When choosing wooden flooring for your home, it’s essential to weigh your options between engineered wood and solid hardwood flooring. Both are great options, but they are different in materials, longevity, and suitability for specific spaces. Let’s find out which one fits your needs best.
What is Solid Hardwood Flooring?
Solid hardwood is made from one piece of wood and is thus very durable, has no expiry date, and is highly appreciated. It’s natural look and feel brings a touch of class to any kind of home furnishing. With the right maintenance, it can last for many years and get refinished several times.
What is Engineered Wood Flooring?
Engineered wood flooring is constructed with a thin layer of real wood on top and multiple layers of plywood underneath. It offers the aesthetic appeal of hardwood while being more resistant to temperature and humidity changes which is ideal for areas like basements or kitchens.
Key Differences:
- Durability:
- Solid hardwood is extremely durable as it is designed for high-traffic environments, however, it may get warped due to humidity.
- Engineered wood is more stable and less prone to expansion or contraction.
- Cost:
- Engineered wood is mostly cheaper than solid wood, making it a great option for those seeking affordability without compromising on style.
- Installation:
- Solid wood floors usually require professional installation.
- Engineered wood is preferred by most home ‘DIYers’ because it can be easily added to the existing floor and thus saves the need for an entire floor removal.
- Refinishing:
- Solid hardwood can be sanded and refinished a number of times.
- Engineered wood can be refinished once or twice, depending on the thickness of the top layer.
Which Should You Choose?
- Opt for solid hardwood flooring to give your home the classic touch and get long-lasting flooring, best suited in living rooms and bedrooms.
- Consider the use of engineered wood flooring in areas that are likely to have excessive moisture temperature changes such as basements and kitchens.
Both options elevate your home’s style and value. With Vista Fashions’ wide range of wooden flooring solutions, finding the perfect match for your space is effortless.
