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Differences Between Solid Hardwood And Engineered Hardwood

Dining room with hardwood floors. Dining room with hardwood floors.
Posted on November 5, 2020 by fivestarwood

When coming up with the perfect interior design for your home there’s so many decisions to make. All these decisions need to come together to create a perfect space for you and your family. Choosing the right flooring is the key to tying in the appearance of your home.

Hardwood floors are a great option to choose for your home. It increases its value and makes it easier to sell your home too. Within hardwood flooring you have the option to go with solid hardwood or engineered hardwood. Here are some key differences to know between the two:

Cost

In most scenarios the budget kept aside for flooring determines the better option for you. Engineered wood is less expensive than solid hardwood, but that’s not set in stone. The quality and species of the solid hardwood floors determine its price. There are some cheaper options available on the market, while exotic varieties of solid wood will always carry the heftier price tag.

Stability and durability

Both kinds of hardwood offer durability and strength. With that being said, the sturdiness of solid hardwood always trumps engineered wood.

For homes in extreme climates, however, engineered wood provides better structural stability. It can resist buckling, compared to solid hardwood.

Engineered wood installed in an apartment.

Moisture resistance

Solid wood is known for not being the best in a humid area. The excess moisture causes the wood to swell, warp, cup, and even buckle. Moisture causes the wooden panels to expand and contract, making them weaker. Engineered wood is the better choice as it is developed to be more moisture resistant. Engineered wood is constructed with a plywood base and moisture is less likely to cause any changes in size of smoothness of the boards. The fibres in the plywood run cross-wise to prevent moisture build-up too.

Always opt for engineered wood in areas where moisture is prevalent. Engineered wood is the better option for bathrooms or any areas that are mopped frequently.

If you’re looking for a reliable service to have hardwood floors installed, get in touch with Five Star Hardwood Floor. We are a leading hardwood floor company based in Seattle where you can purchase hardwood flooring. We stock unfinished and pre-finished hardwood panels to match any species of wood you require. Our team provides state-of-the-art dustless hardwood floor refinishing in Seattle to refresh the look of your home’s existing hardwood floors too. We have just launched our latest service that incorporates the use of hardwood panels and epoxy to create custom tables. Get in touch with our team at 425-802-7517 for more information about this new offer.