Hardwood: What Homeowners Should Know

Hardwood vs Engineered

Choosing the right flooring is one of the most important design and durability decisions homeowners make during a remodel. Two of the most popular options are solid hardwood flooring and engineered hardwood flooring. While they may look similar on the surface, the way they are built and where they perform best can be very different. Understanding the differences between these materials helps homeowners choose the right flooring for their space, lifestyle, and long-term durability.

Solid Hardwood Flooring

Solid hardwood flooring is exactly what the name implies, each plank is made from one solid piece of real wood. This traditional flooring option has been used in homes for generations and is known for its longevity and timeless appearance.

One of the biggest advantages of solid hardwood is that it can be sanded and refinished multiple times over its lifetime, allowing homeowners to refresh the floors or change stain colors as styles evolve. However, solid hardwood is also more sensitive to moisture and humidity changes, which means it is typically best suited for above-grade areas like living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms.

Best uses for solid hardwood:

• Living rooms

• Bedrooms

• Dining rooms

• Hallways

• Homes where long-term refinishing potential is important

  
  

Engineered Hardwood Flooring

Engineered hardwood flooring is constructed differently. Instead of being made from one solid piece of wood, engineered planks feature a thin layer of real hardwood on top of multiple layers of plywood or composite wood underneath.

This layered construction makes engineered hardwood more stable when exposed to temperature and humidity changes, which is why it can often be installed in areas where solid hardwood is not recommended. Engineered hardwood still provides the look and feel of real wood, but with additional structural stability.

Best uses for engineered hardwood:

• Kitchens

• Basements

• Slab foundation homes

• Areas with higher humidity fluctuations

  
  

Key Differences to Consider

While both flooring types provide the beauty of real wood, their differences can influence which option is best for your home.

Refinishing: Solid hardwood can typically be refinished many times, while engineered hardwood can usually only be refinished once or twice depending on the thickness of the top veneer.

Moisture resistance: Engineered hardwood performs better in environments where humidity changes are more common.

Installation flexibility: Engineered flooring can often be installed using floating, glue-down, or nail-down methods, making it more versatile for different subfloor conditions.

Cost Pricing: varies by wood species and product quality, but engineered hardwood can sometimes be slightly more affordable depending on the construction and installation method.

What We Recommend at 1836 Construction

Both flooring types can be excellent choices depending on the space and the goals of the project. For many modern remodels in North Texas, engineered hardwood has become the preferred option due to its stability on slab foundations and its ability to perform well in changing humidity conditions.

However, homeowners who want the traditional longevity and refinishing flexibility of real wood often still choose solid hardwood in the right areas of the home. The best flooring choice ultimately depends on how the space will be used, the structure of the home, and the long-term design goals of the remodel.