It's time for that question to finally be put to rest. Which is better, solid or engineered hardwood floors? Well, a lot of that actually depends on you! Engineered hardwood floors have a bit more durability when it comes to stopping moisture from warping the boards, whereas solid hardwood has a much longer lifespan.
Since your flooring choices all depend on your lifestyle, let's dive into their similarities and differences to help you find which flooring is right for your dream home.
The Basics
Let's start with the basics. Solid hardwood is a plank of wood that came directly from a tree. The look and feel can differ based on the wood species, as we address below, but most people know what wood is supposed to look like. It is often about 3/4 of an inch thick and has all of the beautiful patterns and colors found in nature. Solid hardwood is often found in much older houses since it has been in style for centuries.
On the other hand, engineered hardwood has some real wood in it, but there is a layer underneath, made of plywood that adds density and sturdiness. Many people who worry about the planet prefer engineered hardwood flooring because it’s possible to achieve a great look while only using a small amount of actual wood. This reduces the need to cut down quite so many trees and leaves the forests where they are.
Aesthetics
In both cases, the look is dependent on the species of wood that you choose. With engineered hardwood, you have a little more control over your choice since the planks are finished at the factory, and looking at pictures before installation is an option. With solid hardwood planks, you have the ability to buy them finished or unfinished. Some enterprising people prefer to do their own finishing touches with custom hand-scraping techniques. However, you won't know what your floors will look like until they've already been installed if you do.
Hardness
When determining which species of wood to choose from, it's good to keep in mind where the wood is going and what kind of wear and tear it will need to stand up to. For example, if you have pets and small children, you'll need much more durable and accident-proof hardwood. On the other hand, if you have a smaller family of adults and don't expect a lot of foot traffic or rambunctious play, it’s possible to select a softer wood.
Check how the wood species scores on the Janka Hardness Scale to get a better idea of how well it will work in your home and with your family’s lifestyle and activity levels. The Janka Hardness Scale measures how much force is needed to leave an indentation in the wood. Some of the strongest available woods are strand-woven bamboo and eucalyptus, as opposed to walnut, which is a much softer wood.
Expense
A factor of wood floors that you're going to have to remember is the expense. As you've likely noticed, engineered hardwood is also a bit cheaper than solid hardwood. On average, wood floors are priced at about $3.39/square foot, but the prime models can be up to $14/square foot. You're looking more at a price of $8-15/square feet for sturdy solid hardwood. So, if you love the beautiful shine of hardwoods but need a cost-effective alternative, engineered hardwood flooring is certainly the way to go!
Moisture Levels
Engineered hardwood can also stand up to a little more moisture than solid hardwood can, though neither one is really meant for extremely humid, wet, or moist environments. Engineered hardwoods are durable enough to be laid over concrete substrates, unlike solid hardwoods. The plywood barrier in engineered wood prevents a decent amount of moisture from seeping up through the substrate. Excessive humidity can cause your newly laid hardwoods and even some engineered hardwoods to warp and crack soon after installation.
That's why most retailers and manufacturers recommend against laying solid hardwood anywhere below ground level, like in a basement. If you want to continue your flooring anywhere below ground level and maintain consistency, you'll probably want to choose engineered hardwood. Don't overestimate the engineered hardwood, though; just because it can handle a little bit of moisture from below-ground levels doesn't mean we advise going crazy and installing it in your bathroom or kitchen.
Acclimation Time
With engineered hardwood flooring, start by letting your engineered wood get used to your home's natural humidity levels by letting it sit out for a few days. You'll need to remove the packaging and then keep the boards in the room(s) you plan to install them in. By allowing the panels to adjust to the ambient moisture levels, they will naturally expand or contract before installation, meaning that you won't have to worry about warping over time. If you use solid wood planks, they will need to acclimate for two or three weeks, which can really push your timetable back if you need the floors done by a specific date.
Lifespan
Solid wood can be sanded and refinished many more times than engineered hardwood. However, while solid hardwoods can last up to 100 years if you make maintenance a priority, good quality engineered wood flooring can last between 25-30 years, which is also a great flooring life that easily outlasts most people's desire to redecorate every decade or so.
Installation
Plenty of DIY people prefer engineered hardwood because of the variety of ways to install it. Most of them don't even require a professional contractor or even much woodworking experience to get the floor of their dreams. The majority of engineered hardwood planks have adhesive on the back and fit together with a tongue-and-groove locking mechanism. It's the same reason so many people find laminate flooring easy to install because it’s possible to nail or glue the boards down or float them over subfloors. This is a definite advantage when it comes to installation.
For solid hardwood, on the other hand, you're much more limited when it comes to installation. The boards are simply too thick just to be glued down. Nail down is the primary method for solid hardwood installation, and unless you have been working with wood for quite some time, you'll probably want to hire someone with experience to install your flooring.
Resale Value
Additionally, if you're replacing your floors with the thought of your home's resale value in mind, then solid hardwood assuredly should be your first choice. Most people can't tell the difference with just a glance, and they won't say no to engineered hardwood, but some people are purists or want floors that can last up to a century. When you walk into a house, the floor is likely one of the first things you look at. It can tie the whole room together or leave a bad impression on the viewer.
The mystique of having solid wood flooring can be a serious selling point for real estate agents and homeowners alike, so if you're flipping a house and can afford it, consider opting for solid hardwood instead of engineered wood flooring.
In Summary
Both engineered and solid hardwood floors can add character, beauty, and value to your home. Depending on your circumstances, budget, and where you plan to install the flooring, you might decide that you prefer one or the other. Which one do you prefer? Let us know.
Sources:
Hardwood Flooring: Types, Costs, and Finishing Options | This Old House
How to Install Prefinished Solid-Hardwood Flooring | how-tos | DIY Network
Solid Wood vs. Engineered Wood Flooring: What's the Difference? | The Spruce
