Solid vs. Engineered Hardwood: Which One Is Best for Your Home?

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Aug 5
2 min read

When it comes to choosing the best hardwood for your home, two popular options stand out: solid hardwood flooring and engineered hardwood flooring. Both bring warmth, elegance, and timeless appeal to any space—but how do you know which one is right for your lifestyle and budget?

In this guide, Design Flooring Centre breaks down the key differences between solid and engineered hardwood, along with their benefits and drawbacks, to help you make a confident, informed decision for your property’s flooring.

What is Solid Hardwood Flooring?

Solid hardwood flooring is made from a single piece of solid wood—typically oak, maple, or walnut—milled into planks. Because it's made entirely of natural wood, each board has unique grain patterns and can be sanded and refinished multiple times over its lifetime.

Pros:

Long-Lasting: It can be refinished several times, making it ideal for long-term investment.
Timeless Appeal: It has natural variations in wood grain, which adds richness and character.
High Resale Value: It is often seen as a premium feature in residential properties.

Cons:

Sensitive to Moisture: It is prone to expansion and contraction with humidity changes.
Limited Applications: This type of flooring is not ideal for basements or below-grade installations.
Design Limitations: Typically not available in wide planks or intricate patterns like chevron or herringbone.

What is Engineered Hardwood Flooring?

Engineered hardwood consists of a real hardwood veneer on top of several layers of plywood or high-density fiberboard (HDF), bonded together under high pressure. This layered structure offers increased stability and resistance to moisture and temperature changes.

Pros:

More Versatile: It can be installed in basements, over concrete, or radiant heating systems.
Design Variety: Often available in wider planks and stylish patterns like chevron and herringbone.
Eco-Friendly: This type of flooring uses less hardwood per plank and can include recycled materials.

Cons:

Limited Refinishing: Depending on the thickness of the top layer, it may only be refinished once or twice.
Shorter Lifespan: Engineered hardwood with a thinner veneer may wear out faster in high-traffic areas compared to solid hardwood. For better durability and the option to refinish in the future, choosing a product with a thicker top layer (lamella) is recommended.

Which Hardwood Flooring Option is Best for Your Home?

Choosing the best hardwood flooring for your home depends on a few key factors:

Climate: Do you live in an area with high humidity or temperature swings? Engineered hardwood might be the better choice due to its higher resistance to warping.
Installation Area: For below-grade spaces like basements or over concrete slabs, engineered hardwood is the better choice.
Budget: Entry-level engineered hardwood can provide a similar look to solid hardwood at a more budget-friendly price.
Longevity: If you're looking for a floor that will last for generations and can be refinished multiple times, solid hardwood is worth the investment.

Let Design Flooring Centre Help You Choose the Perfect Hardwood Flooring for Your Home

Still unsure which hardwood flooring option is right for your home? At Design Flooring Centre, we offer a wide selection of both solid and engineered hardwood flooring. Our team is also here to help you choose the option best suited for your home.