Engineered wood flooring and hardwood flooring are both popular options for homeowners, but they have some significant differences in terms of composition, construction, and characteristics.

Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between Hardwood Flooring & Engineered Wooden Flooring.

Composition:

Engineered Wood Flooring: Engineered wood consists of multiple layers. The top layer, known as the veneer or wear layer, is made of real hardwood, while the lower layers are composed of plywood or high-density fiberboard (HDF). These layers are bonded together to create a stable and durable flooring material.

Hardwood Flooring: Hardwood flooring is made from solid planks of natural wood, cut from a single piece of timber. It retains the same wood species throughout the entire thickness of the plank.

Stability and Resistance to Moisture:

Engineered Wood Flooring: The layered construction of engineered wood makes it more dimensionally stable compared to solid hardwood. It is less prone to expansion and contraction due to changes in humidity and moisture. This stability makes engineered wood suitable for installation in areas with fluctuating moisture levels, such as basements.

Hardwood Flooring: Solid hardwood is more susceptible to moisture and can expand or contract based on humidity levels. It is generally not recommended for below-grade installations or areas with high moisture content.

Installation Options:

Engineered Wood Flooring: Engineered wood can be installed using various methods, including floating installation, glue-down, or nail-down techniques. It offers more flexibility and can be installed over various subfloors, including concrete.

Hardwood Flooring: Solid hardwood is typically installed using the nail-down method, where the planks are fastened to a wooden subfloor using nails or staples. It requires a more stable subfloor and is not recommended for installation directly over concrete.

Refinishing:

Engineered Wood Flooring: Depending on the thickness of the wear layer, engineered wood can be refinished a limited number of times. Thicker wear layers allow for more refinishing cycles, but the overall number is less compared to solid hardwood.

Hardwood Flooring: Solid hardwood can be sanded and refinished multiple times throughout its lifespan. This makes it more suitable if you anticipate the need for refinishing due to wear and tear or if you want to change the color or finish in the future.

Cost:

Engineered Wood Flooring: Engineered wood is often more affordable than solid hardwood, although the price can vary depending on the quality and type of wood used for the top layer.

Hardwood Flooring: Solid hardwood tends to be more expensive than engineered wood, especially if it’s made from rare or exotic wood species.
Both engineered wood and hardwood flooring have their advantages and considerations. The choice ultimately depends on your preferences, budget, and the specific needs of your project or space.

At TLC Flooring we have an extensive range of Hardwood Flooring aka Engineered Wooden Flooring to suit all homes and locations. We offer exceptional service (see our reviews), quality and competitive pricing. Contact us for a free no obligation quotation.