So you want a REAL wood floor!?! Solid vs. Engineered Hardwood

“I want new wood flooring, but I want REAL wood, NOT the FAKE stuff.” This is a fairly common statement from consumers considering new wood flooring, and rightfully so! Typically consumers make this statement for fear of winding up with a floor that looks like wood, but is made from other materials. Also, solid wood flooring has been the so-called “gold standard” for centuries, and for good reason. It’s a great flooring material with many variations available to suit differing styles and tastes. ​

What is solid wood flooring? It’s as simple as it sounds. Picture a solid log cut down to floor board specifications. It can be finished in a variety of shades of stain, high gloss, low gloss, matte finish, oil rubbed, etc. A solid wood floor can also be refurbished or refinished several times to maintain or update its appeal. It’s warm, inviting, and can be quiet underfoot. A solid wood floor is a great investment and would be considered by many to be a luxury flooring option. 

What is engineered wood flooring? Engineered wood flooring is a wood flooring product that is manufactured to provide the same luxurious visual appearance and feel as a solid wood floor, but with some added perks. First, because of the way it’s made, it does not expand and contract nearly as much as a solid wood floor, which allows it to be used in more areas of the home in which solid wood is just not an option (concrete slab basements especially). Engineered wood flooring makes it much easier for a consumer to achieve an aesthetically pleasing floor style. There are a wider range of options to suit varying budgets. And amongst other benefits, the top veneer of the product is REAL WOOD! This means it can be re-finished!

Solid and Engineered wood floors are both great options. Another type of wood flooring is a laminate floor, we will discuss this topic in more detail later.