How to Choose Between Hardwood and Engineered Wood Flooring

Posted on March 30, 2024

Reading time: approximately 5 minutes

Choosing the right flooring is a major decision for any homeowner. Flooring not only impacts the overall look and feel of a home, but it also affects functionality, durability, and property value. At PC & Tile, LLC, based in Federal Way and proudly serving communities across Washington State, we specialize in helping homeowners make informed decisions about their residential remodeling projects. Today, we will walk you through the important considerations when deciding between hardwood and engineered wood flooring. Our goal is to help you select the best option to suit your home, lifestyle, and long-term goals.

Understanding Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring has long been a symbol of natural beauty and timeless craftsmanship. Made from solid wood planks, hardwood floors offer a classic aesthetic that can enhance virtually any style of home, from traditional to contemporary.

Each hardwood plank is crafted from a single piece of wood, such as oak, maple, walnut, or cherry. Because it is a natural material, no two hardwood floors are exactly the same. The grains, textures, and variations in tone create a one-of-a-kind surface that adds character and warmth to any room.

One of the most notable advantages of hardwood is its longevity. Properly installed and maintained hardwood floors can last for decades, and in many cases, they can be refinished multiple times to restore their original beauty or update their look.

However, hardwood flooring is not without its challenges. It can be more susceptible to moisture damage, warping, and expansion due to humidity changes, which is an important factor to consider if you live in areas with variable climates, as we often experience in Washington State.

Understanding Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered wood flooring is a modern alternative designed to offer the beauty of natural wood combined with improved structural stability. Unlike solid hardwood, engineered flooring consists of multiple layers. The top layer is a veneer of real hardwood, while the underlying layers are composed of plywood or high-density fiberboard, arranged in a crisscross pattern for added strength.

Because of its construction, engineered wood is more resistant to changes in humidity and temperature. It is less likely to expand, contract, or warp, making it an excellent choice for basements, kitchens, and other moisture-prone areas.

Engineered wood floors come in a wide variety of styles, finishes, and plank sizes, giving homeowners flexibility in designing a space that suits their vision. While some engineered floors can be refinished once or twice, the number of refinishes will depend on the thickness of the hardwood veneer.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing

When deciding between hardwood and engineered wood flooring, it is important to weigh several factors beyond appearance alone. Here are the primary considerations we recommend to every homeowner:

Budget and Cost Expectations

Budget plays a significant role in selecting flooring. Solid hardwood flooring tends to be more expensive both in material cost and installation, especially when using high-end wood species. Engineered wood often provides a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing the look of real wood.

Keep in mind that the long-term value should also be considered. Hardwood flooring can increase home resale value and last longer, potentially offsetting the higher upfront costs. Engineered wood provides an affordable way to achieve a similar aesthetic and can still add significant appeal to your home.

Location and Environmental Conditions

The environment where the flooring will be installed is crucial. Solid hardwood is sensitive to moisture and is best suited for living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways where humidity levels remain stable. It is not recommended for basements, bathrooms, or areas prone to water exposure.

Engineered wood’s layered construction makes it a more versatile choice for rooms that experience higher humidity or temperature fluctuations. If you are planning a remodel in a basement, laundry room, or kitchen, engineered wood may be the safer and longer-lasting option.

Durability and Maintenance

Both hardwood and engineered wood are durable, but there are differences in how they handle wear and tear. Hardwood floors can be sanded and refinished several times over their lifespan, allowing homeowners to repair damage and update their floor’s appearance without replacing it.

Engineered wood, depending on the thickness of the top layer, may allow for one or two refinishes, but deep scratches or significant wear may eventually require replacement. Nevertheless, engineered wood often features strong surface finishes that resist scratches and stains, making it a durable choice for active households.

Routine maintenance for both options includes sweeping, vacuuming, and occasional damp mopping with manufacturer-recommended products. Promptly cleaning up spills and using protective pads under furniture can extend the life and appearance of either type of flooring.

Appearance and Design Options

Visually, hardwood and engineered wood floors can be nearly indistinguishable. Both offer a wide range of wood species, stains, plank widths, and surface textures. Whether you prefer a sleek, modern look or a rustic, distressed style, both types of flooring can accommodate your design preferences.

One key difference is that engineered wood offers additional installation flexibility. It can be installed as a floating floor, glued down, or even stapled, depending on the product and subfloor conditions. This opens up more possibilities for remodeling projects with specific structural challenges.

At PC & Tile, LLC, we work closely with homeowners to help select the right wood species, finish, and installation method to match their vision and the practical needs of their space.

Installation Time and Process

The installation process differs slightly between hardwood and engineered wood flooring. Solid hardwood typically requires professional acclimation to the environment before installation to minimize expansion or contraction. It is usually nailed or stapled down and may require more preparation work, such as subfloor leveling.

Engineered wood, thanks to its more stable composition, requires less acclimation time and can be installed more quickly. Floating floor systems allow for faster installation, which can be particularly beneficial in remodels with time constraints.

Choosing the right professional team ensures a smooth, stress-free installation process and long-lasting results. Our experienced installers at PC & Tile, LLC, guarantee precision work that maximizes the beauty and performance of your new floors.

Long-Term Value and Home Resale Impact

Both hardwood and engineered wood floors can enhance a home’s resale value, but solid hardwood often carries a slight advantage because of its longevity and ability to be refinished many times. Buyers often see hardwood floors as a premium feature, potentially increasing the overall appeal and value of your property.

Engineered wood, while slightly less valuable in the eyes of traditionalists, still provides an attractive, durable surface that today’s buyers appreciate, especially when used creatively in modern and energy-efficient home designs.

The key is choosing a product that not only suits your current lifestyle but also aligns with your long-term goals for the property.

Selecting between hardwood and engineered wood flooring is an important decision that depends on your budget, lifestyle, environment, and design preferences. Both options offer unique advantages and, when properly selected and installed, can provide years of beauty, comfort, and value to your home.

At PC & Tile, LLC, we are here to help you navigate this choice with expert advice and professional service. Whether you are remodeling a single room or undertaking a full home transformation, we are ready to help you find the flooring solution that fits your needs perfectly.

If you are ready to start your project or would like more personalized guidance, we invite you to reach out to us today. Call us at (818) 634-8856 or email us at [email protected] to schedule your free consultation. We look forward to helping you create a home you love.