Solid or Engineered Hardwood? How to decide which wood is right for you?

Whether it is solid or engineered, hardwood floors are a sound investment. While the initial price tag is higher than other types of flooring, hardwood is durable, comfortable and beautiful. New technologies make both solid and engineered hardwood floors even more affordable, environmentally-friendly and provide a great return on your investment because of their long life cycle.

Even though luxury vinyl flooring has experienced tremendous growth over the last several years, for the discerning homeowner that is looking for the natural beauty of wood, and that yields a greater return on their investment, hardwood floors are still a top choice today for their homes. Hardwoods today come in a variety of widths. Hardwood is a natural product derived from renewable sources. No other material can match the natural warmth and beauty while adding value to your home.

Both options are great choices for the home. There really isn’t a clear cut choice. It depends on a number of factors. Here is a summary of what you get with either option.

Solid Hardwood

  • All solids can be sanded and refinished. Not all engineered wood floors can. It depends on the thickness of the top wood layer veneer.
  • Solid hardwood offers the best acoustics and is preferred in settings where this is critically important.
  • Solids come in a wide range of species, grades, and finishes.
  • Solid hardwoods are good for the environment. It is a renewable resource. Over the last many years, two trees are planted for everyone that is cut down.
  • Solid hardwoods offer a great return on investment, adding value to the home.

Engineered Hardwood

  • Installed engineered wood looks and feels like solid hardwood, and depending on the type of floor purchased and is normally more economical.
  • With its multi-layer construction, engineered woods don’t expand and contract to the same extent as solid hardwood.
  • There is a wider selection of wider boards in engineered woods which is extremely popular today. Looking for 5 inch, 7 inch, 9 inch boards?  Think engineered.
  • Only engineered wood can be installed below grade, such as in basements, solids cannot.
  • Engineered woods provide a wider range of installation options which help overcome some challenges with sub-floors, environments, and lifestyles.

Your Martin’s Flooring sales associates are trained, product professionals.  They will help you pick out the kind of hardwood floors that would work best in your home. If you have questions, please call, or if you would like to have one of our Design Consultants meet with you, fill out the Free Consultation form on this page.

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