You’re trying to pick between engineered hardwood and solid hardwood. I’ve been there too.
After installing floors for years, I’ve watched homeowners struggle with this choice. Many pick the wrong option and regret it later. This guide will help you decide which flooring works best for your home.
You’ll learn about costs, how long each lasts, and which is easier to install. I’ll share what I’ve learned from installing both types in over 500 homes.
My experience means you get honest advice, not sales talk.
By the end, you’ll know exactly which option gives you the best value. No more wondering if you’re making the right choice.
What is Hardwood Flooring?
Hardwood flooring is pure wood from top to bottom.
I’m talking about planks cut straight from trees. Oak, maple, cherry, walnut. The whole plank is solid wood, usually 3/4 inch thick. This is the original flooring choice. Your grandparents probably had it in their home.
Here’s what makes it special:
- Each plank is one piece of wood
- You can sand it many times over the years
- It adds serious value to your home
- No two boards look exactly the same
What is Engineered Hardwood Flooring?
Engineered hardwood is different. It’s like a wood sandwich.
The top layer is real hardwood (called the wear layer). Under that are several layers of plywood or pressed wood. This isn’t fake wood. The surface you see is genuine hardwood. But the way it’s built is totally different.
Here’s how it works:
- Top layer: Real hardwood (2mm to 6mm thick)
- Middle layers: Plywood or engineered wood
- Bottom layer: More plywood for stability
The layers run in different directions. This makes each plank very stable.
Engineered Hardwood vs Hardwood: Key Differences
Let me show you how these two compare side by side.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Solid Hardwood | Engineered Hardwood |
| Construction | 100% solid wood throughout | Real wood top + plywood core |
| Refinishing | Can refinish many times | Limited refinishing (1-3 times) |
| Lifespan | 80+ years with care | 25-40 years typical |
| Installation | Nail down only | Nail, glue, or floating |
| Moisture | Poor resistance | Better resistance |
| Cost | $8-25 per sq ft | $6-18 per sq ft |
| Maintenance | Regular care, refinish every 10-15 years | Regular care, limited refinishing |
Which Lasts Longer?
Solid hardwood wins here. No question about it. I’ve walked on 100-year-old oak floors that still look great. With proper care, solid hardwood can last your entire lifetime.
Solid hardwood lifespan:
- 80-100+ years with good care
- Can be refinished 6-10 times
- Often gets better with age
Engineered hardwood lifespan:
- 25-40 years on average
- Can be refinished 1-3 times
- Eventually needs complete replacement
The difference comes down to thickness. Solid hardwood is 3/4 inch of pure wood. When you sand it, you remove just a tiny bit.
Engineered hardwood might only have 2-4mm of real wood on top. Sand too much and you hit the plywood underneath.
Which is Easier to Install and Maintain?
Engineered hardwood is much easier to install.
Installing solid hardwood takes real skill. You need a proper subfloor, nail guns, and experience. Most people hire professionals.
Engineered hardwood gives you options:
- Nail it down like traditional flooring
- Glue it directly to concrete
- Float it (pieces click together)
I’ve installed both types myself. Engineered is definitely more DIY-friendly.
Daily maintenance is similar for both:
- Sweep regularly
- Clean with wood-safe products
- Wipe up spills right away
- Refinish when needed
The big difference? Solid hardwood forgives mistakes better. Deep scratch? Just sand it out. Scratch engineered hardwood through the wear layer? You’re looking at board replacement.
Price Comparison
This might surprise you.
| Cost Factor | Solid Hardwood | Engineered Hardwood |
| Materials | $3-12 per sq ft | $2-8 per sq ft |
| Installation | $5-13 per sq ft | $4-10 per sq ft |
| Total Upfront | $8-25 per sq ft | $6-18 per sq ft |
| Refinishing Cost | $2-3 per sq ft (every 10-15 years) | $2-3 per sq ft (limited times) |
| 30-Year Total | Initial + 2 refinishing jobs | Initial + full replacement once |
Run the numbers for your space. You might be surprised which costs more over time.
Which is More Eco-Friendly?
Both have pros and cons for the environment.
Solid hardwood uses more premium lumber per plank. But it lasts much longer, creating less waste over time. It’s also 100% recyclable.
