The difference between engineered hardwood flooring and solid

Solid hardwood flooring, as the name implies, is one thickness throughout. Still, in another version, engineered hardwood is taking a significant share of the wood flooring industry because it appeals to those who want both beauty and practicality.

Similar appearance, different construction

If you?ve never seen engineered wood floors, you?ll be amazed when you walk into our hardwood flooring company. On the surface, the two floors look similar. The top layer of an engineered floor is a slab of your species of choice, be it oak, maple, hickory floor, etc. Underneath are three or more layers of genuine wood combined with a bit of resin, resulting in a wood floor that's more stable and better able to handle water. It also has more versatility in installation because it can be placed in higher-than-normal moisture areas where solid isn't recommended.

An uncomplicated installation


Solid is always the traditional tongue and groove/nail down installation. Since solid wood floors shrink and expand to adjust to the weather, acclimation before installation is necessary to give the wood a chance to adapt to its new surroundings. To eliminate any possibility of water damage, the installer will take moisture readings throughout the process.

Engineered can be nailed or glued down or be a floating floor. In a floating floor, pieces click together and mat, then hover over the subfloor without nails or glue.

Thickness is essential to both solid and engineered


That is because it determines how many times a floor can be sanded and refinished. The ideal thickness for solid wood is ?-inch thick. Engineered has a range of ?-inch to ?-inch, and thicker is always better. Depending on that number, it can be refinished up to four times.

Whichever hardwood flooring you choose, know you can be assured of a quality residential or commercial installation. As wood floor refinishers, we'll also help you keep it looking great. So if you live in Belmont, Redwood City, Foster City, San Mateo, we'll look forward to seeing you in our San Carlos, CA. showroom.