Solid hardwood may have a little advantage, in terms of reputation, over the engineered flooring. It remains to be the top option among experts for value addition and longevity. For others, engineered wood flooring has the upper hand due to its cheaper cost and ease of installation.
As the name implies, Solid oak flooring is constructed of solid wood all through the floorboard's thickness. It's commonly constructed of the wood species like oak, maple, or walnut, and its main benefit is that it can be refinished several times during its lifetime.
Engineered wood flooring resembles solid wood flooring in appearance, but it is composed of a thin layer of solid wood glued to a high-quality plywood core. Engineered flooring is less costly as compared to solid wood, but because the top hardwood layer is thin, most varieties can only be refinished only one or two times during their lifetime.
Look & Feel
If you look at the two types of flooring after installation, you will not be able to make out the difference. Like solid wood, the top layer of engineered wood flooring is also solid wood. Only experts can tell the difference.
The floorboards of solid wood flooring are typically less wide than those of engineered hardwood flooring. Solid hardwood flooring provides a wider selection of colors and varieties, and now even the engineered hardwood flooring has these options. Mostly solid hardwood floorboards are first fitted and then finishing is done. This is the reason why it takes time in installing solid wood floors.
Engineered flooring often has broader planks. Some pre-finished engineered floors when fitted create subtle grooves between planks, whereas solid wood has very snug seams between planks. Engineered wood flooring is usually sold pre-finished, and almost the same options for color and wood species are available as solid wood. The reason for this is that the top layer of the engineered floors is real wood.
Versatility & Resistance to humidity
Engineered wood performs significantly better in humid environments as compared to solid wood. The reason for this is that it is less prone to warping because of its plywood structure. Engineered wood floors are the best option for areas with moisture and temperature fluctuations, thanks to its plywood core, which is less prone to moisture-induced warping. Engineered flooring is the best option for fitting over a concrete subfloor.
Solid wood is not suggested for use over concrete subfloor because moisture can cause the flooring to bulge and distort.
Which one is more durable,
Engineered floors can be sanded and refinished only once or twice in their lifetime as their top layer has limited thickness. Hardwood floors are significantly better in this respect, as they may be sanded and refinished several times during their lifetime.
When it comes to longevity and durability, hardwood flooring has the upper hand. Because they have a strong, factory-applied finish that keeps up well, pre-finished versions of both flooring are durable.
Every few years, any type of wood flooring needs to get a fresh coat of varnish to bring back the shine.
Are you looking for premium quality flooring at affordable prices? Floorsave, is your one-stop shop for all types of flooring, including solid hardwood, engineered, vinyl and laminate. They stock a wide range of options in trendy colors and superior finish, one can select as per your home decor. They also offer a vast selection of oak herringbone flooring.
Installation Method
Engineered floors have a click and lock mechanism that allows them to be laid as a floating floor. This makes the fitting of these floorboards an easy DIY task. On the other hand, solid wood floors are to be nailed down to the subfloors.
Resale Value of the property
Solid wood and engineered wood are both high-end flooring options that increase your property's resale value. Solid hardwood floors have the upper hand in this, as they have greater longevity as compared to the engineered floors.
Solid wood may not appear to be significantly distinct from engineered flooring in looks, but real estate agents and prospective home buyers value a solid wood higher for its longer lifespan.
Hope after reading the article, you will be able to make an informed decision.
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