Engineered hardwood uses less premium lumber per plank. But it contains adhesives and composite materials. Plus it needs replacement sooner.
My opinion? Solid hardwood wins on sustainability if you’re staying put long-term.
Style Options
Here’s where things get interesting.
Solid hardwood gives you:
- Traditional plank widths
- Unlimited refinishing colors
- Can change from dark to light anytime
- Classic looks that never go out of style
Engineered hardwood offers:
- Wider plank options (up to 9 inches)
- More exotic wood species
- Pre-finished options that save time
- Trendy colors and textures
Want that popular gray wash look? Engineered hardwood comes ready with options solid hardwood can’t match easily. But want to change from honey oak to dark walnut in 10 years? Solid hardwood lets you do that. Engineered doesn’t.
Pros and Cons Summary
| Feature | Solid Hardwood | Engineered Hardwood |
| Pros |
• Lifetime investment (80+ years) • Unlimited refinishing options • Adds maximum home value • Timeless appeal • Can be completely customized |
• Lower upfront cost • Better moisture resistance • Easy DIY installation options • Works over concrete • More width and style choices |
| Cons | • Higher upfront cost • Sensitive to moisture • More complex installation • Can’t install over concrete easily • Expands and contracts with weather | • Shorter lifespan (25-40 years) • Limited refinishing options • Less home value than solid • Contains adhesives and composites • Can’t be sanded as much |
How to Choose
| Your Situation | Best Choice | Why |
| Staying 15+ years | Solid Hardwood | Lifetime value, unlimited refinishing |
| Want maximum home value | Solid Hardwood | Appraisers value it higher |
| Have proper subfloor | Solid Hardwood | Ideal installation conditions |
| Long-term investment focus | Solid Hardwood | 80+ year lifespan |
| Installing over concrete | Engineered Hardwood | Works directly on concrete |
| Tight budget upfront | Engineered Hardwood | Lower initial cost |
| Like wide planks/trendy finishes | Engineered Hardwood | More style options |
| Moving in 5-15 years | Engineered Hardwood | Good short-term option |
| Want DIY installation | Engineered Hardwood | Much easier to install |
| Basement/moisture areas | Engineered Hardwood | Better moisture resistance |
| Rental properties | Engineered Hardwood | Lower cost, easier replacement |
Here’s what I recommend from experience:
Main living areas: Go with solid hardwood if your budget allows. You’ll be glad you did in 20 years.
Basements or concrete slab homes: Engineered hardwood works better in these situations.
I’ve used both in my own home. Solid hardwood upstairs, engineered in the basement. Both still look great after 12 years.
What matters most is quality materials and proper installation. A well-installed engineered floor beats a poorly installed solid floor every time.
Final Thoughts
You now have what you need to choose with confidence.
I’ve shared costs, durability facts, and installation realities from years of experience. The comparison shows exactly what each option delivers. There’s no universal best choice. Only what works best for your situation.
Solid hardwood wins for lifetime value and refinishing flexibility. Engineered hardwood wins for budget-friendly installation and moisture resistance. Trust what you learned here, not sales pressure from others.
Your home deserves flooring that fits your lifestyle and budget. Don’t let anyone push you toward the wrong choice.
Ready to move forward? Get quotes from three local installers. Compare their advice with what you learned here. Your perfect floor is waiting for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you install engineered hardwood over existing hardwood floors?
Yes, you can install engineered hardwood directly over existing hardwood if it’s level and stable. This saves time and money compared to removing old floors first.
Which option works better in kitchens and bathrooms?
Engineered hardwood handles moisture better than solid hardwood, making it safer for kitchens. I still don’t recommend either option in full bathrooms due to humidity and water exposure.
How thick should the wear layer be on engineered hardwood?
Look for at least 3mm wear layer thickness for refinishing options and longevity. Thinner wear layers under 2mm severely limit your ability to sand out scratches and damage.
Does solid hardwood really add more home value than engineered?
Real estate appraisers typically value solid hardwood higher than engineered because of its longevity and refinishing potential. The difference can be $1-3 per square foot in added home value.
Can I mix solid and engineered hardwood in the same house?
Yes, and I recommend it often for practical reasons. Use solid hardwood in main living areas and engineered hardwood in basements or over concrete slabs.
