What's the difference between solid wood and engineered wood flooring?

The main difference between solid wood flooring and engineered wood flooring is the composition of the wood panels. Solid wood is wood cut from a tree and then cut to size into flooring panel dimensions, while engineered wood flooring is composed of several layers of wood pressed and glued together to the desired thickness and then cut to the specified dimensions.

The limitations of solid wood floors

The word ‘solid’ relates only to the wholly timber planks that are cut from a tree, shaped, and laid as a floor. These can then be treated/finished with chemicals to resist moisture and staining, or to achieve a particular decor hue, but they are otherwise unaltered from their natural state.

Aesthetic requirements aside, solid timber flooring is not widely specified by constructors or designers (or chosen by homeowners). This is because natural wood does have limitations.

For instance, builders tend not to lay solid timber floors over modern homes’ cement floors because, while the cement remains static, timber is flexible. The natural fibres expand and contract in response to changes in temperatures and moisture levels. This prohibits setting a standard dimension that will perform well in every environment, making real timber unsuitable for widespread use.

How to compare

The durability and performance of engineered timber varies, and the strength of the top layer is no different to solid wood. Generally speaking, engineered wood is better protected and pre-finished with special treatments, plus its edges bevelled for an attractive appearance. Engineered panels are longer and wider than solid wood ones. Often engineered timber has a tighter fit, too. What’s more, installation costs are usually less than solid wood installation.

However, solid timber offers several advantages in spite of its limitations. Solid wood is generally thicker than engineered flooring, which allows for future re-sanding to smooth the surface if it becomes marred with use. Thin engineered flooring, on the other hand, does not give much depth for future sanding. Solid wood is also less expensive than engineered wood.

So which should you choose?

Engineered wood is the more practical choice for the majority of homeowners, simply because of its versatility and suitability to conditions solid wood simply wouldn’t tolerate – ie, concrete subfloors. Engineered wood allows you to get that real wood look without the drawbacks. Better still, the engineered pieces fit together for quick and inexpensive installation, while also costing less than wood installation.

However, if you’re looking for flooring for a really high-traffic area, real wood is by far the best option. Then, the thicker panels last longer and could be sanded and refinished in future. If in doubt, consult the experts.

Have a look through our ranges of solid wood flooring and engineered wood flooring to see how it could fit your home.