Is Engineered Hardwood a Solid Choice?

When building or remodeling a home, choosing the type and style of flooring can be simple if a homeowner knows exactly what they want…but overwhelming at times if they don’t. There are so many great options available. Carpet is forever a popular choice, and laminate flooring is becoming a top choice for homeowners’ more than ever before. 

Another option that’s becoming increasingly popular is engineered hardwood flooring. But while plenty of people are choosing it, there are still some who aren’t familiar with this great alternative to solid wood floors. What is engineered hardwood and why is it worth considering?

What is engineered hardwood?

Engineered hardwood is a layered product. The top layer is made of actual hardwood, but it’s very thinly sliced. The real hardwood layer sits on top of a plywood layer.

What are the pros of engineered hardwood?

Engineered hardwood is much easier to install than solid hardwood, as it has several quick and easy installation options including nailing, stapling, clicking in, or glueing down. Solid hardwood that can only be nailed or stapled. 

Another pro of engineered hardwood is that it looks like real wood…because it is real wood! And because it’s technically real wood, it can also be advertised as such, giving it the same excellent level of resale value that solid hardwood has.

Also, engineered hardwood can actually handle moisture better than solid hardwood due to its durable plywood layer.

Are there any cons?

As with any product, there are a few cons to go along with the pros.

While properly maintained solid hardwood can last for decades, engineered hardwood is thinner, and therefore can be damaged easier, causing it not to last S long as solid wood. 

Because it’s real wood, engineered hardwood can be sanded, but only once or twice before it wears out, as opposed to solid wood that can be sanded multiple times before wearing out.

Finally, there are not as many color or style options for engineered wood, as only a few types of wood work best for engineered flooring.

What’s the final say?

Engineered hardwood flooring is an excellent option for anyone who’s looking to build or remodel a house. Because it can handle moisture better than solid wood, it can be installed in more areas of the house (such as the kitchen or bathroom). And even though it won’t last as long over time as solid hardwood, it’s resale value is just as good.