The Differences Between Engineered Flooring and Solid Hardwood Flooring
Contents |
Introduction
Engineered and solid hardwood flooring are very similar - when on the floor, engineered boards look identical to solid wood. However, although they look the same, they can act and react very differently. Engineered floors are tougher, but solid wood flooring can last longer.
Properties of engineered flooring
Engineered flooring is made up of core boards and timber that are effectively layer after layer of ply that are bonded together. These boards are topped off with a lamella or top layer of solid wood, which is what makes engineered wood flooring look just like solid wood.
Engineered flooring can be installed as a floating floor, meaning if you moved home, you could take the floor with you as it does not stick to the subfloor. Wood is a natural product meaning it can be affected by humidity and temperature, but the construction of engineered wood makes it less reactive to these changes. This makes it structurally solid and much less likely to damage or warp.
Engineered timber is now the most common type of wood flooring used globally, and the technology has enabled the production of much wider boards.
Properties of solid hardwood flooring
Hardwood flooring is made from solid wood of almost any hardwood species or grade. Solid wood flooring is made of 100% natural wood, and the solid wood boards are refined from one piece of hardwood, then treated with a protective coating.
Solid wood provides the authenticity of a classic wooden floor, and usually thick boards mean they can be re-sanded and refinished numerous times without any damage – giving a quality floor which will last a lifetime.
Solid hardwood is for purists considering long-term prospects and who do not mind installing different types of flooring in different parts of the house.
Popular uses
Engineered wood is more suitable for higher moisture areas and rooms with environments with varying humidity levels such as kitchens and conservatories. This also makes it suitable for use over concrete floors. Engineered wood has a greater range of installation methods, such as stapling, nailing, click or glue.
As solid wood is one piece of hardwood from top to bottom, it needs to be nailed or stapled down to a permanent floor, meaning a concrete base is a problem, and it can never be installed on a floating basis.
Solid hardwood is best used in living areas, bedrooms, hallways, and dining rooms. Also, it is wise to avoid solid wood in kitchens, only installing if waterproof mats are placed near sinks and dishwashers.
Wood species
There are fewer choices with engineered wood. Red oak, hickory, and Brazilian Cherry are the most popular wood species for engineered flooring.
There are far more choices of wood species for solid hardwood. Red and white oak, maple, hickory, and pine are the most popular choices.
--G&S Specialist Timber 09:01, 16 May 2017 (BST)
Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- 11 things you didn't know about wood.
- Bamboo flooring.
- Click and lock flooring.
- Cross-laminated timber.
- Engineered bamboo.
- Floating floor.
- Hardwood.
- Physical Properties of Wood.
- Plywood.
- Softwood.
- Subfloor.
- The differences between hardwood and softwood.
- Types of flooring.
- Types of timber.
- Best Woods for Wood Carving
- Oak wood properties
- Pine wood
- The Uses of Wood in Construction
Featured articles and news
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.
Comments