Engineered vs. Solid Hardwood Flooring

Everyone asks the same question: “What is the difference between solid and engineered hardwood flooring?”
When it comes to adding a sense of comfort, style, warmth and elegance to a room, nothing really compares to the beauty of a hardwood floor. When considering hardwood flooring for your home, it is highly suggested to do your research about the differences between solid wood and engineered wood floors. Many people believe that “engineered” means fake wood – NOT TRUE! Both types are 100 percent real wood, and they both offer many looks, colors, widths and finishes. But structurally speaking, there are definitely differences between the two.
Solid hardwood flooring expands and contracts when there is a change in humidity and temperature. When extensive moisture or humidity causes the wood to expand significantly, adjoining boards start pressing against each other. In extreme cases, this increased pressure can cause the affected boards to lose their structural integrity and crack. It is often recommended that solid hardwood floors should not be installed in spaces below ground level, and the temperature in the home should remain stable.
Engineered flooring has a unique construction which creates a structure that is less likely to buckle, gap or fluctuate during temperature changes. This does not mean it can’t happen; it simply means it is less likely to occur. Because it is more stable, you can install on any level, including below ground level under the proper conditions. Just remember moisture is not a friend of hardwood flooring!
Hardwood floors are not just beautiful – they are meant to be lived on! Prefinished solid and engineered floors have a very strong finish that can take a beating from our pets, kids and our everyday activities. It is advisable to get to spills and accidents as soon as possible. Don’t be misled; one thing we can guarantee is that any hardwood floor, whether solid or engineered, can scratch. Again, engineered floors have an enhanced stability because of their construction; their finish is usually the same as a pre-finished solid plank. This is one of the biggest differences between the two.
Visit Foglio’s Flooring Center for all of your flooring needs at 344 Rt. US 9, Marmora or call (609) 390-3876. We are open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.