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How To Tell The Difference Between Engineered Hardwood vs Hardwood Floors



Friday, August 16, 2024


At Cornerstone Flooring Brokers, we understand choosing flooring for your home is an important decision. We carry quality products and provide professional installations for both types of wood flooring. In our opinion, both are great options and offer distinct advantages. In order to help you make an informed decision that fits your needs we have provided a breakdown of the features of solid wood vs engineered hardwood below.

engineered hardwood vs solid hardwood diagram cross section comparison


Feature Comparison of Solid Hardwood vs Engineered Hardwood

Feature Hardwood Floors Engineered Hardwood Floors
Construction Single piece of solid wood Real wood veneer over a core of plywood or fiberboard
Aesthetic Classic, timeless look; can be refinished multiple times Similar appearance to solid wood; veneer may limit refinishing options
Price Typically higher; $8 - $15 per sq. ft. Generally lower; $5 - $12 per sq. ft.
Installation Nail-down or staple-down method; best for stable environments Versatile installation: nail-down, glue-down, or floating method; suitable for various subfloors
Durability Durable and long-lasting; can be sanded and refinished Durable; veneer limits refinishing to a few times
Moisture Resistance Less resistant to moisture; not ideal for basements More resistant to moisture; suitable for various conditions
Maintenance Easy to maintain; regular cleaning and occasional refinishing Low maintenance; regular cleaning; avoid excessive water
Environmental Impact High impact due to harvesting of solid wood Lower impact; uses less solid wood, reducing deforestation
Flexibility Limited to specific installation environments More flexible in different environments (e.g., over concrete)

Let’s looks at some of the different features hardwood vs engineered hardwood in more detail:

1. Construction

Hardwood Floors: Traditional hardwood floors are made from a single piece of solid wood, which provides a classic, timeless look. The most common hardwoods used are oak, maple, cherry, and walnut. The thickness of solid hardwood can vary, but it typically ranges from 3/4 inch to 1 inch. Because it is a single piece of wood, solid hardwood can be sanded and refinished multiple times, extending its lifespan and maintaining its appearance.

Engineered Hardwood Floors: Engineered hardwood floors consist of a top layer of real wood veneer attached to multiple layers of high-density fiberboard or plywood. This layered construction gives engineered wood its stability and resistance to changes in temperature and humidity. The top layer is usually made from the same types of wood as solid hardwood, so it offers a similar look and feel. Engineered hardwood is generally thinner than solid hardwood, often ranging from 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch.

2. Pricing Differences

Hardwood Floors: Solid hardwood floors typically come at a higher price point due to the cost of the raw materials and the craftsmanship involved in producing them. Prices can vary depending on the species of wood, with exotic or rare woods being more expensive. On average, solid hardwood floors range from $8 to $15 per square foot, including installation.

Engineered Hardwood Floors: Engineered hardwood floors tend to be more budget-friendly compared to solid hardwood. This is because the manufacturing process for engineered wood is less resource-intensive, and the core layers are often made from more affordable materials. Engineered hardwood prices generally range from $5 to $12 per square foot, including installation. However, higher-end engineered wood options with thicker veneers and premium finishes can approach or exceed the cost of solid hardwood.

3. Installation

Hardwood Floors: Installation of solid hardwood floors typically requires a nail-down or staple-down method, where the boards are secured to a wooden subfloor. This method is best suited for rooms with stable humidity and temperature levels. Solid hardwood floors are generally not recommended for installation over concrete slabs or in below-grade areas like basements.

Engineered Hardwood Floors: Engineered hardwood offers more versatility in installation methods. It can be nailed, glued, or floated over various subfloors, including concrete. The floating method involves installing the planks over an underlayment without attaching them directly to the subfloor, which makes it ideal for DIY projects and installations over concrete. Engineered hardwood’s resistance to moisture and temperature fluctuations also allows it to be used in areas where solid hardwood might not be suitable.

4. Maintenance

Hardwood Floors: Solid hardwood floors are relatively easy to maintain. Regular sweeping or vacuuming, combined with occasional damp mopping using a manufacturer-recommended cleaner, will keep them looking their best. It’s important to address spills promptly and use protective pads on furniture to avoid scratches. Solid hardwood floors can be sanded and refinished multiple times, allowing you to restore their appearance and remove scratches or dents.

Engineered Hardwood Floors: Engineered hardwood floors are also low-maintenance, though they may require slightly different care. Regular sweeping and cleaning with a manufacturer-approved cleaner are recommended. Engineered wood is more resistant to moisture compared to solid hardwood, but it’s still important to avoid excessive water exposure. Unlike solid hardwood, engineered floors cannot be sanded and refinished as many times due to the thinner veneer layer, so any major damage may require plank replacement.

Making Your Decision

Both hardwood and engineered hardwood floors offer beauty and durability, but they cater to different needs and preferences. Solid hardwood floors are ideal for those seeking a classic look and long-term investment, while engineered hardwood provides versatility and cost-effectiveness, especially in areas with variable moisture and temperature. Consider your budget, installation preferences, and maintenance routine to determine which type of flooring is best suited for your home.

Getting Started

Reach out to our team at Cornerstone Flooring Brokers. You can call us directly at (623) 887-1742 or visit our showroom in Glendale AZ - click here for directions.

We have the knowledge and experience to guide you on selecting the best flooring by matching our quality product selection with your lifestyle, tastes and budget.

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