Solid Hardwood or Engineered Hardwood? Here’s All You Need to Know
Wood floorings are here to stay. So is the choice between solid hardwood and engineered hardwood! As suggested by the name, solid hardwood features solid wood throughout the thickness. Hardwood species like maple, walnut, or oak are used in its production. These floors may be sanded and refinished many times before needing replacement! Engineered hardwood uses a relatively thin layer of hardwood along with high-quality plywood. It looks similar to solid hardwood and is easier on your pocket, although it can be sanded and refinished just the one time because of the thin hardwood layer. Before you start looking for discounts on engineered hardwood flooring or solid hardwood flooring sale, you should know some fundamental differences to be able to make a better choice!
1. Appearance– Flooring boards of solid hardwood are usually narrower than engineered wood flooring. Solid hardwood comes with comparatively tighter seams between boards. You can choose from a range of colors and species of solid hardwood. You will get solid wood flooring in both unfinished and pre-finished boards.
Engineered hardwood flooring boards tend to be broader. While looking for engineered wood flooring sale you may notice slight grooves between boards; that is because some pre-finished engineered hardwood comes with beveled edges. Engineered wood flooring is usually sold pre-finished. You won’t run out of options when it comes to colors and species of engineered wood flooring.
2. Heat and water resistance– Solid wood flooring should not be installed against concrete slabs because the humidity migrating through the concrete surface tends to cause solid wood to warp and swell. Engineered wood flooring is better suited for humid locations. The plywood construction is the reason! If the subfloor against which the installation has to take place must be concrete, opt for engineered wood.
Both solid and engineered hardwoods have good resistance to heat, but if we had to recommend one, it would be engineered wood flooring, as the plywood base makes it less susceptible to warping by moisture.
3. Maintenance– It is slightly easier to maintain solid wood flooring as it can be sanded and refinished time and again throughout its lifespan. Engineered hardwood flooring can’t be refinished more than twice. The wood layer will be exhausted after that!
Pre-finished forms of solid as well as engineered hardwood floors are more durable as they come with a factory-applied, hard finish that holds up well.
4. Cleaning and care– Both types of hardwood floors are easy to clean. You need to do simple sweeping and vacuuming, and you will be done. Occasional damp-mopping is suggested. Use only an approved wood cleaner. A tip, you should avoid using steam or water to clean wood floors in general.
Final words
Both engineered hardwood and solid hardwood are premium flooring options that add a flair of elegance and resale value to your home. Some people favor engineered wood flooring for sale as it looks as stunning as solid hardwood and is relatively cheaper!
For engineered wood flooring in Los Angeles at great prices, do get in touch with us.