Engineered vs Solid Hardwood Flooring
What's The Difference Between Engineered Hardwood vs Solid Hardwood?
One of the most frequent questions we hear when it comes to wooden flooring is – What's the difference between engineered vs solid hardwood flooring, and which is better? To help your decision-making process (especially when you have hundred other decisions to make!), we put together a list of some of the benefits of, and differences between, these two hardwood flooring options.
Construction
Engineered Wood Flooring
Engineered hardwood flooring is made by layering different types of wood together to create a single plank. The top layer is a hardwood veneer (also known as a wear layer), which is a thin slice of a real hardwood species, such as oak or maple. The veneer is typically between 1.5mm and 2.1mm thick and provides a natural wood appearance.
Beneath the hardwood veneer layer are several layers of core material, typically made of plywood, high-density fiberboard (HDF), or a similar material. These core layers provide stability and support to the flooring, making it less likely to warp or buckle in response to changes in humidity or temperature. The bottom layer is a balancing layer, which helps to evenly distribute the weight of the flooring and prevent the planks from warping over time.
The layers are glued together under high pressure to form a single plank. The planks are then sanded and finished to create a smooth surface, and the ends are machined to fit together precisely when installed. The result is a beautiful, stable, and durable flooring option that provides the natural look of solid hardwood with improved dimensional stability. Most engineered floors are finished with a protective layer; this protective top coat is usually made from aluminium oxide, which is extremely tough and protects from damage and moisture.
Solid Hardwood Flooring
Solid flooring is made from a single solid piece of wood that is cut into planks and used as flooring. The wood is typically harvested from trees, and then it is air- or kiln-dried to remove excess moisture. After drying, the wood is cut into planks of the desired thickness and width.
The planks are then sanded to create a smooth surface, and the ends are machined to fit together precisely when installed. Finally, the flooring is finished with a stain and protective coating to enhance its natural beauty and protect it from everyday wear and tear. The result is a beautiful and natural flooring option that provides the warmth and character of real hardwood.
Cost/budget
The cost of engineered hardwood flooring and solid hardwood flooring can vary depending on several factors such as the species of wood, quality, and thickness of the flooring, as well as the installation method. However, in general, engineered hardwood flooring is usually less expensive than solid hardwood flooring, making it a much more affordable option.
Engineered hardwood flooring often costs about 10-30% less than solid hardwood, depending on the quality and species of wood. The difference in cost can be attributed to the construction of engineered hardwood, which is made from a composite of multiple layers of wood and other materials and is, therefore, less expensive to produce than solid hardwood, which is made from a single piece of wood.
Installation Cost
In terms of cost, the installation process for solid hardwood flooring can be more expensive than for engineered hardwood flooring, as it requires specialized tools and labour. However, engineered hardwood flooring can also be more expensive to install if it requires a specialized underlayment or if it is being installed over a concrete subfloor, as this requires additional preparation and materials.
The Final Verdict on Cost
When it comes to hardwood flooring, the cost of the material and installation can vary significantly based on several factors such as wood species, quality, thickness, and installation method. Engineered hardwood flooring is generally less expensive than solid hardwood flooring due to its composite construction. Additionally, the installation process for engineered hardwood can be easier and faster than solid hardwood, which can make it a more affordable option. However, it's important to consider other factors such as durability, maintenance, and appearance when choosing between these two types of flooring. Ultimately, the best option will depend on your specific needs, preferences, and budget.
Appearance
The appearance of engineered hardwood flooring and solid hardwood flooring can be quite similar, with both providing a natural and warm look to a room. However, there are some differences to consider when it comes to appearance.
Engineered flooring
Engineered hardwood flooring has a hardwood veneer on top, typically 1.5mm to 2.1mm thick, which provides a natural wood appearance. This veneer is available in a wide range of species, finishes, and stains, allowing for a variety of styles and looks. Engineered hardwood flooring is generally consistent in appearance from plank to plank, making it an ideal choice for large areas or open floor plans. Engineered Hardwood flooring is also available in different plank widths and sizing meaning you can achieve the right look and feel for your home.
Solid hardwood flooring
Solid hardwood flooring, on the other hand, is made from a single piece of wood, providing a unique and natural appearance that can vary from plank to plank. Solid hardwood flooring can develop a patina over time, adding to its character and beauty. However, this can also result in noticeable variations in colour and grain patterns, especially in species that are more prone to changes in appearance, such as cherry or pine.
The Final Verdict on Appearance
Both engineered hardwood flooring and solid hardwood flooring can provide a natural and warm look to a room. Engineered hardwood flooring offers a wide range of species, finishes, and stains, providing a consistent appearance from plank to plank, making it ideal for large areas or open floor plans. It also offers a range of plank widths and sizing options to achieve the desired look and feel. Solid hardwood flooring is made from a single piece of wood, providing a unique and natural appearance that can vary from plank to plank. While this can result in noticeable variations in colour and grain patterns, it can also develop a patina over time, adding to its character and beauty. Ultimately, the appearance of each type of flooring will depend on personal preferences, style, and the overall look and feel of the room.
Hardwood Flooring Durability
While sharing plenty of similarities, there are some differences in terms of durability to consider when deciding between engineered vs solid hardwood flooring.
