When comparing solid hardwood floors and engineered hardwood floors, you’ll find that engineered hardwood floors are more uniform in appearance because the color variation of the planks is less noticeable. If you want to install hardwood flooring in your home but you’re concerned about the high cost of solid hardwood, engineered hardwood might be just what you’re looking for. You can learn more about the differences between these types of flooring by reading this helpful guide to what the difference between solid hardwood floors and engineered hardwood flooring.
Installation
Installation of solid hardwood flooring
Real wood flooring is laid using a tongue-and-groove method, where each plank is blind-nailed to a subfloor via tongues on the board’s borders.
Installation of engineered hardwood flooring
There are varieties of engineered wood flooring with click-lock borders that can be fitted as floating floors. Additionally, engineered timber flooring can be adhered to a concrete subfloor.
Appearance
Engineered hardwood flooring
Engineered hardwood flooring typically has broader planks than solid hardwood flooring. Most pre-finished synthetic wood flooring features slightly beveled edges, which generates minor grooves among boards, whereas solid hardwood flooring often has extremely tight board seams. Engineered wood flooring is mostly sold prefinished, so there is a smaller selection of tints and varieties than solid hardwood flooring.
Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood flooring planks are typically thinner than engineered wood boards. Solid hardwood flooring typically has extremely tight joints between planks and a greater variety of colors and species than engineered hardwood flooring. There are both pre-finished and unfinished hardwood planks available.
Thermal and water resistance.
Both varieties of hardwood have excellent heat resistance. Neither material is approved for use in truly moist environments.
Solid Hardwood
Full hardwood is not suggested for installation onto concrete slabs due to the fact that moisture flowing through to the floor causes solid hardwood to bulge and warp.
Engineered Hardwood
Engineered hardwood’s plywood composition makes it more durable in humid environments because its become solid and resistant to warping. If placement against a concrete floor is required, the best option is engineered hardwood. Engineered hardwood is superior for moisture and heat resistance. Engineered hardwood flooring triumphs because its plywood base is less vulnerable to moisture-induced warping.
Keeping and cleaning
Solid Hardwood
This flooring is simple to clean by sweeping, vacuuming, and occasionally damp-mopping with a wood cleaner.
Engineered Hardwood
Similar to solid hardwood, this flooring requires sweeping or vacuuming and an occasional damp soaking with a wooden cleaner.
Conclusion
If you’re trying to decide between solid hardwood floors and engineered hardwood floors for your home, it’s important to know the difference between the two. Solid hardwood floors are made of 100% wood, while engineered hardwood floors are made of a plywood or HDF core with a thin veneer of hardwood on top. Both types of flooring can be sanded and refinished, but solid hardwood floors can be sanded and refinished more times than engineered hardwood floors. Engineered hardwood floors are less likely to warp or cup than solid hardwood floors, but they’re also more expensive. Ultimately, the decision between solid hardwood floors and engineered hardwood floors comes down to personal preference and budget. Visit our website to have the best selection of solid timber floors in Sydney.