The two types of hardwoods also come in a wide range of looks and colors, but have quite a few significant differences. Let?s take a look.
Construction
Solid hardwood boards are milled from a single, thick piece of lumber, so its thickness varies from 3/4-inch to 7/16-inch. On the other hand, engineered hardwood planks are constructed by joining multiple high-density plywood layers sandwiched inside a solid wood top layer and hardwood backing, making it extremely durable. In fact, this type of construction process is the reason why engineered hardwood is recommended over solid hardwood in climates like Florida?s.
Expansion & Contraction
The distinct construction of engineered wood forms a rigid structure that does not gap, buckle, or respond to fluctuations in temperature and humidity. Solid wood fluctuates a lot, and is mostly used for ground level rooms and above, while engineered wood can be installed on any level, including below ground.
Durability
Engineered floors are constructed in such a way that they have enhanced stability and slightly more resistance to daily wear and tear and buckling, though both have extremely durable finishes capable of withstanding harsh treatment.
Stability
Engineered wood is dimensionally more stable compared to solid wood floors. This is due to the way it is constructed as mentioned above.
Maintenance
Hardwood floors become more appealing as they age, though the surface tends to dull and develop scratches and scuffs over time. Solid wood can be sanded and refinished multiple times depending on its thickness, while engineered planks can only be refinished once or twice over the floor?s life.
Cost
Solid hardwood is more expensive than engineered hardwood floors with regard to method of installation, labor, and cost of material.
Resistance to Moisture
Compared to solid hardwood, engineered hardwood floors have superior resistance to moisture levels, which makes them more ideal for use in damp basements or regions with higher or lower than standard humidity levels, or climates that are wet and humid.
Go Green
Choosing engineered hardwood floors over solid wood helps to conserve expensively priced timber. For every 1 square foot of 3/4-inch thick solid wood floor, you can manufacture around 4 times that amount of engineered wood flooring.
THE Wood Floor Experts
Check out the Quantum Floors Engineered Hardwood Online Catalog by clicking here. You?ll find about 300 different options and even more in our state-of-the-art showrooms. We?re here to serve!
