When it comes to choosing a new floor for your home or office, you may be overwhelmed by the different types of wood flooring available on the market. Two popular options are engineered wood and solid wood flooring. While they may look similar, there are some differences between the two that you should consider before deciding. In this blog post, we'll explore the differences between engineered and solid wood flooring.
What is Engineered Wood Flooring?
Engineered wood flooring is made up of multiple layers of wood veneers that are glued together in a cross-grain construction. The top layer is made from a high-quality hardwood veneer, while the bottom layers are made from softer wood or plywood. This construction makes engineered wood flooring more stable and less prone to warping and expanding compared to solid wood flooring.
What is Solid Wood Flooring?
Solid wood flooring, as the name suggests, is made from a single piece of solid wood that is typically ? inch thick. This type of flooring is popular because of its natural beauty and durability. Solid wood floors can be sanded and refinished multiple times over the years, which makes them an excellent investment for homeowners.
Difference Between Engineered and Solid Wood Flooring
Construction:
The primary difference between engineered and solid wood flooring is the construction. Engineered wood flooring is made up of several layers of wood veneers that are glued together, while solid wood flooring is made from a single piece of wood.
Stability:
Engineered wood flooring is more stable than solid wood flooring. The cross-grain construction of engineered wood flooring makes it less prone to warping and expanding due to changes in humidity and temperature.
Installation:
Engineered wood flooring can be installed as a floating floor or glued down directly to a subfloor. Solid wood flooring, on the other hand, is typically nailed or stapled down directly to the subfloor.
Appearance:
Both engineered and solid wood flooring comes in a variety of species, grades, and finishes. However, some people prefer the natural variation and character of solid wood flooring, while others prefer the uniformity of engineered wood flooring.
Price:
Engineered wood flooring is generally less expensive than solid wood flooring. The cost of solid wood flooring depends on the species of wood, the grade, and the finish. In contrast, engineered wood flooring is typically less expensive because it uses less high-quality hardwood.
Your Local Flooring Experts
Choosing between engineered and solid wood flooring ultimately depends on your budget, lifestyle, and personal preferences. If you are looking for a more affordable and stable option, then engineered wood flooring may be the better choice. However, if you have the budget to invest in a higher-quality, more durable floor, then solid wood flooring may be the better option for you. Consider the factors mentioned above before making a decision, and consult with one of our local flooring experts to ensure that you make the right choice for your lifestyle needs. We proudly serve nationwide and have local flooring stores across the US including Folsom, CA, Las Vegas, NV, and Houston, TX.?
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