First of all it important to understand that both engineered and solid hardwood floors are made from 100% real wood, but there are significant differences in their overall construction.
Engineered wood floors have been adapted and therefore tend to be easier to install and usually less expensive than hardwood. The performance of any flooring depends on what type or species of wood it contains. Understanding this will make a huge difference in choosing the right floor for your home.
Engineered Hardwood vs. Solid Hardwood
Solid floors are made from a completely solid plank of wood; each board will be about ¾ of an inch thick. The plank being this thick allows you to sand down or refinish the floor for as long as the flooring it fitted.
Engineered hardwood is a versatile and resilient flooring option that can be installed in most areas of your home. Engineered hardwood is made of a core of hardwood or plywood with a layer of hardwood veneer affixed to the top surface. It’s more resistant to moisture and heat compared to solid hardwood.
Where Can I Install Hardwood Floors?
Solid hardwood expands and contracts in reaction to changes in moisture and temperature, so solid wood floors are only recommended for rooms at ground level or above.
Engineered wood is suitable for most rooms in the home, including the basement or bathrooms. The unique construction of engineered wood creates a structure that is less likely to buckle, gap, or react to fluctuations in humidity and temperature.
DIY vs. Pro Installation
Solid hardwood flooring can be glued, nailed or stapled to a wood subfloor. These types of installations are best left to the pros, since they can challenge even experienced DIYers.
Engineered wood floors can be either nailed down or glued down, like a traditional hardwood installation. They can also be installed as "floating" floors, in which the boards attach to each other and "float" above the subfloor.
DIY Hardwood Installation
Solid hardwood flooring installation is perhaps the most challenging of all flooring types. However with the right tools and planning skilled DIYers can handle the job with stunning results. Engineered hardwood flooring is an easier and faster DIY installation.
Refinishing Hardwood Floors
Both engineered and solid hardwood flooring can be refinished. Solid hardwood can be refinished up to 10 times depending on the board thickness. Engineered boards requires less refinishing over its lifetime – typically only one or two times.
Refinishing your hardwood floors can be a DIY project, but it requires some skill and a bit of patience. Equipment rental can range between $200-$300 dollars.
Price difference
In terms of look and feel, you truly can’t see a difference between the engineered and solid, and there is no discernible distinction to the touch. In the case of expense, it depends on the plank size, cost of the wood being used, shipping and installation fees, so that’s where the fees may differ.
Because their look and feel are virtually identical, typically the choice between solid and engineered wood comes down to price and climatic conditions. Jordans Flooring Consultants can talk you through what the right product for you is depending on your needs and budget. Find a store near you today.
