Engineered Hardwood vs. Solid Hardwood Flooring: Key Differences

Hardwood floors have been in style almost continuously since their introduction in the 1600s, making them a terrific option for homeowners seeking to add a classic, timeless look to their homes.

Engineered hardwood flooring, invented in the 1960s, provided a low-cost alternative to the traditional solid hardwood flooring. Nick Yahoodain, CEO of Advanced Builders and Contractors, has extensive experience with both types. He says both are viable options with distinctive pros and cons.

What is Engineered Hardwood Flooring?

Engineered hardwood flooring is a plywood or composite board topped with a real hardwood veneer. This veneer allows it to look almost exactly like solid hardwood flooring.

Pros of Engineered Hardwood Flooring

• Costs less than solid hardwood flooring;
• Easier to install for DIYers;
• Available in a variety of widths and finishes;
• Can be glued down to concrete or floated;
• More resistant to warping and water damage.

Cons of Engineered Hardwood Flooring

• Cannot be refinished as many times as solid hardwood;
• Deep scratches or gauges can be difficult to repair;
• Cannot be stained on-site.

What is Solid Hardwood Flooring?

Solid hardwood flooring is a solid piece of wood. It can be sanded and refinished many times over its lifespan.

Pros of Solid Hardwood Flooring

• Can be refinished many times;
• Can be stained and finished on-site;
• Available unfinished or stained;
• Long lifespan;
• Relatively simple to install.

Cons of Solid Hardwood Flooring

• Must be installed by a professional or an experienced DIY-er;
• Expensive.

Engineered vs. Solid: Costs

Solid hardwood flooring tends to cost more than engineered hardwood flooring. We’re talking the planks themselves and the installation, which requires a pro. Yahoodain has seen engineered wood as low as $2.50/sq.ft., and hardwood as low as $4/sq.ft. and up to $12/sq.ft.

It’s worth noting the initial cost of solid hardwood floors may be less of an issue over time because it has a much longer lifespan than engineered wood, so it won’t need to be replaced as quickly.

Engineered vs. Solid: Installation

Engineered hardwood flooring can be installed by a homeowner. Many use a “click-lock” design that easily connects the boards together.

Solid hardwood flooring uses a more complicated tongue and groove joint that takes more finesse to ensure a tight fit. It also must be nailed down to a subfloor, unlike engineered hardwood that can be simply glued down or “floated” above your existing floor with no adhesive at all. Keep in mind that floating floors cannot be refinished.

Engineered vs. Solid: Cleaning

Both engineered and solid hardwood flooring require regular cleaning to look their best and remove dirt and debris that can scratch their surface. Solid hardwood can be easier to keep clean because of its tighter fit. Yahoodain says solid hardwood stain will fill any cracks and holes, creating a smoother finish that’s easier to wipe clean.

Engineered vs. Solid: Lifespan

Although engineered and solid hardwood flooring stand up to typical wear and tear, engineered planks will have a significantly shorter lifespan than solid hardwood. Since solid hardwood can be sanded and refinished many times, Yahoodain says it can last up to 100 years.

The thin veneer of engineered hardwood can only be refinished once or twice, so it will last between 20 and 40 years. Your floor’s lifespan will vary depending on your household and the type and frequency of foot traffic.

Engineered vs. Solid: Width

Yahoodian says engineered wood is typically more available in wider widths — up to seven inches — than solid hardwood, which is usually six inches wide. If you’re set on extra-wide boards, engineered wood may be the best choice.

Engineered vs. Solid: Which is Better?

While both are fine options, the best choice for your home will ultimately depend on your budget, installation limitations and design preferences.

Engineered hardwood is preferable if you want a classic hardwood look but lack the budget for solid options and prefer to install it yourself. Solid hardwood flooring is preferable if you want a floor that will last a lifetime and don’t mind the expense of professional installation.