Hardwood flooring is one of the most timeless choices you can make for your home. But if you’ve ever browsed flooring options, you’ve probably noticed that hardwood comes in two forms: solid wood and engineered wood. At first glance, they look almost identical, but knowing when to choose engineered hardwood flooring over solid wood can save you headaches, money, and even future repair costs. Let’s walk through what makes engineered hardwood unique and why it might be the better choice for your home.
What makes engineered wood flooring different
Solid wood is exactly what it sounds like. Each plank is made from a single piece of wood, usually about three-quarters of an inch thick. Engineered hardwood flooring, on the other hand, has a layered structure. The top layer is real hardwood, giving you the same rich appearance as solid planks, while the base is made of plywood or high-density fiberboard.
This layered build gives engineered flooring some serious advantages in certain situations. It’s less prone to warping, it holds up better against moisture, and it expands and contracts less with temperature swings.
When engineered wood floors are the smarter choice
So, when should you pick engineered hardwood flooring over solid wood? It really comes down to where and how you’ll be using it.
- Moisture-prone rooms: Solid wood does not love moisture. If you install it in a basement, kitchen, or bathroom, it can swell, warp, or even buckle. Engineered flooring is far more stable in these environments. Its plywood core resists moisture better, so it’s a safer option for lower levels of your home or any room where spills are a regular part of life.
- Homes with fluctuating temperatures: Here in Pennsylvania, we get humid summers and cold winters. That constant change in indoor air can make solid wood planks expand and contract, leaving gaps or squeaks. Engineered hardwood flooring is built to resist these shifts, so your floor stays smoother and more consistent through the seasons.
- Budget and installation needs: Engineered hardwood floors can also be easier on your wallet. While premium versions rival solid wood in price, many engineered options cost less and still deliver the same natural look. On top of that, some engineered floors use click-lock systems that make installation quicker and less expensive compared to traditional nail-down solid wood.
- When you want versatility: Solid hardwood can only be nailed to a wooden subfloor. Engineered wood flooring gives you more freedom. You can float it, glue it down, or staple it, depending on your setup. That means you can use it in places where solid wood won’t work, like over concrete slabs.
When solid wood floors might still win
To be clear, solid wood still has its place. If you want floors that can be sanded and refinished multiple times across decades, solid wood offers unmatched longevity. It’s also the right pick if you’re aiming for a very traditional build and don’t mind the higher upfront investment.
Choosing what works for you
At the end of the day, it’s not about one being “better” than the other. It’s about fit. Engineered wood flooring shines in basements, kitchens, and homes that see weather swings. Solid wood is ideal when you want a floor that will be sanded and renewed for generations. Both bring warmth, value, and timeless appeal to your home.
Looking for high-quality hardwood floors in Seven Fields, PA? Call us!
Snyder's Carpet & Flooring offers a wide range of solid and engineered hardwood flooring options. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you transform your space with beautiful new floors. Our mobile showroom in Seven Fields, PA, serves Pittsburgh, PA, Cranberry Township, PA, Wexford, PA, Mars, PA, and Bradford Woods, PA.
