Is engineered hardwood the best option for your home? Think long and hard about it to determine if it’s the best option for you.
To give you a better idea of whether or not hardwood is right for you, let's go over the advantages. Check them out below:
Resists moisture and temperature changes
Tends to be more affordable
Easy and fast installation
Compatible with some radiant heating systems and concrete subfloors
Like other types of flooring, engineered hardwood is not perfect. Before you go out and purchase a new floor, consider these downsides:
Can only be refinished a few times based on the thickness of the veneer
Resale value is not as high as solid wood
Quality can vary based on the brand and construction
Does solid hardwood make more sense for you? It’s important to weigh your options when making such a big investment in your home.
There are many upsides to choosing solid hardwood flooring. Here are some of the many advantages of this flooring type:
Can last anywhere from 80 to 100 years with proper care
Can be refinished multiple times, making it easy to refresh your floors
Viewed as high-end or premium by homebuyers
Unfortunately, engineered hardwood flooring isn’t perfect. Don’t forget to think about the following when you’re shopping around:
Vulnerable to expansion and contraction with seasonal humidity changes
Requires professional nail-down installation
Materials cost more upfront
Deciding between engineered and solid hardwood flooring isn’t easy. However, there are times when one edges out the other. We are going to discuss those instances.
Let’s start off with times where it’s better to choose engineered hardwood. Here’s when it might be the better choice:
You’re installing flooring in areas prone to moisture and humidity like the kitchen or basement
You need flooring that can go cover concrete or radiant heat
You’re working on a DIY installation project
You want the look of solid hardwood for a lower price
In contrast, solid hardwood flooring also has its moment to shine. Check out when you should opt for solid hardwood:
You plan to live in your home long-term and need floors that can be refinished multiple times
You are renovating a historic or luxury home where authenticity matters
You want the highest resale value and long-term durability
Is engineered hardwood better than solid hardwood? It can be, but it depends on where you’re installing it and what’s most important to you. Engineered hardwood offers flexibility, moisture resistance and is easy on the wallet. Solid hardwood is all about longevity, refinishing potential and resale value. At Tontine Carpet One, we offer both in our West Seneca, NY, showroom.
Ready to shop for hardwood flooring? Visit us or contact our team to schedule a consultation today!