Is solid hardwood or engineered hardwood better?

Solid hardwood is a 100% natural product made from a single piece of wood. Engineered hardwood consists of a veneer top layer and multiple lower layers of either hardwood, plywood, or high-density fiberwood that are bonded together. Solid hardwood will expand and contract during temperature and humidity fluctuations and may form gaps or cup over time. Because of the different layers of engineered hardwood, it is far less susceptible to gaps and cupping and therefore comes in wider plank widths. The visual appearance of both products are very similar, and each can come in the same finishes and stains. The cost of engineered hardwood can vary based on plank size, glue adhesive, and cost of lumber, and is not always cheaper than solid hardwood. The better choice depends on climatic factors and the cost of the wood and installation.

Is engineered hardwood better than laminate?

The top layer of engineered hardwood uses a real wood veneer, whereas laminate consists of a laminated photographic top layer for protection. Engineered hardwood is significantly thicker and comes in plank form. Although it can cost more, it is known to have a nicer appearance, greater moisture resistance, be more environmentally friendly, and add greater value to your home.

Do Engineered wood floors scratch easily?

Engineered hardwood is very durable, and surface wear depends on its finish. Because of this, it scratches the same as solid hardwood.

Is engineered hardwood a floating floor?

Engineered hardwood produced with a click-lock profile is often installed using a floating method. Depending on its profile, it can also be installed using glue or nails.

Do I need underlay for engineered wood flooring?

Underlayment should be used with floating engineered flooring; however, it is not necessary for floors that will be installed using glue or nails. It acts as a noise barrier and also provides cushioning.

Is it better to glue or float an engineered wood floor?

Depending on the profile of engineered hardwood, it can be installed using glue, nails, or it can float. Floating floors are less prone to warping and easier to install. Therefore it's more cost-effective in these regards.

Do hardwood floors increase home value?

Realtors estimate installing hardwood floors can increase the value of your home by as much as 2.5%, and offer a return of 70% to 80% on investment.

In-Depth Product Guide

Engineered Hardwood

FAQs

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Engineered hardwood flooring is made with two or more layers of wood. The surface layer is a wood veneer, which is a thin layer. The core can be made of pieces of solid wood or plywood. The pieces are glued together to form one piece that looks much like solid hardwood flooring.

The most important sustainability factors to consider for engineered wood are

is the wood source sustainable, and
are the glues non-toxic, without emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in your home

Look for FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification and low- or no-VOC glue.

Engineered hardwood can withstand a higher range of humidity and temperature with less changes in shape and size, and has less tendency to warp or split than solid wood.

Parquetry, from the Old French parchet, meaning small enclosed space, is patterned flooring consisting of inlaid wood in geometric shapes like squares, diamonds, and angles. One of the most well-watched pieces of parquet floor in history is the floor that the Boston Celtics play on, in the National Basketball Association of the USA. From its first installation in 1946 in Boston Arena, they brought their floor with them through two moves, to Boston Garden in 1952 and FleetCenter in 1995. Pieces were sold in 1999 as souvenirs after a demolition, and some pieces are still in the floor they play on now, at TD Garden.

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Tobias Roberts

Last Updated: Feb 24, 2022