When choosing a hardwood floor for your home, you have two main options: Prefinished Engineered Hardwood or Solid Hardwood. Both types of flooring have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to know the differences between them before making a decision. It’s crucial to understand that, despite the names, both solid and engineered are hardwood.
When choosing a hardwood floor for your home, you have two main options: Prefinished Engineered Hardwood or Solid Hardwood. Both types of flooring have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to know the differences between them before making a decision. It’s crucial to understand that, despite the names, both solid and engineered are hardwood.
Two of our Prefinished Engineered Hardwoods in stock, the Pecan Flaxen flooring from Anderson Tuftex’s Imperial Pecan collection and the Amber Betula flooring from Shaw Flooring’s Celestial collection.
Anderson Tuftex Imperial Pecan Flaxen 7-1/2″ AA828-12014
Shaw Flooring Celestial Amber Betula 6-1/4″ x 3/8″ SW744-07095
Prefinished Engineered Hardwood is made from a thin layer of hardwood veneer that is bonded to a core of plywood or particleboard. The veneer is then finished at the factory, which means you don’t have to worry about sanding and finishing the floor yourself. This can save you time and money, and it also means that you can get your new floor installed sooner.
Prefinished Engineered Hardwood is also more stable than Solid Hardwood. This is because the plywood (or particle board) core helps to prevent the wood from expanding and contracting with changes in humidity. This makes Prefinished Engineered Hardwood a great choice for homes in humid or dry climates.
Prefinished hardwood can be constructed in wider planks because it can be put on a more stable core, with some up to 11” wide . However, a wider plank sometimes means higher installation costs due to gluing the tongue and groove or even paying for the full spread of glue – but it’s necessary and best practice to make sure the floor is stable and doesn’t squeak as much (or at all).
Solid Hardwood is made from a single piece of wood and can typically be sanded down and re-stained over the course of the floor’s life. Prefinished Engineered Hardwood cannot typically be refinished because there is not as thick of a layer of sandable wood. If a solid wood floor becomes scratched over time, it can be refinished. Replacing the boards or the entire floor would be necessary with a prefinished floor. Solid Hardwood is also a good choice for homes with pets or children, as it is more resistant to scratches and dents.
Timberland Value Grade Red Oak Natural 2-1/4 CB210TW
However, Solid Hardwood is more expensive than Prefinished Engineered Hardwood. It is also more difficult to install, as it requires a more precise subfloor. Additionally, Solid Hardwood is more susceptible to changes in humidity, so it is not a good choice for homes in humid climates.
The best type of hardwood flooring for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Prefinished engineered hardwood is a good choice for a durable, maintenance floor. If you prefer a more natural look or have budget constraints, solid hardwood may be a better option.
Ultimately, the best way to choose hardwood flooring is consult a professional. They can help you assess your needs and preferences and recommend the best type of flooring for your home.
