When renovating or building a home, flooring choices significantly impact both aesthetics and functionality. Engineered flooring and solid hardwood represent two popular options that often confuse homeowners. While both provide the warmth and beauty of real wood, they differ substantially in construction, durability, cost, and suitability for various environments. This comprehensive comparison covers everything from pricing and installation costs to leading brands and the advantages and disadvantages of each option, helping you make an informed decision for your specific needs.
Engineered flooring consists of multiple layers of wood pressed together. The top layer (wear layer) is made of real hardwood veneer, while the core layers typically consist of plywood, high-density fiberboard, or hardwood. This construction gives engineered flooring its distinctive stability and versatility.
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The thickness of the wear layer can range from 0.6mm to 6mm, directly affecting quality and longevity. Premium engineered floors with thicker wear layers can be sanded and refinished multiple times, similar to solid hardwood, extending their lifespan considerably.
What Is Solid Hardwood Flooring?
Solid hardwood flooring is made entirely from a single piece of wood, typically 3/4 inch thick, and can be sanded and refinished numerous times throughout its lifetime. This traditional flooring option comes from various tree species, each offering unique grain patterns, colors, and hardness levels.
Common hardwood species include oak, maple, cherry, walnut, and exotic varieties like Brazilian cherry or teak. Each species has different characteristics regarding durability, with harder woods like oak and maple better suited for high-traffic areas.
Price Comparison
The cost difference between engineered and solid hardwood varies based on quality, species, and brand. Generally, engineered hardwood ranges from $3 to $15 per square foot, while solid hardwood typically costs between $5 and $20+ per square foot.
Entry-level engineered products often cost less than comparable solid hardwood options. However, premium engineered flooring with thick wear layers and exotic wood species can sometimes exceed the price of mid-range solid hardwood.
| Quality Level | Engineered Hardwood (per sq ft) | Solid Hardwood (per sq ft) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $3-$6 | $5-$8 |
| Mid-range | $6-$10 | $8-$12 |
| Premium | $10-$15+ | $12-$20+ |
Installation Costs
Installation costs for engineered flooring typically range from $3 to $8 per square foot, while solid hardwood installation generally runs $5 to $12 per square foot. The price difference stems from installation methods and complexity.
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Engineered flooring offers multiple installation options: floating floors (click-lock or tongue-and-groove), glue-down, or nail-down methods. This flexibility often results in quicker, less expensive installation. Some DIY-friendly options can further reduce costs.
Solid hardwood typically requires professional installation using nail-down methods, especially on wooden subfloors. Installation over concrete usually requires a plywood subfloor first, adding to both material and labor costs.
Additional Installation Considerations
- Subfloor preparation (leveling, moisture barriers): $1-$3 per square foot
- Removal and disposal of existing flooring: $1-$4 per square foot
- Baseboard removal and replacement: $1.50-$3.50 per linear foot
- Furniture moving: $100-$300 per room
Best Engineered Flooring Brands
Several manufacturers have established reputations for quality engineered flooring products. Leading brands in the engineered flooring market include Shaw, Armstrong, Mohawk, Bruce, and Pergo, each offering various price points and quality levels.
Premium Engineered Flooring Brands
- Shaw Floors – Known for innovative designs and thick wear layers (up to 3mm)
- Mohawk – Offers excellent warranty coverage and environmentally friendly options
- Armstrong – Wide selection with proprietary installation systems
- Mannington – Features premium finishes with advanced scratch resistance
- Kährs – Swedish company known for high-quality construction and sustainability
Mid-Range Engineered Flooring Brands
- Bruce – Accessible pricing with reliable quality
- Pergo – Pioneered laminate but now offers quality engineered options
- Somerset – American-made with focus on Appalachian hardwoods
- Anderson Tuftex – Stylish designs with good performance
Best Hardwood Flooring Brands
The solid hardwood market features both established companies and specialty manufacturers. Top solid hardwood brands include Bruce, Armstrong, Mohawk, Somerset, and Mirage, which are recognized for quality, consistency, and variety of options.
Premium Hardwood Brands
- Mirage – Known for exceptional finish quality and wide selection
- Carlisle – Specializes in wide-plank hardwood floors with artisanal quality
- Lauzon – Features innovative air-purifying technology in premium finishes
- Somerset – Focuses on Appalachian hardwoods with excellent manufacturing standards
- LM Flooring – Known for exotic species and hand-scraped finishes
Mid-Range Hardwood Brands
- Bruce – Wide availability and consistent quality
- Armstrong – Broad selection with various finish options
- Mohawk – Diverse product lines including domestic and exotic species
- Shaw – Excellent color consistency and warranty coverage
Pros and Cons of Engineered Flooring
Advantages of Engineered Flooring
- Superior stability – Less susceptible to expansion and contraction with humidity and temperature changes
- Versatility – Can be installed in below-grade locations like basements where solid hardwood isn’t recommended
- Installation flexibility – Can be installed as floating floor, glued, or nailed down
- Suitable for radiant heating – Most engineered products work well with radiant floor heating systems
- Eco-friendly options – Uses less premium hardwood than solid planks
- DIY potential – Floating floor systems can be installed by homeowners with moderate skills
Disadvantages of Engineered Flooring
- Limited refinishing – Thin wear layers can only be refinished 1-2 times or not at all
- Potential quality issues – Budget options may have thin veneers or inferior core materials
- Shorter lifespan – Generally lasts 20-40 years compared to 50+ years for solid hardwood
- Some contain VOCs – Adhesives used in manufacturing may emit volatile organic compounds
- Lower resale value – May not add as much home value as solid hardwood
Pros and Cons of Solid Hardwood Flooring
Advantages of Solid Hardwood
- Longevity – Can last 50-100+ years with proper maintenance
- Refinishing potential – Can be sanded and refinished many times (typically 5-7 times)
- Timeless appeal – Classic look that never goes out of style
- Increased home value – Generally provides better return on investment
- Authentic character – Natural variations in grain and color provide unique character
- Hypoallergenic options – Fewer components than engineered products
Disadvantages of Solid Hardwood
- Moisture sensitivity – Expands and contracts with humidity changes; not suitable for bathrooms or basements
- Higher cost – Generally more expensive for both materials and installation
- Professional installation – Usually requires skilled installers
- Acclimation required – Needs to acclimate to home environment before installation (typically 3-7 days)
- Not compatible with all heating systems – May develop gaps with some radiant heating solutions
- Environmental considerations – Uses more wood than engineered alternatives
Which Type Is Best For Different Situations?
The ideal flooring choice depends on your specific circumstances, including location, budget, and lifestyle factors. Consider these recommendations for different scenarios:
Choose Engineered Flooring When:
- Installing in basements, kitchens, or areas with humidity fluctuations
- Using radiant heating systems
- Working with concrete subfloors
- Seeking DIY-friendly installation
- Operating with budget constraints
- Living in very humid or dry climates
Choose Solid Hardwood When:
- Prioritizing longevity and ability to refinish multiple times
- Installing in main living areas, bedrooms, or dining rooms
- Hoping to maximize home resale value
- Desiring authentic, traditional appearance
- Working with wood subfloors
- Planning to maintain the home long-term
Both engineered and solid hardwood flooring offer beautiful, durable options for homeowners. Your final choice should balance practical considerations with aesthetic preferences and long-term planning to ensure satisfaction with your investment.