Solid vs. Engineered

Solid hardwood floors typically measure 3/4" and can be maintained with periodic sanding and refinishing. This option may be sensitive to changes in moisture, so solid flooring is recommended for use above ground only. To prevent damage and buckling, it is important to choose an installer with thorough experience and knowledge on proper installation techniques.

Engineered hardwood floors are made up of multiple layers of wood veneers bonded together with adhesives under intense heat and pressure. Although it can be sanded and refinished, it should not undergo these processes as often as solid hardwood. Grains that run perpendicular make engineered wood stronger, more stable, and more resistant to warping and moisture damage, so they can be used below ground. This type of wood can be nailed or stapled to a wood subfloor or glued down to a concrete subfloor.