Hardwood flooring brings natural warmth, character, and lasting style to a home. But once you choose hardwood, there is another decision to make: solid or engineered? Both are real wood and offer a beautiful, high-end look, but they differ in construction, stability, installation, and refinishing potential. At Exclusive Wood Flooring, Inc., we have installed hardwood flooring throughout Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin since 1995. Here is what to consider when choosing between solid and engineered hardwood flooring.
What is solid hardwood flooring?
Solid hardwood flooring is made from a single piece of wood from top to bottom. It is available in popular species such as oak, maple, hickory, and walnut, along with many colors, plank widths, textures, and finishes.
One of its biggest advantages is longevity. Because each plank is solid wood, many floors can be sanded and refinished multiple times. Refinishing can remove scratches and wear or simply give an older floor a fresh look.
With professional installation and proper care, quality solid wood flooring can remain part of your home for decades.
What is engineered hardwood flooring?
Engineered hardwood is also real hardwood, but it has a different construction. Each plank features a genuine hardwood veneer over multiple supporting layers.
This layered design gives engineered hardwood flooring greater dimensional stability. It is less likely than solid hardwood to expand and contract significantly as indoor humidity levels change.
That stability can be especially valuable in Northern Illinois, where homes experience humid summers and dry winters. Engineered wood flooring can also work in some locations where solid hardwood is not recommended.
Is solid or engineered hardwood flooring more durable?
Both types can provide excellent durability when you choose a quality product and have it professionally installed.
Solid hardwood has an advantage when it comes to refinishing. Its construction typically allows the floor to be sanded and refinished several times, helping extend its lifespan.
Engineered hardwood durability depends heavily on product quality and the thickness of its hardwood wear layer. Some engineered floors can be refinished, while products with thin veneers may have limited refinishing potential.
For both options, durability also depends on wood species, finish quality, household traffic, maintenance, and installation.
Does solid or engineered hardwood handle moisture better?
Engineered wood flooring generally handles moisture and humidity changes better than solid hardwood.
Natural wood expands and contracts as environmental conditions change. Because solid hardwood consists entirely of wood, it can experience more movement. Proper acclimation, installation, and indoor humidity control help minimize these changes.
Engineered hardwood's layered construction provides additional stability, making it a practical choice for areas with fluctuating humidity.
Keep in mind that neither solid nor engineered hardwood is waterproof. Wipe up spills quickly and avoid excessive moisture when cleaning.
Where can solid and engineered hardwood floors be installed?
Solid hardwood works well in above-grade areas such as living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, hallways, and offices. It is commonly nailed or stapled over a suitable wood subfloor.
Engineered wood flooring offers more installation flexibility. Depending on the product, it may be nailed, stapled, glued, or installed as a floating floor. Some engineered hardwood floors can also be installed over concrete or in below-grade spaces.
The right option depends on the room, subfloor, moisture conditions, and manufacturer's installation requirements.
Does solid or engineered hardwood look better?
You do not have to sacrifice the natural appearance of hardwood by choosing engineered flooring. Both options use genuine wood and come in a wide selection of species, colors, widths, textures, and finishes.
Solid hardwood is popular with homeowners who appreciate traditional construction and long-term refinishing potential. Engineered hardwood flooring provides the same natural wood beauty while offering greater stability and installation flexibility.
Once installed, high-quality engineered wood flooring can look nearly identical to solid hardwood.
Is engineered hardwood cheaper than solid hardwood?
Not always. Hardwood prices depend on the species, plank size, finish, construction, brand, and overall quality.
Some engineered products cost less than solid hardwood, while premium engineered flooring may cost the same or more. Installation costs can also vary depending on your subfloor and installation method.
Instead of choosing by price alone, consider how the floor needs to perform and how long you plan to keep it.
Which is better: solid hardwood or engineered hardwood?
Neither option is automatically better for every home.
Solid hardwood is an excellent choice if you want traditional wood flooring with maximum refinishing potential. Engineered hardwood may be better if you need increased dimensional stability, flexible installation options, or flooring that handles humidity changes more effectively.
Your room, subfloor, lifestyle, budget, and long-term plans should all factor into the decision.
Visit us for the best solid and engineered hardwood flooring in Mundelein, IL
Choosing the right hardwood is easier with an experienced flooring professional. Exclusive Wood Flooring, Inc. has served Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin since 1995. Our highly skilled installers take pride in accurate craftsmanship and quality hardwood installations designed to last.
Ready to upgrade your home with solid or engineered hardwood flooring? Contact us today! Our hardwood flooring store in Mundelein, IL, serves Mundelein, IL, Libertyville, IL, Vernon Hills, IL, and Milwaukee, WI.
