When you’re shopping for hardwood floors, you’ll need to decide between solid wood and engineered wood. These are the two popular hardwood floor options available today. In the past, solid wood would have been your only option, but today, engineered wood flooring is expanding the possibilities within the flooring industry. Let’s look at some differences between these two types of flooring to help you decide which is best for your home.

Solid Wood Flooring

Solid wood flooring is made from natural hardwood tree species. These can include maple, walnut, oak, and cherry. This type of flooring comes from a solid piece of milled wood, and wood floor installation for this type of flooring requires nailing the wood planks to the subfloor. This installation method calls for the skills of professional flooring installers.

Solid hardwood floors can be sanded and refinished many times over the years, making it a good option for those who want to invest more money in a product that will last for decades. Hardwood flooring planks can vary in width, ranging from eight inches to a full foot, based on our experience. This flooring option produces tighter seams when installed and comes in a variety of colors and finishes. Solid wood flooring has continued to be a popular flooring choice for generations, and the solid wood segment is projected to have a 3.6% CAGR by 2026, according to Globe Newswire. Consider joining this trend today by contacting your local hardwood flooring specialist.

Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered wood flooring provides an affordable option for homeowners who want the look and feel of solid wood without the price tag. It is made to appear and feel identical to solid wood. The planks of the engineered material are made from layers, starting with a hardwood layer on top and a layer of plywood core below. This type of flooring is friendly for DIY homeowners who want to save more money by installing flooring themselves. With good maintenance, this flooring option can last up to 30 years, according to Forbes.

These are just a few things to consider when choosing between solid wood and engineered wood flooring. If you’re looking for professional wood floor installation in your area, contact Hardwood Headquarters today. We are here for your flooring needs.