Solid Hardwood Flooring vs. Engineered Hardwood Flooring

There are several options available to homeowners when considering hardwood flooring, solid hardwood, engineered hardwood and engineered HDF core hardwood flooring. We will discuss the advantages of each type of hardwood flooring.

Solid Hardwood

1. With solid hardwood you have a variety of choices due to all the different species of trees that hardwood flooring is derived from. Solid hardwood floors are beautiful and there are many exotic species with many grain patterns, color variations and fine finishes available. There are also a variety of thicknesses and plank widths to choose from. If you want to know the durability of a hardwood you can refer to the Janka Hardness Scale, which rates the hardness of the different species of wood. Of course, the higher the rating on the Janka Hardness Scale, the harder the wood will be, making it more durable. Red Oak and Brazilian Walnut are two examples of some of the hardest types of wood. These would be suitable for homes that have a lot of foot traffic, small children or pets. It is recommended that you always avoid using any off brand or unknown brands of hardwood flooring, which may not be properly graded and may contain crooked or defective boards, resulting in a lot of waste and requiring you to purchase more flooring. Always use major brand names to insure a quality flooring product.
2. Solid hardwood floors are the longest lasting flooring and you have the option of refinishing the flooring many times, due to the thickness of the surface above the tongue and groove, which could be as much as 1/3 of the thickness of the board and up to ¼ inch. However, the factory finishes are so durable that it will be many, many years before a new finish is ever needed, but you will always have that option, especially if you plan to stay in your home long term.
3. Hardwood flooring is easy to clean by dust mopping or vacuuming regularly and does not require professional cleaning. Any spills can be damp mopped but the floor must be dried promptly. Hardwood flooring does not harbor dust or dust mites like carpets, so it is recommended for people with allergies. For added protection, use doormats at all entrances and incorporate the use of floor rugs and floor protectors on furniture legs. Use only manufacturer approved cleaning products. 
4. Solid hardwood floors are more stable to walk on and add value to your home. You won’t get that hollow sound when walking on solid hardwood flooring that you hear when walking on laminate. Solid hardwood planks are made exclusively from the premium hardwood of the tree and are tongue and groove and must be nailed down over a wooden sub-floor, making them the most stable of all hardwood flooring and the least subject to movement. Always use a licensed installer with good references to install solid hardwood flooring, since it takes a certain skill level to install solid hardwood flooring properly.   

Engineered Hardwood - What is engineered hardwood

1. Engineered hardwood is made with a cross ply construction, using a less expensive common wood core with a thin premium wood layer on the surface. One of the advantages of the cross ply construction is that it will not expand and contract as much as a solid hardwood floor. Plank thickness range from ¼ inch to ¾ inch.  Since the engineered hardwood planks are not made totally from the hardwood of the tree and are less expensive to make, engineered hardwood is less expensive than solid hardwood and more economical. Therefore, you get the look of solid hardwood at a lower price. In addition, engineered hardwood weighs less than solid hardwood, resulting in lower shipping costs. Avoid any bargain brands or unknown brands of engineered hardwood flooring, which may contain a core of soft pulp with a thin top layer of wood. Always choose well known manufacturers of engineered hardwood that are committed to producing a quality product.
2. Engineered hardwood is very versatile in that it can be installed over a wooden sub-floor or over concrete and can be installed above or below grade. It can also be floated using a click locking system or glued down or stapled. It is easy to work with and install so it can be a favorite among do it yourself installers. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper installation of your engineered hardwood flooring to avoid any issues.
3. Engineered hardwood flooring is also easy to clean and maintain with regular dust mopping or vacuuming. It also does not harbor dust so it a favorite among allergy sufferers. As with solid hardwood, use only products that are approved by the manufacturer. Although engineered hardwood flooring is more scratch resistant than solid hardwood, it is still a good idea to use door mats, throw rugs and furniture floor protectors on the legs of any furniture.
4. Engineered hardwood is both attractive and very durable, due to its construction of multiple layers of plywood being pressed together with adhesives under extreme pressure. The multiple layers block moisture and prevent warping and account for it being more durable and moisture resistant than solid hardwood, making it more suitable in areas with seasonal air moisture changes or near water. The top prefinished hardwood layer is coated with a protective finish, making it durable and scratch resistant. Some engineered hardwoods can also be sanded and refinished.

Engineered HDF Core Hardwood

This flooring is a combination of laminate flooring and real hardwood flooring. It is made using a core of recycled high density fiberboard (HDF), which is used in laminate flooring, topped with a thick layer of wood with a protective finish, like what is used in regular engineered hardwood. It can be floated over an existing floor or any type of sub-floor, wood or concrete using a click locking system. It is easy to clean by the same methods as solid hardwood or regular engineered hardwood flooring.   

At Woodwudy Wholesale Flooring, we are here for you! If you need any assistance or additional information, please call our trained flooring specialists at 1-877-966-3983.