Solid Wood Vs. Engineered Wood Flooring – Which Is Better?

We have teamed up with Stories Flooring in this article to bring you the best advice. These days, homeowners have a huge choice of wooden floors to consider. While solid wood flooring used to be the main preference, engineered wood floors have become a more popular alternative over time.

So, which is better – solid wood or engineered wood flooring? Here, Yorkshire based retailer Stories Flooring reveals how to choose the right floor to suit you…

What Is Solid Wood Flooring?

As the name suggests, solid wood flooring is made exclusively from real wood. While oak is the most popular species used, you can also find floors made from more exotic woods such as maple, Brazilian, and cherry.

Solid wooden floors are manufactured from a single piece of timber. They tend to be highly durable, enabling you to sand them down and refinish them multiple times. Although they feature a tongue and groove system installation, it is recommended solid wood floors are fixed down to the subfloor. This means either nailing or gluing the planks down.

Solid wood floors provide a luxurious feel to the home and are available in hundreds of designs, sizes, and finishes.

What Is Engineered Wood Flooring?

Engineered wood flooring is constructed with multiple layers. However, only the top layer is made from real wood. The core of the flooring is constructed from materials such as high-density plywood and fibreboard. Finally, there is a backing layer added for stability.

There are several types of engineered wood floors available. These include multiply, 3-ply, and HDF core. Most engineered floors come with a multiply construction. They measure between 13mm to 20mm thick and provide excellent resistance against over-expansion and cupping. The 3-ply floors are also popular, ranging from 13mm to 18mm thick.

Which Is Better for Your Home?

Both solid wood and engineered floors offer a range of benefits. When choosing which type is right for your home, you should consider the following:

• Cost
• Comfort
• Durability
• Installation

Cost will obviously be a priority when choosing a new floor. Solid wood is the most expensive type of flooring. This means if budget is a factor, you might find it cheaper to invest in an engineered wood floor.

Comfort wise, both solid and engineered floors feel stable and firm underfoot. However, engineered wood floors have the additional benefit of being compatible with underfloor heating. This is because they are more resistant to changes in temperature. You’ll find this a great feature in the cold winter months.

In terms of durability, solid wood and engineered wood floors offer a similar lifespan. However, solid wood floors do tend to last a little longer. This is down to the fact that you can re-sand them several times over their lifespan. Engineered wood floors can be re-sanded, but not as many times as a solid wood floor. Both offer the same level of resistance against daily wear and tear.

Installation is a key factor to consider. Both solid wood and engineered wood floors come with a tongue and groove installation system. However, it is recommended that solid wood floors are secured to the floor via an adhesive or nails. Engineered wood floors can be installed quicker and some of the newer products contain a click system.

As you can see, there are numerous factors to consider when choosing between solid and engineered wood flooring. The above are some of the main comparisons to be aware of when making the right decision for your home.