Hardwood Flooring vs. Engineered Hardwood

The two most popular options for home wood flooring are currently solid hardwoods and engineered hardwoods. A casual glance in the store won't tell you much about the difference between these boards, but it's important to know what each is, and how they are commonly used. Let's take a closer look!

Solid Hardwood Flooring

This flooring is simply made of total wood – wood that is cut down, hewn, sawn, sanded, stained and ready to be installed on your floors. It's all one natural material, inside and out, which makes it popular for:

● Areas where you want a pure wood appearance: The natural, deep colors of real hardwoods may be just what you want to highlight a specific area. Plus, natural wood boards are open to more artistic options, such as hand-scraping.

● Floors that you want to last: Hardwood floors are more durable than engineered wood, and can often last as long as the house itself with proper care.

● Floors you don't mind paying a bit more for: Hardwood floors tend to be a little more expensive than engineered wood, especially if you want some of the rarer species.

● Projects where eco-conscience is important: Hardwood planks are fully renewable, while engineered wood flooring isn't very environmentally friendly (especially if they use adhesive in installation).

Engineered Hardwood

Engineered hardwood is a processed type of plank that is made of several layers. The inside is usually a foam or plywood core, while the outside is made of strips of real wood. They come in many different designs and can mimic many traditional wood planks. They are well suited for:

● Floors where moisture may be an issue: Hardwood flooring should never be used in areas where moisture is an ongoing concern, because it will warp and create other problems. But engineered hardwood flooring has better moisture resistance: With the proper moisture seals and vapor barriers it can be used in basements, washing rooms, and other areas where traditional wood is a no-go.

● Areas where you need a quick installation: With pre-formed planks and multiple methods of installation, it's usually easier and faster to install engineered hardwoods, especially if you are considering a DIY project.

● Floors with a concrete base: It's not advisable to install hardwoods on a concrete floor (moisture concerns are once again an issue, in addition to finding a way to attach the boards). But floating or glued engineered wood flooring can handle concrete with ease.

● Floor projects where you want to save money: While prices vary, you can often find engineered woods that are less expensive than hardwoods if you want to save money.

Contact UB Hardwoods to learn more about our available wood flooring, estimates, and financing options!