When choosing hardwood flooring for your home, one of the first decisions is whether to go with solid or engineered hardwood. Both options offer the beauty and warmth that hardwood is known for, but some critical differences may influence your decision.
To help you make the best choice for your home, let's examine the characteristics, benefits, and differences between solid and engineered hardwood flooring.
Composition and structure:
The most significant difference between solid and engineered hardwood lies in their construction.
- Solid hardwood is made from a single, solid piece of wood. Each plank is milled from natural hardwood, typically ¾ inch thick. Because it's a single material, solid hardwood can be sanded and refinished multiple times, extending its lifespan.
- Engineered hardwood, on the other hand, consists of multiple layers. The top layer is a thin natural hardwood veneer, while the base layers are made from plywood or high-density fiberboard (HDF). This layered construction provides engineered hardwood with added stability and resistance to moisture, making it an excellent choice for environments where humidity is a concern.
Moisture and temperature resistance:
One key factor that might influence your choice is how the flooring handles moisture and changes in temperature.
- Solid hardwood is prone to expanding and contracting with changes in humidity and temperature. This means that in areas with high moisture or fluctuating temperatures, such as basements or kitchens, solid hardwood can warp or buckle over time. For this reason, solid hardwood is typically not recommended for installation below ground level or in bathrooms.
- Engineered hardwood, with its layered construction, is designed to be more dimensionally stable. The plywood or HDF layers beneath the hardwood veneer resist changes in moisture and temperature, making engineered hardwood a more versatile option for areas like basements, kitchens, and even over-radiant heating systems.
Durability and lifespan:
Both solid and engineered hardwood are durable, but there are some differences in how long they'll last and how well they handle wear.
- Solid hardwood can last decades, even a lifetime, if properly maintained. Because it is thick and can be sanded down and refinished multiple times, solid hardwood is an excellent choice for those looking for longevity.
- Engineered hardwood is also durable but has a thinner wear layer compared to solid hardwood. While it can be sanded and refinished, the number of times you can do this is limited by the thickness of the top hardwood veneer. Engineered hardwood can still last many years, but its lifespan is generally shorter than solid hardwood's, depending on how thick the veneer is.
Installation flexibility:
The installation process is another area where solid and engineered hardwood differs.
- Solid hardwood typically requires nails or staples and is best installed over a wood subfloor. This limits where solid hardwood can be installed, often excluding areas like basements.
- Engineered hardwood offers more installation options. It can be glued, nailed, or floated over various subfloors, including concrete. This flexibility makes engineered hardwood a popular choice for homeowners installing hardwood in areas like basements or over existing flooring.
Cost considerations:
Cost is often a deciding factor for homeowners, and the price difference between solid and engineered hardwood can influence your choice.
- Solid hardwood tends to be more expensive upfront, especially when you factor in installation costs. However, its longevity and ability to be refinished multiple times make it a better long-term investment.
- Engineered hardwood is generally more affordable in terms of material and installation. Its versatility in installation methods can also help save on labor costs.
Whether you choose solid or engineered hardwood depends on your specific needs, budget, and the environment of your space. If you're considering new hardwood flooring for your home, reach out to us or visit First Flooring & Tile in Akron, Ohio, to explore your options and find the perfect fit for your project!
