Helping You Choose Between Engineered and Solid Hardwood Flooring

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Any homeowner who wishes to install timber flooring has to come across the phrase engineered hardwood flooring. Understanding the difference between engineered and solid hardwood flooring is crucial in guaranteeing flooring longevity and preventing expensive mistakes. Here's what you need to know to make the right decision.

Definitions

1. Solid Hardwood Flooring — These are thick planks of hardwood trees that are cut and prepared specially for flooring purposes. 
2. Engineered Hardwood Flooring — These are thin planks of hardwood trees that are thickened by adding layers of high-quality plywood. The layers are treated and finished to overcome some of the disadvantages of solid hardwood flooring (you will see some of these disadvantages below).

Factors Considered Before Installing Hardwood Flooring

To be in a position to make the right hardwood flooring choice, you need to know the factors considered before installing hardwood flooring. They include:

1. Floor Use — These comprise activities that will take place on the floor after installation, for example, foot traffic and carrying, dragging and setting some heavy furniture or appliances on it. Solid hardwood flooring is durable and can withstand high traffic. Because of its thickness, it can accommodate multiple sanding processes when compared to engineered hardwood flooring, which is more suitable for low traffic areas. 
2. Humidity — This is the amount of moisture in the atmosphere. Solid hardwood flooring does not do well in moist conditions; it tends to swell and warp. Engineered hardwood flooring has been manufactured in a way that helps prevent moisture damage, meaning it can be installed in moist conditions.
3. Subfloor Moisture Content — The moisture content in the subfloor has to be measured as well. If it is too high, it can damage solid hardwood flooring.
4. Temperature Changes — Solid hardwood flooring expands and contracts as temperature changes. That is why some space is left between the planks of wood during installation; this is not necessary for engineered hardwood flooring. 
5. Pricing — Solid hardwood flooring is more expensive than engineered hardwood flooring. If you are on a tight budget, you might not be able to afford solid hardwood flooring.

Making Your Choice

The factors above tell you that solid hardwood flooring does not do well in wet environments or conditions. This means that if you know that your subfloor has high moisture content and you expect low traffic, use engineered hardwood flooring.

The factors also indicate that solid hardwood flooring does well in high traffic areas and can withstand harsh activities like dragging of furniture and holding large weights. Don't use engineered hardwood flooring for such areas; it might get damaged fast, requiring you to restore or replace it frequently.

What happens if you find high moisture content in your subfloor and you expect high traffic? Use solid hardwood flooring, but invest in professional waterproofing services for your subfloor and solid hardwood planks before installation.

For more information about engineered flooring, contact a flooring service.

13 October 2020