Engineered hardwood vs Solid Hardwood: Which is better?

Choosing between engineered hardwood and solid hardwood can be a tough decision for homeowners. Each option has its own benefits, drawbacks, and ideal use cases. In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences to help you decide which type of hardwood flooring is better for your space.

What Is Solid Hardwood?

Solid hardwood is milled from a single piece of natural timber, typically ¾ inch thick. It’s known for its long lifespan, premium appearance, and the ability to be sanded and refinished multiple times. Solid wood floors bring timeless elegance and can last for decades when maintained properly. However, they are susceptible to expansion and contraction due to moisture and temperature changes, making them less ideal for areas with high humidity or below-ground installation.

What Is Engineered Hardwood?

Engineered hardwood, on the other hand, is made from a real wood veneer on top of multiple layers of plywood or high-density fiberboard (HDF). This multi-layered construction provides enhanced dimensional stability, allowing engineered wood to resist warping and swelling better than solid wood. It is also more versatile in terms of installation and can be used in basements, over concrete subfloors, or with underfloor heating systems. Though it cannot be refinished as often as solid hardwood, some high-quality engineered options offer thick top layers that support light sanding once or twice during their lifespan.

What is better, engineered hardwood or solid hardwood?

Both engineered hardwood and solid hardwood have their pros and cons, so the "better" option depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Construction 

Engineered Hardwood

Engineered hardwood is made of multiple layers, usually plywood or fiberboard, topped with a real hardwood veneer. The cross-grain pattern enhances stability, making it more resistant to warping, expansion, and contraction from temperature and humidity changes, offering greater durability than solid hardwood.

Solid Hardwood

Solid hardwood is crafted from a single piece of wood, typically 3/4" thick, offering the natural beauty and feel of real wood throughout its entire structure.

> Discover more: furniture grade plywood, plywood underlayment, shuttering plywood, concrete forming plywood

Lifespan

Engineered Hardwood

Engineered hardwood typically lasts 20 to 30 years. While fine scratches can be lightly sanded out, deep scratches that go through the veneer are hard to repair.

Solid Hardwood

Solid hardwood can last 30 to 50 years, or even up to 100 years, with proper maintenance. It can be sanded and refinished multiple times, but it must be kept dry to avoid damage. Solid hardwood outlasts engineered hardwood when well-maintained.

Sizes

Engineered Hardwood

Engineered hardwood comes in similar sizes to solid hardwood but is often available in wider planks at lower prices due to reduced manufacturing costs. Common thicknesses range from 3/8 to 9/16 inches, with widths up to 7 inches and lengths ranging from 12 to 60 inches.

Solid Hardwood

Solid hardwood planks are typically 3/4 inch thick and range from 2-1/4 to 4 inches wide. Lengths vary from 12 to 84 inches, with wider planks available at higher prices.

> Learn more: types of wood, Types Of Plywood, marine plywood, birch plywood, MDO plywood, HDO plywood

Style and species

Solid Hardwood

Solid hardwood comes in durable species like Oak, Maple, and Hickory, which are resistant to wear. It offers a variety of widths up to 5 inches, along with numerous colors and textures to suit different styles.

Engineered Hardwood

Engineered hardwood offers similar design options as solid hardwood, but with added versatility. It can feature softer exotic species, unique textures, surface treatments, color effects, and extra-wide planks that are often only possible with engineered wood.

Durability

Engineered Hardwood

Engineered hardwood can be refinished once or twice before the surface hardwood layer wears out. If the top veneer is thinner than 3/32 inches, it cannot be sanded down without reaching the plywood or HDF core.

Solid Hardwood

Solid hardwood is more durable and can be sanded and refinished several times throughout its lifespan. The number of times it can be sanded depends on factors like the amount of wood left, sanding equipment, floor flatness, and the skill of the person doing the sanding.

Installation location

Engineered Hardwood

Engineered hardwood can be installed in the same rooms as solid hardwood, but its construction makes it ideal for basements, radiant heating systems, and concrete floors. It’s also a good choice when you need to match the height of adjoining floors or fit into thin spaces under appliances. However, it should still be avoided in bathrooms and laundry rooms.

Solid Hardwood

Solid hardwood is best suited for above-ground spaces like living areas, dining rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms. It is not recommended for bathrooms or laundry rooms due to the risk of water damage and humidity.

