Engineered Wood Flooring vs Solid Wood: What’s The Difference?

Many homeowners looking to upgrade their flooring find themselves in a conundrum, asking whether they should opt for engineered wood flooring or solid wood. Both options yield fantastic aesthetic results.

However, many additional factors are at play when deciding on home renovations.

At its simplest, solid wood floors are made of wood, like walnut, maple, or oak, whereas engineered wood flooring consists of a top layer of solid wood that is carefully bonded over high-grade plywood.

Since engineered wood flooring uses less solid wood, it’s a less expensive alternative for those who seek the aesthetic of wooden floors without undergoing the expense. It is also more stable than hardwood, meaning that it can better withstand the elements, moisture and heat.

Here we at Top Carpets explore the differences between both types of flooring so that you can make an informed choice when it comes to your home’s flooring solutions.

Understanding the Main Differences Between Engineered Wood Flooring and Solid Wood:

There are several differences between these materials. We explore the variations in appearance, cost, stability, sanding and refinishing, and installation.

Appearance:

Solid wood planks are usually narrower in diameter than engineered wood flooring. Oftentimes there are also incredibly tight seams between the floorboards when it comes to solid wood. Genuine wood also comes in a variety of hues and colours and can be stained according to preference. Clients can opt to purchase unfinished or pre-finished boards. Engineered wood floorboards, on the other hand, tend to be wider than solid wood ones. Sometimes the floorboards have bevelled edges, allowing for small grooves between them. However, there are mostly tight seams between the boards, allowing for seamless installation. Engineered wood flooring also comes in a brilliant variety of styles and colours. This means that you can customise flooring to fit your home’s aesthetic and the style of the room.

Cost:

Hardwood flooring can be costly, depending on the type of wood selected. Hardwood flooring can cost significantly more per square metre, especially when opting for pricier woods like parquetry or bamboo. Engineered wood floors definitely win when it comes to price. Here at Top Carpets and Floors, we have several options available.

Stability:

When it comes to stability, engineered wood flooring is the best option. This wood flooring system is super durable and resistant to warping, meaning that it can withstand higher moisture environments than solid wood. This makes engineered wood floors a great idea for anyone with children or pets or in the kitchen area where spills might be more commonplace. Solid wood is unfortunately prone to warping over time and thus not as hardy as its engineered counterparts. Engineered wood is also more heat-resistant, adding to its durability.

Sanding/Refinishing:

Solid wood is much thicker than engineered wood’s solid wood layer. Thus, it can withstand more sanding and refining. Generally, solid wood planks can undergo four or more refinements, whereas engineered wood can usually handle two. Nonetheless, when you choose quality-grade engineered wood flooring from us, you can take the time to choose the colour and grain that suits your aesthetic assuring that no refinement will be needed once the installation is complete.

Installation:

Solid wood floors are installed using a tongue-and-groove system whereby each plank is nailed to the subfloor. The subfloor is often made of plywood when it comes to solid wood flooring installations. Engineered wood floors are installed using a floating click system or a fully bonded glue-down installation. This is almost like the clicking together of Lego blocks. However, exactitude is necessary to get an even result. For enhanced precision, professional installation is always recommended.

Though both solid wood and engineered wood options will certainly add a touch of high-end appeal to your home, there are key differences to each option. The classic authenticity of solid wood cannot be denied, and it can be revitalised every so often if needed, but the planks and installation are more expensive. It is also less durable and stable than engineered wood which offers a similar aesthetic to wood with a competitive price tag and additional versatility.

Explore Our Engineered Wood Flooring Solutions and More

If you are ready to revamp your flooring, we have exciting news for you. At Top Carpets and Floors, we offer a wide selection of premium flooring products, including gorgeous, engineered wood options. We pride ourselves on quality flooring solutions that marry fantastic value with a premium product. Our popular flooring categories include:

• Carpets
• Carpet tiles
• Wood laminates
• Wood-look vinyl
• Luxury SPC / Rigid board
• Engineered wood; and
• Vinyl tiles

Visit one of our 130 nationwide stores by locating your nearest branch using our store locator. Whatever your flooring needs, our team will happily assist you to find the perfect pick for your home.

We also offer quality professional installations, and all Top Carpets and Floors installations –are subject to a generous warranty. For more information, get in touch, and we will gladly advise on the next steps. You can also request an estimate to get an idea of what your flooring options will cost. When it comes to turning your home into your personal paradise, we are here for you.