Is Engineered Hardwood Better Than Solid Hardwood

People are always asking me which one is better but both have their pros and cons.

Is engineered hardwood better than solid hardwood.

The choice between solid hardwood floors and engineered wood planks can surprise homeowners when they first sit down with a contractor. Solid hardwood is available in both pre finished and unfinished boards. It consists of thinly sliced layers of hardwood over top of a cross plywood base. Sometimes this is simply because the solids are more popular and sell more and hence are put on special more often.

A 2020 comparison of solid hardwood vs engineered hardwood flooring. Compared to solid hardwood engineered wood floors have superior resistance to slightly lower and higher moisture levels which makes them more ideal for use in damp basements or regions with higher or lower than standard humidity levels. Solid hardwood generally has very tight seams between boards and there is a great range of colors and species than is found with engineered hardwood flooring. In fact it s 100 percent made of wood but it s not homogenous.

It can be installed on the basement floor and other places prone to humidity. Pros cons of both options with a look at durability cleaning maintenance more. Solid hardwood flooring shaw solid hardwood flooring diagram solid wood is milled from a single 3 4 thick piece of hardwood. Yes it s possible to find cheap engineered flooring but if comparing mid to good enginee.

Engineered hardwood is made of polymers multi thin layers of condensed wood and resin topped with layers of natural hardwood. Engineered hardwood is a bit better than solid hardwood in terms of waterproof. Solid hardwood flooring boards tend to be narrower than engineered hardwood flooring. Often solid hardwood is less expensive this all depends on what you are comparing it to but sometimes solid is less expensive than a sandable engineered product.

Engineered wood is significantly cheaper than solid hardwood and can be quickly adhered to another wooden surface a concrete floor or a soundproofing mat. Normally installers compensate for this movement by leaving an expansion gap between the floor and the wall. Solid wood flooring expands and contracts with changes in your home s relative humidity.