Engineered Vs. Hardwood Floors

If you’ve decided on using genuine hardwood for your floors, there are two options you’ll need to consider: Traditional hardwood and engineered hardwood.

Until recently, engineered hardwood floors weren’t considered a quality alternative to traditional hardwood. Instead, engineered hardwood flooring was considered a compromise to conventional hardwood floors. However, engineered hardwood floors have been developed to a level that is now a great option when considering hardwood flooring. This article will consider the pros and cons of traditional hardwood vs. engineered hardwood.

Engineered Hardwood Flooring

Contrary to what most believe, engineered hardwood floors are genuine hardwood. What differentiates engineered hardwood from traditional hardwood floors is how they are constructed. Classic hardwood floors are solid pieces of a wood species fashioned into planks. Engineered hardwood floors are built mainly of pressed wood or plywood with a thin layer of hardwood on the top. Both traditional hardwood and engineered hardwood floors present genuine hardwood to be walked on and enjoyed. Engineered hardwood flooring has many benefits compared to conventional hardwood.

Pros Of Engineered Hardwood

Engineered hardwood floors are less expensive than traditional hardwood. Price is one of the most significant factors that push people to go with engineered rather than conventional hardwoods. With some engineered hardwoods being almost indistinguishable from traditional hardwoods, being more affordable is a great reason to choose them.

Engineered hardwoods are also less susceptible to water and moisture damage. Hardwoods can be very temperamental, warping and buckling due to moisture and humidity problems. Since engineered hardwood floors are constructed chiefly of plywood or pressed wood, they are more tolerant and resistant to warping out of shape when exposed to humidity and moisture. However, it is essential to note that even engineered hardwood floors aren’t “waterproof.” A few new brands are now offering waterproof options, but both traditional and engineered hardwood floors are susceptible to water damage.

Lastly, engineered hardwood floors are typically easier to install. Engineered hardwood can be installed in a variety of ways. Some have a click and lock system that makes laying them down much more manageable than traditional hardwood floors. Others can be glued straight down on concrete floors or subfloors.

Cons Of Engineered Hardwood

Engineered hardwood floors do have some disadvantages compared to traditional hardwood floors. The largest of the drawbacks is their life expectancy. Traditional hardwood flooring can last anywhere from two to three times as long as engineered hardwoods. They can be finished and refinished almost indefinitely before having to be replaced. Engineered hardwood floors only have a limited number of times they can be sanded and refinished before the thin layer of hardwood is gone.

Another con of engineered hardwoods compared to traditional hardwood floors is their resale value. Homes with classic hardwood floors will generally appraise higher than homes with engineered hardwoods. However, traditional hardwood floors are still considered a more luxurious flooring choice that fetches a higher premium when selling.

We hope this article has shed some light on the differences between hardwood and engineered hardwood floors. If you are in New York or Florida, please reach out with any questions you may have when considering the two. Let a friendly flooring professional help!