What is Better: Solid vs Engineered Hardwood?

So you’ve decided to purchase hardwood flooring.  Great choice!

However, your decision-making process is not quite over. You’ll still have to drill if you want to purchase engineered or solid hardwood floors. As you might expect there are pros and cons for either. Perhaps reading this article will help you decide.

Solid Hardwood

Solid wood flooring planks, as the name implies, are constructed of trees. 

Pros: 

• Sturdy and will last 100 years+
• Can be sanded down and refinished as often as needed
• Damaged planks can be replaced and matched to the existing floor
• Natural and timeless beauty
• Highly thought after and has been proven to increase the property value
• Customization options in terms of wood, pattern, and stain, top finish
• The option between pre-fished and unfinished.

Cons:

• Exposure to moisture can be a problem
• More expensive
• The Installation process takes longer since the finishing takes place on-site, that is if you purchase the naked wood.

Additional Considerations:

Type Of Wood and Grain

The most popular types of hardwood floors in North America are oak, walnut, maple, hickory, cherry, and ash.

Each has its own personality when it comes to color, grain, and ability to take on the stain, so it’s largely a matter of aesthetics – and price.

Woodgrain is often influenced by the way the timber is cut.

Plank Width

Hardwood planks can range in width from a couple of inches to almost a foot.

The wider the plank the more it will cost.

When you use wide planks you’ll end up with fewer seams which some find aesthetically more pleasing. However, with wider planks, if your floor ever becomes damaged you’ll need to replace a lot more lumber at a greater expense.

Pre-Finished or Raw Wood

If you choose pre-finished boards you'll know exactly what the finished floor will look like whereas raw wood floors finished on-site can vary a bit from the sample once the stain has been applied. In contrast, however, on-site finished planks can be stained to fit your interior. The added benefit to pre-finished planks is that the installation process is much quicker due to the fact that the finishing process was already done at the factory and you need not worry about letting the protective coating dry.

Engineered Hardwood Flooring

Engineered hardwood flooring is an affordable option to real wood flooring. It is available in many styles and colors and has a classic, cozy look that many people love. It usually costs less than solid wood flooring, (due to less labor) yet it is nearly as durable and long-lasting.

Engineered floor planks are constructed by interlinking strips of engineered materials that are glued or nailed to each other using an interlocking agent. The boards are made from various types of engineered materials including engineered maple floor planks, engineered walnut floor planks, engineered bamboo floor planks, and more. 

There are many benefits to choosing engineered hardwood flooring over solid wood: for one, it is easier to install and maintain, and for another, it can tolerate some moisture. However, it is not as strong or solid as real wood. 

In Conclusion:

No matter what you choose, you will have a durable, good looking, and timeless flooring material that will serve you well for years to come.

If we can assist you in picking the "right for your situation" type of flooring please give us a call at (707) 864-2199 for a complementary design consultation.