Solid Wood Vs. Engineered Hardwood Flooring: Which Is Right For You?

by Anthony Cooper Blogger

Wood flooring without any doubt is a good investment for homes. While many individuals still go with traditional real wood flooring, a large number of people are turning to engineered hardwood flooring and herringbone engineered flooring instead. Both the floorings have their pros and cons as can be found with any floor. But which one is right for your home? Keep scrolling to make the right decision.

Solid Wood Flooring

Solid wood flooring is made from real wood entirely. From the surface layer to the underlayment, the entire product is made from several varieties of wood. Most popular options of wood include – oak, walnut, hickory, pine, maple, mahogany.

What Makes It Different From Engineered Wood?

Sanding – Solid wood flooring can be sanded down a number of times during their entire life span while engineered flooring cannot be several times instead they can be sanded only once or twice gently before they start losing their wear layer.

Durability - Unlike engineered wood floors solid wood floors are incredibly long-lasting. If maintained properly these can last for over 100 years.

Hardness Range – Floors made from solid wood range from extremely soft to extremely hard. This type of flooring offers a vast range of options than engineered wood flooring.

Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered hardwood flooring is an analogous alternative to wood flooring. The top layer of this flooring is the same as solid wood, however, it differs underneath. Under the surface layer, this flooring has a base high quality, durable plywood. 80 to 90% of the product comprises a base.

What Makes It Different From Hardwood Flooring?

Moisture Resistance – Unlike hardwood flooring, the plywood base in engineered hardwood flooring makes it more resistant to moisture. This is the reason people opt for engineered wood flooring in kitchens and areas of the house where floors are prone to water exposure.

Maintenance – Low maintenance is required for this type of flooring than hardwood floors. It doesn’t warp or swell like solid hardwood flooring as it is moisture resistant, thus making maintenance an easy task.

Sustainability – It is more sustainable than solid hardwood flooring as it uses only a thin veneer of hardwood for the surface layer. It means less wood is used in making engineered oak flooring which ultimately leads to lesser cutting of trees. Additionally, the harvesting process produces no sawdust, which means no wood is wasted. Hardwood floors produce a significant amount of sawdust and therefore wasted wood.

Both of these floorings have their pros and cons though knowing the differences between the two can help you select the best flooring for your home. Choose the best wood flooring UK according to your preferences.