Solid Or Engineered Hardwood Flooring - Location
Your home is a major investment and no matter what your square footage, hardwood flooring is an essential aspect of style, comfort, and price. The sophistication and ease of hardwood floors makes it an undeniable first option among buyers, builders, and real estate agents alike; the real debate gets heated when selecting between traditional solid hardwood and the modern engineered wood floors option. Before you go out on a limb, here is the cut and dry breakdown of the two alternatives:
Solid Hardwood Flooring
Location - great for all rooms “above grade” rooms with subfloors - no concrete!
Longevity - the lack of a “wear layer” allows the floor to be sanded and refinished or recoated; ages with time, adding to the distinct beauty of the grain. Vintage hardwood floors from the Middle Ages are still around today, over 800 years later. Requires refinishing every 25+ years.
Versatility- the hard wood surface inherently provides a flooring canvas that adapts to home owner preference through refinishing options.
Market Value - the hardwood flooring investment adds to the value of the home; this classic selection is time-tested and buyer-approved; enhances home value, warmth, and elegance.
Installation Consideration - requires a sub-floor which can lead to remodeling as floorboards and door trims may undergo adjustments to accommodate the higher hardwood floor.
Sensitive - Solid wood is sensitive to changes in humidity as it naturally contracts and expands; thus it is necessary to consider climate conditions to avoid bucking, rippling, and warping; however, hardwood floor options have greatly advanced, seamlessly allowing for the natural movement of the wood.
Experience - solid hardwood floors have a texture, sound, and feel that far surpasses the alternatives; this presence is often what sells buyers on this option.
Factory Warranty - solid hardwood options are typically backed by warranties protecting the surface for decades.
Price - typically less than the engineered.
Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Location - perfect fit for “below grade” locals, including cement flooring.
Stability - the mesh, cross-layer design of the heat and bonded planks adds a dimensionality to the wood which allows it to better weather humidity and temperature fluctuations.
Universality - the multi-wood layer construction is more resistant to everyday wear and tear, including installation in high moisture environments such as basements and bathrooms.
Eco-friendly - manufacturing of the product is resource efficient, resulting in less wastes.
Installation Ease - no need for sub-flooring, nails, or glue; greater installation flexibility at a fraction of the time compared to solid wood.
Factory Warranty - engineered hardwood options are typically backed by warranties protecting the surface for decades.
Price - dependent on selection criteria of wood type and “wear layer” thickness.
When choosing between the two types of hardwood flooring construction, the most important factors to weigh are your environment, costs, and installation needs. From tree logs to living rooms, hardwood is an economically and aesthetically sound selection - a true investment in quality. Whether solid or engineered, hardwood floors are the way of the past, present, and future given its grace, strength, and beauty. For good luck and good taste, try knocking on wood!