What are the major differences between solid hardwood flooring & engineered hardwood flooring? Also, what is the best to use in high traffic areas and non-high traffic areas; like the living room or dinning room?
I like real wood floors. with a basketball court finish. I like this type better than almost anything else.
Solid hardwood is generally 3/4 inch solid hardwood(usually oak), engineered hardwood is a small laminate of hardwood 1/8inch or less applied to other woods,(good for basements and below grade because of its moisture resiliency) solid hardwood would be better unless you are below grade(basement)
I used to fit hardwood floors for 6 years, The main difference is you can keep sanding back hardwood floors when they start to look old or get damaged, they are more expensive but they will last a lifetime if well maintained, Worth every penny if you got the money, good for use in heavy traffic areas, some engineered hardwood flooring doesn't have much hardwood on it, sometimes just a thin layer on the top, so you might not be able to refurbish it, worth asking about before you make your choice. It really depends on who you choose with engineered hardwood flooring because it seems to be quite different from company to company.hope this is some help.
Solid hardwood is a better product. Laminate/engineered flooring was a product devised as a way to get a hardwood look at about 50% of the cost. Hardwood is thicker. The product used to be solid oak 3/4 thick (either unfinished or prefinished). It evolved to be applied to concrete floors which comes at 3/8thick. It has since been made from plywood with a veneer finish. This came about do to solid wood cupping up on the ends (where the tongue and groove meet). Now solid 3/4 harwood is seldom used. Most hardwood is a veneer finish at 3/8 to 5/8 and is installed with a locking system (the same as the engineered flooring) or by an adhesive (hardwood glue). the thicker the more expensive, and typically better. The solid wood look is a much better look then laminate and is one of the best features for resale of a home. The surface finish is a little less durable then the laminate flooring. If you damage hardwood and need to replace pieces, hardwood can be replaced fairly easily, whereas laminate is a nightmare (if you replace it properly). You are removing all the existing until you get to the damaged piece and then relaying it. As far as traffic areas, I suggest this, If you have either by an exterior door place a small throw rug down. Either product will not last if it is exposed to moisture/water on the surface and getting into the seams/joints. I also suggest not putting it in what are called wet areas, kitchen, bathrooms because of that. Laminate cleans and maintains easier. Laminate will wear better if you have small children, and again it is about 1/2 the cost. There is no real answer as to what is better. It depends on your situation. Do you want the luxurious look of hardwood or the harwood look at a cheaper price. Your call. I hope this helps you out, and good luck
