Solid or Engineered Hardwood

Solid or Engineered Hardwood? Key Differences Every Homeowner Should Know

Selecting the perfect hardwood for your project can be thrilling and daunting, given the abundance of stunning and long-lasting options. Both types of hardwood flooring are commonly utilized throughout homes, offering nearly identical advantages. As a result, choosing between them ultimately becomes more about personal preferences.

So in this article, Deerfoot Carpet & Flooring is here to help highlight the differences between solid hardwood and engineered flooring.

1. Construction

Solid hardwood flooring – made entirely from a single piece of wood. It is usually available in different thicknesses and widths.

Engineered hardwood flooring – consists of a thin veneer of real hardwood bonded to multiple layers of plywood or high-density fiberboard (HDF). The top layer, or wear layer, is the visible hardwood surface.

2. Installation

Solid hardwood flooring – typically nailed or stapled down to a wooden subfloor. It requires a professional installation and can be more time-consuming.

Engineered hardwood flooring – offers more installation options. It can be nailed or stapled like solid hardwood, but it can also be glued down or installed as a floating floor, where the planks are not attached to the subfloor but rather click together.

3. Cost

Solid hardwood flooring – made entirely of solid wood, tends to be more expensive.

Engineered hardwood flooring – is more cost-effective than solid hardwood. The layered construction of engineered hardwood makes it less expensive to produce and allows for the use of more affordable wood species for the core layers.

4. Stability

One of the significant differences between the two types is their stability.
Solid hardwood flooring – is more susceptible to moisture and temperature changes, which can cause it to expand or contract.

Engineered hardwood flooring – With its layered construction, being more dimensionally stable and less prone to expansion and contraction, this is the better choice for areas with fluctuating humidity levels, such as basements or rooms with radiant heating.

5. Durability and Maintenance

Solid and engineered hardwood can be durable and relatively easy to maintain. The critical advantages of each are:

Solid hardwood flooring – Because it can be sanded down and refinished several times over its lifespan, it is better for long-term maintenance.

Engineered hardwood flooring – has limited sanding and refinishing options due to its thinner wear layer. However, advances in manufacturing have resulted in engineered hardwood with thicker wear layers that can withstand some refinishing.

Which One is Right for You?

Solid hardwood flooring is an excellent choice if you want a traditional, long-lasting floor that you can refinish multiple times. However, engineered hardwood flooring is the better choice if you need a more versatile, moisture-resistant option that works in basements or condos.

Not sure which one is best for your home? Visit our showroom at Deerfoot Carpet & Flooring’s showroom for expert advice and a wide selection of solid and engineered hardwood flooring options!

Recent Blogs

Laminate vs. Linoleum -Which Flooring

Laminate vs. Linoleum: Which Flooring Option is Best for Your Calgary Home?

Alternative flooring options that replicate the look of hardwood have become increasingly popular. Thanks to technological advancements, materials like laminate and linoleum now offer a more realistic wood-like appearance, making it harder for homeowners to choose between them.

The biggest difference? Laminate flooring is made from high-density fiberboard with a printed wood-look layer, while linoleum is crafted from natural materials like linseed oil and wood flour. Understanding these key distinctions can help you decide which option is the best fit for your home.

Read more
Time for New Floors_ Here’s How to Know It’s the Right Move

Time for New Floors? Here’s How to Know It’s the Right Move

Your home’s flooring is key to its overall look, feel, and functionality. Over time, even the best floors start showing signs of wear and tear, making it necessary to consider a replacement. If you’ve been wondering whether it’s time for an upgrade, you’re not alone—it’s a common question for homeowners.

On this blog, Deerfoot Carpet & Flooring in Calgary is here to help you spot the signs and find the perfect flooring to breathe new life into your space!

Read more
Happy Holidays-Deerfoot Carpet and Flooring

Happy Holidays from Deerfoot Carpet and Flooring

Deerfoot Carpet and Flooring would like to wish all of our customers a very happy holiday season. We also want to thank you for choosing us throughout the year, and we look forward to continuing to serve you in the future!

As an Alberta-run company, the love for our community helps us do what we love– assisting people with finding the flooring solutions they need to complete their home projects.

With the holidays just around the corner,

Read more

Commercial Flooring Installation

At Deerfoot Carpet & Flooring, we’re not just experts in providing top-notch flooring options; we also pride ourselves on our comprehensive supply and installation services. Understanding that each business is unique, we offer a personalized approach to ensure that your flooring solution perfectly matches your needs.

Our friendly and reliable team, equipped with the best tools and materials, is committed to installing your new flooring swiftly and efficiently. We take care of everything from the initial selection to the final installation, ensuring a hassle-free process that minimizes disruption to your business.

INSTALLATION SERVICES

Check out our current specials!

Dynamix XL Vinyl Plank

Dynamix XL - 2 Colors Flooring Specifications: Size 7-7/8" x 60" Thickness 8mm Coverage Per Box 22.54 ft² / 20.03ft²...
Read More
Dynamix XL Vinyl Plank

Glue Down Vinyl Plank (5mm, 9″)

5 Stock Colors  9" 5mm glue down plank
Read More
Glue Down Vinyl Plank (5mm, 9″)

Glue Down Vinyl Tile (5mm)

2 Stock Colors  12"x24" 5mm glue down vinyl tile
Read More
Glue Down Vinyl Tile (5mm)

Glue Down Vinyl Plank (5mm, 7″)

Your Choice vinyl plank - 9 Stock colors 7" Wide plank 5mm thickness
Read More
Glue Down Vinyl Plank (5mm, 7″)

Curate 7mm Click Vinyl Plank

  Taiga - Curate SPC - 4 Colors Flooring Specifications: Size 9" x 60" / 12" x 24" Thickness 7mm...
Read More
Curate 7mm Click Vinyl Plank

Harmony 6.5mm Click Vinyl Plank

  Style Harmony Stocked  Colors 3 (Cozy White, Essence, Harajuku) Thickness 5mm core, 1.5mm IXPE Pad Width, Length 7" x...
Read More
Harmony 6.5mm Click Vinyl Plank

Evolved – 8mm Click Vinyl Plank

Style Evolved Stocked  Colors 2 (Barton, Chambertin) Thickness 8mm (6.5mm core, 1.5mm IXPE Pad) Width, Length 9 5/16" x 71"...
Read More
Evolved – 8mm Click Vinyl Plank

Harmony Elite 6.5mm Click Vinyl Plank

  Style Harmony Elite Stocked  Colors 2 (Staggato, Tempo) Thickness 5mm core, 1.5mm IXPE Pad Width, Length 7 1/4" x...
Read More
Harmony Elite 6.5mm Click Vinyl Plank

Mohawk Carpet – Crestview

Brand Mohawk Style Crestview Stocked  Colors 2 (Yorktown, Warm Biege) Fiber Category Everstrand Fiber Contents 100% Polyester Face Weight 30oz...
Read More
Mohawk Carpet – Crestview

Dreamweaver Carpet – Texture 40

Brand Dreamweaver Style Texture 40 Stocked  Colors 2 (Ginger Bread, Templeton) Fiber Category Pure color High-Def Fiber Contents 100% PureColor®...
Read More
Dreamweaver Carpet – Texture 40