A Detailed Comparison between Solid and Engineered Hardwood

06/13/2019

Hardwood has been one of most preferred flooring choices around the world for centuries. Solid and engineered are the two popular variety of hardwood, each available in plenty of styles, stains, and species. Therefore, before deciding on your hardwood floor, it makes sense to figure out the differences between these two varieties.

In the following discussion, we will highlight the most important differences between solid and engineered hardwood to help you make an informed decision.

Solid V/S Engineered Hardwood

Both solid and engineered hardwood floors are beautiful, and it is extremely difficult to tell them apart. The difference between these two types can only be understood by checking below the surface. Solid hardwood has been the traditional choice for floorboards that have been used for hundreds of years. These hardwood floors are offered by the manufacturers in every possible type of wood. Pre-finished hardwood floorboards are also available these days.

Compared to solid hardwood, engineered hardwood floors are a relatively new development. These boards comprise of a thin layer of hardwood on the surface fused with layers of crisscrossed slices of wood beneath the surface. The bottom layer provides a superior strength and helps resist contraction and expansion.

Solid and engineered hardwood can be compared on the basis of the following key properties.

• Resistance to Climate Change: While selecting the type of hardwood for your floor, it is extremely important to find out which one will hold up better to your home’s natural environment. In general, solid hardwood tends to expand and contract a lot more compared to engineered hardwood due to climatic changes, particularly during precipitation and extreme heat or cold. On the other hand, engineered hardwood does not cup or warp during climatic changes, and can withstand higher moisture levels compared to solid hardwood. Therefore, this is certainly a better choice for basements and areas with rainy climates.
• Resistance to Standing Water: All types organic materials including wood, can’t tolerate standing water. Therefore, this is an important factor to consider before taking any decision. You must be extra cautious while making the choice for kitchens, bathrooms, or mud rooms. In terms of water protection, engineered hardwood is considered to be slightly better than solid hardwood because its crisscrossed under surface layers provide additional strength and resistance to warping and buckling. Regardless of the type you choose, it is better to opt for one with a water-resistant, durable finish.
• Wear and Tear: One of the foremost parameters to consider before your selection is how well the floor surface will withstand the impact of your daily life. In the high-traffic areas of the home, try to avoid using softwood because they are more susceptible to gouges and dents. Harder varieties such as mahogany or oak are better suited for such rooms. Solid hardwood flooring is available in many different types of wood, and you should buy the hardest within your budget. The ability of an engineered wood to handle wear and tear depends mostly on the thickness of the veneer layer. Also, the capability of a hardwood floor to handle daily scuffs and scrapes depends a great deal on the floor finishing treatments such as oiling, waxing, varnishing, etc.
• Refinishing: One of the reasons behind the extreme popularity of hardwood floors is the option for the homeowners to strip and refinish the floor. If refinishing of the floor in the future is important to you, solid hardwood is certainly the best choice without any doubt. It has been observed that engineered hardwood can be refinished no more than once or twice. Being single pieces of wood, solid hardwood can be sanded and refinished repeatedly without any loss of strength and durability. Unfortunately, this is not the case with thinner veneers.
• Care and Maintenance: Regardless of your choice, wood surfaces always show all the debris and dirt that comes in. As both types come with similar surfaces, proper wood cleaning methods must be implemented to minimise damage and keep the floors beautiful. Regular sweeping and vacuuming will keep the floor grit and dust free. In order to remove gunk and deeper dirt, you may use a teerycloth mop with a cleanser that is approved by the manufacturer.
• Compatibility with In-floor Heating: Energy-efficient, heated floors are extremely popular these days. However, unfortunately, all types of floors are not compatible with these heating systems. If you are looking to install solid hardwood over these systems, you must choose quarter sawn cherry, oak, or ash floorboards with width of 2.25 inches or less, and less than 6% moisture content. On the other hand, almost all engineered hardwood floors can withstand temperature fluctuation and are compatible.
• Cost: The price of solid hardwood depends mostly on wood width, variety, finish, and thickness. Unless you are after pre-finished boards, there are labour costs to consider as well. In addition to these factors, the price of engineered hardwood also depends on the veneer thickness and material type used in the core.

Final Thoughts:

As you have seen, both solid hardwood and engineered hardwood have their own limitations as well as advantages. If you are looking for a floor that offers more flexibility and practicality, engineered hardwood will probably serve you better. However, if you are after a timeless appeal that will last for generations and can be refinished repeatedly, go for solid hardwood without any hesitation.

Regardless of your choice, Enoak can provide you state-of-the-art hardwood flooring options that are aesthetically pleasing and available well within your budget. Please contact our experts before your next flooring project.