Blog > How are engineered and solid hardwood flooring different?

How are engineered and solid hardwood flooring different?

Wednesday, December 8, 2021 4:14 PM

On the surface, these two hardwood versions look similar. Both can be made with your species-of-choice, whether oak, hickory, maple, etc. and have beautiful undertones, raised grains, swirls, and knots. The construction is different, which makes them behave differently in specific installations, and it is especially appealing to those who want both beauty and practicality. Feel free to visit our hardwood flooring company to learn more.

Distinctive construction

While solid is one thickness all the way through, engineered wood floors are layered. At the top is your veneer layer, which gives it a similar look to any wood flooring but underneath is three or more layers of genuine wood, combined with a bit of resin and placed in a crosswise position.

As a result, the floor is stable, less prone to warping, and installed in some higher-than-normal moisture areas, such as basements, where solid is not recommended. Better stability means it won't shrink and expand with weather, so no acclimation is necessary before installation.

Fast, easy, and uncomplicated installation

While solid hardwood flooring is always the traditional/nail down technique, engineered can be glued, nailed, or installed as a floating floor. When it floats, it means that pieces click together, mat, and then hover over a clean, dry, and level subfloor without nails or glue. Most subfloors are acceptable, including concrete, which can be damp at times. The easier installation makes it less expensive.

Like solid wood, engineered adds value to a property. It can also be sanded and refinished up to four times, depending on the thickness of the material. These floors last for 40 years or more.

Since 1993, Taylor Flooring Limited has provided the area with high-quality products and installation for both residential and commercial industries. Visit our showroom in Nova Scotia, especially if you live in or around Dartmouth, Sydney, Bridgewater, and Halifax. Be sure to ask about your free wood flooring quote.