Engineered wood flooring durability
Engineered hardwood flooring is a durable flooring option, but it is constructed differently than solid hardwood. Engineered hardwood is made from a hardwood veneer on top, with multiple layers of core materials, such as plywood or high-density fiberboard, beneath. This construction provides stability and resistance to changes in humidity and temperature, making engineered hardwood flooring less likely to warp or buckle over time. Engineered wood flooring is much more water resistant than solid wood floors, meaning it is a much better option for humid climates or in a house with young children.
Solid hardwood flooring durability
Solid hardwood flooring is known for its long-lasting durability, as it can be sanded and refinished multiple times over its lifespan, which can be decades or even centuries. Solid hardwood flooring is naturally resistant to wear and tear and can hold up well in high-traffic areas. Solid hardwood flooring is also susceptible to warping over time, especially in humid conditions like New Zealand.
It's important to note that solid hardwood flooring is more susceptible to warping, expanding and contracting in response to changes in humidity. For this reason, it's typically not recommended for use in areas with significant temperature and humidity changes, such as basements or bathrooms.
While the hardwood veneer on engineered hardwood flooring can also be sanded and refinished, it is generally not as durable as solid hardwood, and can only be refinished a limited number of times. Additionally, the thickness of the veneer can impact the durability of engineered hardwood flooring.
The Final Verdict on Durability
Both engineered hardwood flooring and solid hardwood flooring offer durability, but they differ in construction and susceptibility to warping and buckling over time. Engineered hardwood flooring is designed to be more stable and resistant to environmental changes, making it a better option for areas with high humidity or temperature fluctuations. On the other hand, solid hardwood flooring is a more traditional and long-lasting option, with the ability to be sanded and refinished multiple times.
Comfort and sound
In terms of comfort, both solid Timber flooring and engineered hardwood flooring can provide a warm and natural feel underfoot. However, solid hardwood flooring can provide a slightly firmer and more traditional feel, as it is made from a single piece of solid wood.
In terms of sound, engineered hardwood flooring can provide a quieter and more sound-dampening feel, as it is constructed from multiple layers of materials that help to reduce noise and echo. Solid hardwood flooring, on the other hand, can be prone to noise and echoing, especially in homes with multiple levels or high foot traffic.
Overall, both solid hardwood and engineered hardwood flooring have their own unique pros and cons in terms of comfort and sound. The choice between the two will depend on personal preferences and specific requirements, such as the need for noise reduction or the desired level of comfort underfoot.
How to maintain & clean hardwood floors
Maintaining both solid and engineered hardwood floors is easy and the same cleaning principles apply to both. Ensure all spills are wiped up as soon as possible and sweep or vacuum regularly with a soft broom or vacuum head, followed by the occasional damp mop (not wet!) with a PH neutral detergent.
For additional protection, use felt floor pads underneath furniture legs.
Using steam mops is not recommended as forcing steam into the joins of either a solid or engineered wood floor could damage the floor, wood is a natural living material.
Environmentally Friendly
Engineered hardwood flooring
Engineered hardwood flooring can be considered environmentally friendly to varying degrees, depending on the specific materials used, the methods of harvesting and processing, and the manufacturing and transportation processes.
If the engineered hardwood is made from rapidly renewable materials, such as bamboo or cork, and if it is manufactured using eco-friendly methods, such as those that minimize waste and conserve energy, then it can have a relatively low environmental impact.
In certain circumstances, engineered hardwood flooring can be considered more environmentally friendly than solid hardwood flooring. It often requires less wood to make a single plank, which reduces the overall amount of wood that needs to be harvested, helping to conserve resources and minimise the environmental impact of the flooring.
However, if the engineered hardwood is made from non-renewable materials, such as petroleum-based plastics, or if it is manufactured using methods that generate significant waste or consume large amounts of energy, then it can have a greater environmental impact.
Solid hardwood floor
Solid hardwood flooring can be considered environmentally friendly to varying degrees, depending on the specific materials used, the methods of harvesting and processing, and the manufacturing and transportation processes.
If the hardwood is harvested from sustainably managed forests, where new trees are planted to replace those that are harvested, then solid hardwood flooring can have a relatively low environmental impact. Additionally, if the hardwood is processed using eco-friendly methods, such as those that minimize waste and conserve energy, it can be considered more environmentally friendly.
On the other hand, if the hardwood is harvested from non-sustainable sources, such as old-growth forests, or if it is processed using methods that generate significant waste or consume large amounts of energy, then it can have a greater environmental impact.
In general, the environmental impact of hardwood flooring can be reduced by choosing materials that are sourced from sustainably managed forests and by ensuring that the manufacturing and transportation processes are eco-friendly. You can also look out for the FSC certification, which means it's sourced from forests that are being managed sustainably.
The Final Decision
Selecting engineered vs solid hardwood flooring is such a personal decision and depends on where you are installing the floor, your personal style, your budget and the specification of your project.
The Jacobsen team have over 60 years of experience in the flooring industry and are always happy to help you in selecting a hardwood flooring option that will meet all your needs and provide comfort underfoot for years to come. We have a wide range of options and our team can help you choose the flooring that is best suited to you. Contact us today or find your nearest stockist