What Are The Main Differences Between Solid And Engineered Hardwood Flooring?
Choosing a hardwood floor is exciting, but what's the real difference between solid and engineered planks? Learn the core distinctions here!
Construction and Stability: A Structural Comparison
The main difference between solid and engineered hardwood lies in their structure.
Solid Hardwood is exactly what it sounds like: a single, continuous piece of 3/4-inch-thick wood milled from a tree species (like oak, maple, or cherry). Because it's a homogeneous product, its structural integrity is dependent on the environment. It naturally expands and contracts significantly with changes in temperature and humidity. This makes solid hardwood highly sensitive to moisture, meaning it should generally only be installed above grade (on the ground floor or upper floors) and cannot be reliably installed directly over concrete slabs or in moisture-prone areas like basements. However, this full-thickness construction is what allows it to be sanded and refinished multiple times throughout its lifespan—often lasting 75 to 100 years or more—making it a superior long-term investment.
Engineered Hardwood is a multilayer product built for stability. It consists of a thin layer (veneer) of real hardwood on top, laminated to several layers of high-density fiberboard (HDF) or plywood beneath, arranged in a cross-ply pattern. This layered, cross-grain construction significantly counters wood's natural tendency to expand and contract. The result is a much more stable and moisture-resistant product. This stability allows engineered hardwood to be installed in environments where solid wood cannot, including below grade (basements) and directly over concrete slabs using a proper vapor barrier or adhesive.
Installation and Longevity: Where They Work Best
The structural differences between the two materials dictate where and how they can be installed, impacting their long-term value and use.
Installation Methods: Solid hardwood flooring is traditionally installed using a nail-down method over a wood subfloor (like plywood or OSB). Engineered hardwood offers much more flexibility. Depending on its construction, it can be installed via nail-down, glue-down directly to concrete, or as a floating floor (using a click-lock system). This versatility often makes engineered hardwood the preferred choice for modern homes built with concrete foundations.
Refinishing and Lifespan: While both products are durable, their longevity differs based on how many times they can be refinished. Since solid hardwood is thick and uniform, the entire floor can be sanded down to remove scratches and blemishes, potentially three to seven times over its life, offering a lifespan of a century. Engineered hardwood's lifespan is limited by the thickness of its top veneer layer. Products with a thicker veneer (3mm or more) can be refinished once or twice, while thinner veneers cannot be refinished at all. This means engineered flooring typically needs to be replaced sooner, usually within 25 to 50 years. When choosing engineered, pay close attention to the veneer thickness to ensure it meets your long-term needs.