The Differences Between Engineered and Solid Hardwood Flooring: Which Is Best for Your Home?
- Studio Jeandré
- Dec 7, 2020
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 11
When choosing real wood floors for your home, you’ll encounter many options in terms of species, timeless wood floor colour, and finish. One of the most critical decisions is whether to opt for engineered wood flooring or solid wood flooring. While both offer stunning aesthetics, their technical differences can impact durability, installation, and suitability for different environments.
In this guide, we’ll explore the difference between engineered and solid hardwood flooring, helping you decide which type is best for your project.
Construction: Engineered vs. Solid Hardwood Flooring
The most significant difference between engineered and solid hardwood flooring lies in their construction.
Solid Hardwood Flooring
Made from a single piece of hardwood from top to bottom.
Typically 20mm thick with a 6mm wear layer.
Available in classic species like oak, walnut, and maple.
Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Composed of a hardwood top layer bonded to a plywood or softwood core.
Thickness ranges from 13mm–21mm, with wear layers between 4mm–6mm.
Offers greater stability, making it ideal for underfloor heating and high-moisture areas.
Pro Tip: Avoid cheap engineered floors with thin top layers (less than 2mm), as they cannot be sanded and refinished.
Solid Hardwood Floor Construction
Engineered Hardwood Floor Construction
Longevity: Is Solid Hardwood Better Than Engineered Hardwood Flooring?
A common misconception is that solid hardwood flooring lasts longer because it can be sanded more. However, both types can be refinished—but only down to the tongue and groove.
Solid hardwood: Typically allows 3–5 refinishes (depending on wear layer).
Engineered hardwood: A 5mm wear layer can be sanded 4–5 times, lasting 30+ years with proper care.
Maintenance Tip: The refinishing frequency depends on the finish (e.g., hard wax oil vs. lacquer). Proper upkeep extends lifespan for both engineered and solid wood flooring.
Types of Engineered Wood Flooring Construction
Not all engineered wood flooring is the same. The core material affects stability and performance:
Multi-Layer Plywood Core
Budget-friendly but prone to delamination if low-quality plywood is used.
Look for WBP (Water and Boil Proof) or birch plywood for durability.
Softwood Core (Birch)
More stable than plywood, ideal for wide plank wood floors.
Resists warping and moisture fluctuations.
3-Layer Counter-Balanced Construction
Features a hardwood top, birch core, and hardwood bottom layer.
Best for extra-wide (260mm–500mm) and long (up to 5m) planks.
Underfloor Heating & Humidity: Why Engineered Wins
If you have underfloor heating, engineered hardwood flooring is the only viable option. Here’s why:
Plywood cores resist expansion/contraction, preventing warping.
Solid hardwood reacts drastically to humidity changes, leading to gaps or buckling.
Max surface temperature should be 22°C–24°C (72°F–75°F) to avoid shock.
Installation Tip: Always leave a 6–10mm expansion gap around the perimeter.
Floating Installation & Acoustic Benefits
Engineered floors can be installed as a floating floor (glued at the joints, no nails).
Ideal for apartments with noise restrictions (when paired with acoustic underlay).
Solid hardwood cannot be floated—it must be nailed or glued down.
Wide Plank Wood Floors: Engineered vs. Solid
Engineered hardwood flooring excels in wide (180mm–240mm) and super-wide (260mm–500mm) planks due to superior stability.
Solid hardwood is limited to 200mm width max to prevent warping.
British Building Regulations restrict underfloor heating-compatible planks to 130mm width.
Design Tip: For a modern, spacious look, opt for wide plank wood floors in timeless wood floor colours like light oak or rich walnut hardwood flooring.
Site Conditions & Installation
Subfloor must be level (≤3mm deviation over 2m).
Engineered flooring is more forgiving due to micro-bevel edges.
Solid hardwood requires 2+ weeks of acclimatisation; engineered needs only a few days in cold weather.
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Why Choose Solid Hardwood Flooring?
While engineered wood flooring is more versatile, solid wood flooring has its merits:
Better for thick overlays (e.g., 10mm solid parquet herringbone).
Distressed edges add character and hide minor imperfections.
Ideal for traditional nail-down installations in stable environments.
Final Verdict: Which Is Best?
Feature | Engineered Hardwood | Solid Hardwood |
Underfloor Heating | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
Wide Planks | ✅ Yes (up to 500mm) | ❌ Limited (200mm max) |
Refinishing | ✅ 4–5 times | ✅ 3–5 times |
Moisture Resistance | ✅ High | ❌ Low |
Acoustic Floating Install | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
For most homeowners, engineered hardwood flooring offers the best balance of durability, stability, and design flexibility. However, solid wood flooring remains a classic choice for traditional installations.
Need Help Choosing?
Explore our range of engineered hardwood flooring colours and solid wood flooring options. Whether you prefer walnut hardwood flooring or wide plank wood floors, we can guide you to the perfect choice.
Ready to start your project? Book a consultation today!
By incorporating these insights, your flooring will not only look stunning but also stand the test of time.
