Solid or Engineered Wood Flooring?

When it comes to choosing the right type of flooring for your home, the options can feel overwhelming. One of the biggest decisions you’ll face is choosing between solid wood flooring and engineered wood flooring.

Solid wood flooring is made from a single piece of wood, usually from hardwoods like oak, maple, or cherry. It’s strong and durable, and can last for decades if properly maintained.

Engineered wood flooring, on the other hand, is made from several layers of wood that are glued together. The top layer is a hardwood veneer, which gives the floor its beautiful appearance, while the bottom layers provide stability and support. Engineered wood flooring is less expensive than solid wood flooring and is also more resistant to changes in temperature and humidity.

Here are some of the key factors you should consider when choosing between solid and engineered wood flooring:

1. Price: As mentioned earlier, engineered wood flooring is typically less expensive than solid wood flooring. However, the cost can vary depending on the quality and thickness of the engineered wood, as well as the type of hardwood veneer used.

2. Durability: Solid wood flooring is known for its durability, but it can be more susceptible to warping and cracking than engineered wood flooring. Engineered wood flooring, on the other hand, is designed to be more stable and resistant to changes in temperature and humidity.

3. Installation: Installing solid wood flooring can be more challenging than installing engineered wood flooring. Solid wood flooring must be nailed or stapled down to a subfloor, and it can’t be installed over concrete or radiant heating systems. Engineered wood flooring, on the other hand, can be installed as a floating floor or with glue, making it a more flexible option.

4. Maintenance: Both solid and engineered wood flooring require regular cleaning and maintenance to keep them looking their best. However, solid wood flooring is more susceptible to scratches and dents, while engineered wood flooring is more resistant to these types of damage.

5. Environment: If you’re looking for a flooring option that’s environmentally friendly, solid wood flooring may be the better choice. Engineered wood flooring is typically made from a combination of hardwoods and softwoods, which may not be sustainable or renewable.

Ultimately, the choice between solid and engineered wood flooring comes down to your personal preferences and needs. If you’re looking for a flooring option that’s durable, classic, and easy to maintain, solid wood flooring may be the right choice for you. If you’re looking for a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly option, engineered wood flooring may be the better choice.

No matter which type of wood flooring you choose, be sure to work with a professional flooring installer to ensure that your new flooring is properly installed and will last for years to come.

Need Help Installing Floors in Your Home? Ask the Experts at Factory Flooring

What type of underlayment should you use? How many inches thick? How do you install it? And how do you avoid damaging your floors in the process? 

When you work with Factory Flooring, you don’t have to worry about these questions. Our team of professional flooring installers will handle all the heavy lifting for you — literally. All you have to do is relax and enjoy the savings on your energy bill. 

Need to get more flooring ideas first? Our design blog has dozens of articles to help you get started. Whenever you’re ready to tackle your insulation project, we’ll be here to help. Contact us online to get started, or call Factory Flooring at 469-583-7053