A comparison of solid vs engineered hardwood flooring
There are two constructions for hardwood flooring. One of them, engineered hardwood flooring, is taking a major share of the wood flooring industry. It appeals to those who want both the beauty of solid hardwood and some added practicality.
Paradise Floors and More makes your floor shopping exciting, fun, stress-free. We call it “Paradise Flooring.'' We’re well-known in the flooring industry in the Sarasota area and our mission has always been to provide the highest quality product at competitive prices.
Paradise Floors and More makes your floor shopping exciting, fun, stress-free. We call it “Paradise Flooring.'' We’re well-known in the flooring industry in the Sarasota area and our mission has always been to provide the highest quality product at competitive prices.
Only the construction is different
Style-wise, you're not going to see a difference. Solid is one slab throughout the thickness, but engineered is layered. At the top sits a slab of wood with all the undertones, grains, swirls, and knots that you'd see on any wood floor. Wide planks are trending right now, and engineered planks tend to be a little wider than solid boards. Popular species are oak, maple, hickory, walnut, and cherry.
Engineered hardwood can last over 40 years. Like solid hardwood flooring, it adds value to a home. As in solid, thickness matters, because it affects the number of times either can be sanded and refinished. Thickness ranges from ⅝-inch to ½-inch. Thicker is better and it can be sanded as many as four to five times.
There should be three or more layered underneath the top veneer layer, mostly genuine wood combined with a little resin. Then they are placed in a crosswise position which gives the flooring stability, good resistance to warping, and an increased ability to handle water. Because it's so stable, the floor doesn't shrink and expand to adjust to weather; therefore no acclimation is necessary. There's more flexibility in installation since it can be placed in some higher-than-normal moisture spaces where solid isn't recommended.
Engineered hardwood can last over 40 years. Like solid hardwood flooring, it adds value to a home. As in solid, thickness matters, because it affects the number of times either can be sanded and refinished. Thickness ranges from ⅝-inch to ½-inch. Thicker is better and it can be sanded as many as four to five times.
There should be three or more layered underneath the top veneer layer, mostly genuine wood combined with a little resin. Then they are placed in a crosswise position which gives the flooring stability, good resistance to warping, and an increased ability to handle water. Because it's so stable, the floor doesn't shrink and expand to adjust to weather; therefore no acclimation is necessary. There's more flexibility in installation since it can be placed in some higher-than-normal moisture spaces where solid isn't recommended.
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Installation
Engineered can be installed over a concrete subfloor. The technique is either traditional glue or nail down or floating floor. The pieces click together like a modified tongue and groove. They form a mat. Then it becomes a loose lay where the mat hovers over the subfloor without any adhesive or nails needed. An underlayment is crucial with the floating floor technique because it will help support the floating floor. Also check the manufacturer warranty, because some require a moisture barrier.
To learn more about engineered hardwood flooring, visit the Paradise Floors and More showroom in Sarasota, FL. We serve Sarasota, Bradenton, and Venice. Ask about our estimates.
To learn more about engineered hardwood flooring, visit the Paradise Floors and More showroom in Sarasota, FL. We serve Sarasota, Bradenton, and Venice. Ask about our estimates.