> Explore further: MDF vs Plywood, Particle Board vs Plywood, OSB and Plywood, plywood ceiling

Sound

Engineered Hardwood

Engineered hardwood floors are generally quieter than other flooring options but tend to sound more hollow than solid wood. They can be nailed or stapled to the subfloor or installed as a floating floor, which doesn’t absorb sound as well due to the less dense plywood base.

Solid Hardwood

Solid hardwood floors are quieter and have better acoustic properties than engineered hardwood. Their density absorbs sound and helps distribute it evenly throughout the room. Solid hardwood is attached to the subfloor, making it stable, though it may creak or squeak as the boards settle. Persistent creaking could indicate an uneven subfloor or installation issue.

Cost

Solid Hardwood

Solid hardwood tends to be more expensive than engineered hardwood, though factors like lifetime warranties, high-quality finishes, specialized textures, or artistic staining can increase its price.

Engineered Hardwood

Engineered hardwood is generally more affordable, though premium collections with thicker top layers, better durability, or unique designs can push the price closer to solid hardwood. These premium options may also offer better sanding and refinishing potential.

> Learn more: 

• Can you stain pressure treated wood
• What is CDX plywood
• What is the best outdoor plywood
• Plywood for cabinets
• How to waterproof plywood

Water resistance

Engineered Hardwood

Engineered hardwood is more water-resistant than solid hardwood due to its stable plywood construction, which is less likely to warp in humid environments. However, it is not waterproof and should still be avoided in wet areas like bathrooms. Prolonged exposure to water can cause delamination.

Solid Hardwood

Solid hardwood is not ideal for installation on concrete slabs or in wet areas, like bathrooms, as humidity can cause it to swell and warp. It should be kept dry to maintain its integrity.

Care and Cleaning

Engineered Hardwood

To clean engineered hardwood, sweep or vacuum daily. Damp-mop with a barely damp mop or an approved commercial cleaner once a season. Never steam clean engineered wood floors.

Solid Hardwood

Clean solid hardwood by sweeping, dry mopping, or vacuuming. Damp-mop only when necessary using an approved wood cleaner. Avoid steam-cleaning wood floors.

Which bed is better solid wood or engineered wood?

Solid wood beds are durable, long-lasting, and offer a timeless, natural look, but they are more expensive and require more maintenance. Engineered wood beds are more affordable, stable in different conditions, and lower-maintenance, though they may not last as long and lack the unique grain patterns of solid wood. The choice depends on your budget, desired durability, and maintenance preferences.

Which One Should You Choose?

The answer to “which is better: engineered hardwood or solid hardwood” depends on your priorities. If you value long-term durability and have a stable indoor climate, solid hardwood is a strong contender. However, if you need a moisture-tolerant floor that can be installed in various environments, engineered hardwood may be the more practical choice. Many homeowners now use a combination of both, installing solid hardwood in main living areas and engineered wood in lower levels or spaces exposed to humidity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Engineered hardwood vs Solid Hardwood

What is the main difference between engineered hardwood and solid hardwood?

The key difference lies in their construction. Solid hardwood is made from a single piece of wood, while engineered hardwood has a thin real wood veneer over multiple plywood layers, providing more stability.

Can engineered hardwood be refinished like solid hardwood?

Engineered hardwood can be refinished, but only once or twice depending on the thickness of the top veneer. Solid hardwood can be sanded and refinished multiple times.

Which hardwood is better for humid areas or basements?

Engineered hardwood is better suited for humid environments and basements due to its layered construction, which resists moisture-related warping.

Is engineered hardwood cheaper than solid hardwood?

Generally, engineered hardwood has a lower upfront cost and easier installation, but solid hardwood may have a longer lifespan, impacting long-term value.

Can I install engineered hardwood over radiant heating?

Yes, engineered hardwood is compatible with most radiant heating systems, unlike solid hardwood which can be prone to expansion issues.

Choosing between engineered hardwood and solid hardwood depends on your home's environment and your long-term goals. Solid hardwood offers timeless beauty and durability in stable conditions, while engineered hardwood provides flexibility and moisture resistance for varied spaces. Understanding their differences ensures you pick the best flooring to enhance your home’s value and comfort. For quality hardwood flooring solutions and expert guidance, visit Vinawood today and find the perfect floor for your space.

VINAWOOD – Vietnam Plywood Supplier Manufacturer