In most homes, hardwood (aka solid wood) and engineered wood floors can be used interchangeably, however, there are some differences. For example, hardwood flooring is made of hardwood species that include maple, walnut, oak, and cherry. Solid wood comes from a solid piece of milled wood. Here are some key aspects of hardwood and engineered wood flooring to keep in mind when choosing which flooring is right for your home.
Hardwood Flooring
- Its core is hardwood
- Since it is solid wood, hardwood can be sanded and refinished several times over its lifetime to maintain its appearance.
- Has a significantly longer lifespan – usually 30 to 100 years with the proper maintenance and care
- A wide variety of colors and styles in both pre-finished and unfinished panels
- More sensitive to humidity and moisture which can cause the flooring to swell and warp
Engineered Wood Flooring
- Its core is plywood
- Its thin layer of hardwood flooring on top doesn’t allow engineered wood to be refinished as often as solid flooring. Engineered wood can only be refinished once or twice before the hardwood layer needs repaired planks.
- Lifespan is usually up to 30 years
- Fewer choices of colors and styles than hardwood
- Has better performance in humid locations compared to hardwood flooring, making it less susceptible to warping and swelling.
E_M Custom Flooring & Installations has been an industry leader in hardwood and engineered wood flooring for more than 75 years. Call us at (631) 924-4437 to schedule a flooring consultation.
