It can be challenging choosing a hardwood floor when there is a large array of beautiful and durable flooring options. In order to pick the right one for you, it is important to understand the key differences between solid wood and engineered wood flooring!
To begin with, solid wood and engineered wood flooring are both made out of wood! They both look excellent installed, come in a large variety of colours and styles and both last a lifetime!
What is Solid Wood Flooring?
Solid wood flooring is made out of completely solid wood throughout its interior and exterior. Generally it is composed of oak, walnut or maple, and it’s major advantage is that it can be sanded or re-stained several times over its lifespan. If it becomes scratched, indented or scuffed, refinishing it is a great and effective solution. Solid wood generally comes in ¾” thickness, and can come finished or unfinished. It usually lasts longer than engineered wood and it greatly improves the value of your home.
Disadvantages of Solid Wood Flooring?
One of the most prominent disadvantages of solid wood flooring is that it is most likely to expand and contract (especially in wider widths). This is not likely to occur in engineered wood flooring as it is usually more stable (not always) and stronger than solid wood because of its layers. Additionally, solid hardwood requires a 3/4″ plywood subfloor, which may be costly. Some houses may come with subfloor, however most condos and townhouses do not. Additionally, installation of solid wood flooring is not approved for below grade installations (such as basements).
Where Can I install Solid Wood Flooring?
Solid wood flooring is more likely to expand and contract when exposed to moisture and high temperature, therefore we only recommend installation for spaces at ground level or above.
What is Engineered Wood Flooring?
Engineered wood flooring is composed of multiple layers, the first layer being solid hardwood veneer, and the following layers are made out of hardwood bonded over a substrate of high-quality plywood. The thickness of the top layer may vary between products, generally higher quality engineered wood flooring have a thicker veneer. The thickness for engineered wood varies between 5/16” to 3’4” but is usually ⅜” to ½”. This flooring option is usually more cost effective than solid wood. Additionally , engineered wood can come in wider and longer planks which can be cost restrictive when purchasing solid wood.
Where can I install engineered hardwood?
The multi-ply structure of engineered wood provides much more flexibility than solid wood, meaning it can be installed at any ground level. Additionally, it can be installed directly on top of concrete or tiles, and it is approved for below grade installations, unlike solid wood flooring. The installation methods for engineered wood flooring are glue, nail down (if plywood), and staple and float.
Disadvantages of Solid Wood Flooring?
One of the most prominent disadvantages of solid wood flooring is that it is most likely to expand and contract (especially in wider widths). This is not likely to occur in engineered wood flooring as it is usually more stable (not always) and stronger than solid wood because of its layers. Additionally, solid hardwood requires a 3/4″ plywood subfloor, which may be costly. Some houses may come with subfloor, however most condos and townhouses do not. Additionally, installation of solid wood flooring is not approved for below grade installations (such as basements).
Disadvantages of Engineered Wood Flooring?
Engineered wood flooring also has major disadvantages. Firstly, a majority of engineered wood flooring can not be sanded and refinished. Generally this is dictated by the thickness of the top layer. A good quality engineered hardwood provides a comparable wear layer to that of solid hardwood, although options with a thinner top layer will have much less of a wear.
Where can I purchase Solid Wood Or Engineered Wood Flooring?
The Renorama! We are the one stop shop that provides you with great quality products for a great value. We carry a great selection of products from suppliers worldwide. Renorama guarantees hassle free shopping, product support and professional advice from our exceptionally trained and experienced specialists. Renorama stocks everything you need for all your flooring and renovation needs. Visit us today!
Call us at 416-661-7262 or visit therenorama.com ! Our store is located at
4884 Dufferin Street Unit #4-5 ( Dufferin/Steeles). We got you covered, with over 150,000 SQFT stocked in our warehouse.
1 comment
Emilien Campagna
I am interested to buy 800 feet of engineered hardwood floor and would like to know what you have in store and do you ship? Thank you.