What’s the difference between solid and engineered wood floors?

A timeless flooring solution that offers an attractive yet exceptionally durable option for homeowners and enterprise operators alike, wood has much to offer. While providing an excellent return on the sizeable investment that a new floor entails, wood’s natural look and feel can add warmth to interiors and suits almost every décor.

Those looking to install a wood floor will have heard of two types readily available from flooring specialists – solid wood and engineered wood floors – and may be curious about the differences. In the following sections, we’ll explore the differences between these flooring options to help property owners select which product may be most suitable for their specific requirements.

The main difference

Solid wood floors are made from just wood. Typically produced from a hardwood genus of trees such as Walnut, Maple or Oak, solid wood floors offer the longest lasting floor choice as they can be sanded down and refinished to restore their natural beauty several times.

While on first inspection after fitting, engineered wood flooring may appear extremely similar to solid wood, it is constructed quite differently. Instead of a solid board comprising of one type of wood, engineered wood is created by taking a fairly thin layer of expensive hardwood and bonding it onto a less expensive, albeit high-quality, piece of plywood.

Longevity and cost

As a solid wood floor can be restored two or three times, it has the advantage of a longer lifespan than engineered flooring, which can typically be sanded down and refinished only once due to its thin solid wood layer. Whereas a solid wood floor will commonly last between 30 to 100 years depending on how it is used and cared for, an engineered floor has a much shorter life of between 20 to 30 years.

For those seeking a wood floor appearance where cost is a concern, an engineered option may be more suitable than solid wood, as due to the way it is constructed, it is the more affordable of the two solutions.

Appearance and choice of wood

Solid hardwood floorboards generally tend to be narrower than engineered wood alternatives, which are far broader by comparison. Solid wood flooring usually offers a wider range of colours and a choice between a finished or unfinished look and feel, whereas engineered options are nearly always pre-finished.

Installation of wood floors

Solid wood floors are fashioned from boards milled to feature a tongue and groove so they can interlock with one another. Solid wood flooring must be nailed to the subfloor, a process best tackled by a professional. Engineered wood flooring, on the other hand, is typically easier and far quicker to fit.

Whether you select a solid wood or engineered wood, unless you are DIY expert, enlisting the assistance of a professional floor fitter can be advantageous. Highly convenient, skilled installers can fit flooring options faster, causing you less disruption, and their extensive experience can ensure your floor is installed correctly, enhancing its appearance and adding to its longevity.