You want to update your flooring, but cannot decide between solid hardwood flooring and engineered hardwood flooring - what is the difference and which option should you choose?
Engineered hardwood flooring is made up of several layers - the top and bottom consisting of natural wood and the middle consisting of several layers of high-quality plywood. This construction often makes hardwood engineered flooring less likely to expand, shift, warp, swell or contract when exposed to humidity, moisture and environmental changes in the temperature than solid hardwood flooring. This makes engineered hardwood flooring a good option for your kitchen or areas that may be exposed to slight moisture. However, neither solid hardwood flooring nor engineered hardwood flooring is recommended for moist or damp areas in your home, such as laundry rooms and bathrooms.
Solid hardwood flooring requires your home to have a plywood subfloor; houses built on slabs do not have a plywood subfloor, nor do some condos and townhouses. Although you can add plywood to your floor, this does add cost, time and height to your floor, which can create clearance issues for doors and appliances. Engineered hardwood flooring does not require a plywood subfloor, saving time, cost and height.
Solid hardwood flooring should not be installed in below-grade applications, such as basements below level ground, whereas engineered hardwood flooring can be installed in these areas as long as there is not a moisture issue in the area.
Engineered hardwood flooring also tends to be less expensive than solid hardwood flooring, making it a more budget-friendly option for your home.
Engineered hardwood flooring often looks exactly like solid hardwood flooring and is cared for the same way - sweeping, vacuuming and mopping with wood cleaner. It most often can be sanded and refinished, however, not as many times as solid hardwood flooring as the thickness of the top layer of wood is not as thick as solid hardwood. With proper maintenance, engineered hardwood flooring can last 30-plus years and engineered hardwood flooring planks can easily be replaced.
If you have decided that Engineered Hardwood Flooring is the right decision for your home, Bear Carpentry Ltd. can help. Contact us for a free estimate.