Wood is one of the most popular choices for flooring out there. It’s durable, looks great, and pairs well with nearly every style. Choosing wood for your floors is an easy choice. However, choosing between engineered hardwood vs hardwood is not as easy. Which wood flooring type is right for your home? What are the differences between engineered hardwood and solid hardwood flooring?
Both of these wood flooring options are perfect choices, but the qualities of one or the other may persuade you in a specific direction. To truly make the best choice in wood flooring, compare the differences we’ve outlined below.
Engineered Hardwood vs Hardwood: Structure
Engineered hardwood flooring is constructed of a thin layer of hardwood that is then bonded to a piece of plywood. These layers give the engineered wood a comfortable and stable surface to stand on.
Traditional or solid hardwood flooring is made of a single piece of wood. Each end of the wood comes with tongues and grooves to interlock with other pieces before it’s nailed down.
Engineered Hardwood vs Hardwood: Appearance
Engineered hardwood and traditional hardwood don’t look all that different once installed, but there are some notable details to mention. Firstly, traditional hardwood is typically more slender than engineered hardwood. The seams of the solid hardwood are often tighter, while engineered hardwood will have minor grooves.
Secondly, traditional hardwood comes in more wood species and colors and is available in unfinished or pre-finished. Most traditional hardwood is finished once it’s installed, but you have the option to apply it yourself. Engineered hardwood is almost always finished before installation and won’t have as many customization options.
Engineered Hardwood vs Hardwood: Maintenance
Both engineered hardwood and traditional hardwood are easy to maintain. They require some sweeping, vacuuming, and occasionally damp mopping. Make sure you use an appropriate wood cleaner for the job.
Hardwood is the best option if you wish to sand down your wood flooring since it’s much thicker and capable of multiple sanding sessions. Engineered hardwood can only be sanded once or twice before it needs replacing.
Engineered Hardwood vs Hardwood: Water Resistance
You shouldn’t install either wood flooring option in rooms prone to getting wet, such as the kitchen or bathroom. Moisture is highly detrimental to both types of wood. However, engineered hardwood can withstand the effects of moisture exposure better than traditional hardwood. The plywood helps against humidity and fights against warping.
Engineered Hardwood vs Hardwood: Installation
DIYers will love engineered hardwood because it’s so much easier to install than traditional hardwood. While some engineered hardwood is installed via nails, many offer a click-in-place or glue method. These installation methods are faster and easier for those wanting to do it themselves.
Solid hardwood flooring requires nail installation to attach to the subfloor. This can be challenging for some and can require a lot of effort. The process will take longer, so many DIYers avoid it.
Engineered Hardwood vs Hardwood: Cost
If you want to save some money, engineered hardwood is often more affordable than solid hardwood flooring. On average, you’ll pay $4 to $8 per square foot for engineered hardwood. On the other hand, traditional hardwood may cost you $4 to $15 per square foot. It will come down to the type of wood, manufacturer, and where you live.
Engineered Hardwood vs Hardwood: Durability
Solid hardwood can last over 100 years with proper sanding, finishing, and maintenance. Engineered hardwood will only last you 20 to 30 years. Since it can’t be sanded down too much, you’ll have to replace it after one or two sands.
Determine Which Wood Flooring is Right for You
You can’t make the wrong choice when it comes to wood flooring. Choosing the contractor who installs it is a different story. Make sure your wood flooring is installed correctly with DreamHome Remodeling & Builders at your side.
Call us at (415) 650-2586 or visit our home remodeling page to learn more about our services!