Between the two, which is better; engineered or solid hardwood?
This is a question that’s common for anyone who is looking to install hardwood flooring. There are different aspects of both, so finding the best option depends on your home situation.
Let us explain.
What’s the Difference Between Solid Hardwood and Engineered Hardwood?
There are many differences between engineered hardwood vs solid hardwood, so understanding both sides will help you get an idea of which one will work better for your home.
Solid Hardwood Flooring
Each solid hardwood plank is made from a single piece of solid wood. Every board is cut at 3/4 inches thick. Due to the board’s thickness, solid hardwood flooring has a lot of room for refinishing when it begins to wear out.
Natural hardwood is recommended for the rooms at ground level or higher. This is because solid wood floors will expand and contract depending on moisture and climate change. For this reason, natural wood flooring should never be installed in basements.
This type of wood flooring is permanently nailed down to the subfloor. To accommodate for swelling, your installer will leave a small gap between the floor and the wall.
Natural hardwood flooring comes in beautiful species including:
- Hickory
- Maple
- White Oak
- Red Oak
- Black Walnut
- Cherry
Even though there are installation limitations, hardwood is the cream of the crop flooring and will do wonders for your home.
Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Engineered wood is versatile and can be installed in almost any room including basements and kitchens. While this product’s core is made of real wood, a layer of veneer is placed on top of the planks.
Engineered wood flooring is less likely to buckle or react to moisture and climate changes. This makes it a wonderful flooring choice for finished basements and bathrooms.
With this type of wood flooring, you’ll gain an enhanced stability and better resistance to everyday wear. Engineered wood is more resistant to moisture and can handle water being spilled on it. You can also lay engineered hardwood on concrete slab.
Engineered hardwood flooring can come in similar styles including:
- Cherry
- Hickory
- Oak
- Maple
- Many more
Once you have an idea of what type of hardwood will work best with your home project, you need a professional installer to put it in place.
The Best Way to Install Hardwood Flooring
If you want hardwood flooring installed in your home, give us a call today!
The Carpet Guys specialize in installing wood flooring, and we know what it takes to get you the best performing floors you’ll ever see.
By scheduling a free hardwood flooring estimate with us, you’ll gain many benefits including:
- Appointments available seven days a week
- Complimentary decorating advice
- High-quality hardwood flooring products
- Products from the top flooring manufacturers
- Affordable financing opportunities
- Expert craftsmanship and professional service
- Much more!
Hardwood flooring installation doesn’t get any better than with us.
Get your estimate today and watch your floors transform from decent to luxurious.
