On the surface, you might not think there is a clear distinction between solid and engineered hardwood flooring. After all, what is the difference?
On the surface, you might not think there is a clear distinction between solid and engineered hardwood flooring. After all, what is the difference? They are both types of hardwood, aren’t they? Even so, that question is often misguided and misunderstood. Well, there are numerous differences along with similarities between them. Read on to find out more about what this means!
What They Have in Common
Before we can move onto a comparison, it might help to outline what these two types of floors actually share. Despite the impression you might get, both solid and engineered hardwood floors are made from true hardwood. Both can also yield huge aesthetic appeal for your home, no matter where you install it. Another benefit is that they durable and easy to take care of; so if that is your main concern, then you don’t need to worry about it as much as you might have thought. Both types of flooring are also available as unfinished products – but all this means is that you can decide how to customize them. For instance, you can choose the stain and the surface details. Some examples include the following:
- Smooth
- Hand-scraped
- Distressed
- Wire-Brushed
Reasons Why Solid Flooring is Different
So now we can investigate what makes solid hardwood flooring different from its cousin. For one thing, it is usually ¾” thick and anywhere between 2.5” to 5” wide. If you need to go much wider than that, then engineered flooring is going to be your best choice. Solid hardwood planks need to be fastened in two ways – via gluing and nailing. This leads to higher labor costs, which might not be the greatest news for your home improvement budget.
Reasons Why Engineered Flooring is Different
And now we can discuss some of the reasons why engineered hardwood flooring stands apart from its relative. For instance, you can choose the planks of hardwood when you choose the engineered variety. Multiple layers are also put together, and subsequently laminated. Engineered wood planks are better able to withstand damage caused by moisture problems, temperature fluctuations, and the ever-present specter of humidity. The core also ensures that the flooring is stronger and more stable, but this ultimately depends on the quality of the wood that you select.
Ready for a Beautiful Hardwood Floor? Trust John K Eareckson & Co.
When you work with John K Eareckson & Co., Flooring, we will ensure your hardwood floors undergo a stress-free acclimation process and that they sparkle for years to come; from a seamless and beautiful installation to years of maintenance, John K Eareckson & Co. Flooring has the expertise to care for your home’s hardwood floors. For a consultation and more information, visit us online or give us a call at 410-788-4200. You can also look for us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Flickr.