Hardwood vs Engineered Hardwood: Which Should You Choose?
When you decide to upgrade your floors, hardwood is often at the top of the list. It is beautiful, durable and timeless. But many homeowners also consider engineered hardwood because it offers similar beauty with added stability. At AGW Hardwood Floors, we help homeowners across Connecticut and Springfield MA choose the right flooring for their space, style and long term goals. This guide breaks down the differences in a clear and simple way so you can feel confident in your decision.
Both hardwood and engineered hardwood offer great benefits. The best choice depends on your home, lifestyle and installation needs.
What Makes Solid Hardwood Unique
Solid hardwood is exactly what it sounds like. It is a single piece of real wood from top to bottom. This type of flooring has been trusted for generations and adds real character to any home.
Strength and Longevity
Solid hardwood is well known for its long life. It can be refinished multiple times over the years. This makes it an excellent option if you want a floor that can stay with your home for decades. With professional dustless refinishing from AGW Hardwood Floors, your hardwood can look new again without the mess of traditional sanding.
Customization
Hardwood gives you many options for species, stains and finishes. Whether you want warm oak, rich walnut or another style, you can fully customize your floor to match your design goals.
Ideal Installation Areas
Solid hardwood performs best in areas without high moisture, such as living rooms, bedrooms and hallways. It is not recommended for basements or rooms that experience large temperature swings.
What Makes Engineered Hardwood Different
Engineered hardwood is real wood on the surface, but it has a layered construction beneath. This structure makes it more stable and less likely to expand or contract with changes in temperature or humidity.
Stability in Changing Conditions
Because of the layered core, engineered hardwood is a smart choice for areas where moisture or climate changes are common. It is also suitable for basements and can be installed over concrete. This gives homeowners more flexibility without losing the beauty of real wood.
Style and Variety
Engineered hardwood comes in many colors and finishes. It also offers wider planks than most solid hardwood options. Wider boards can make a room look larger and more modern.
Refinishing Ability
Some engineered hardwood floors can be refinished, depending on the thickness of the top wood layer. High quality engineered floors often allow at least one or two refinishes, which helps maintain long term beauty.
Which Option Lasts Longer
If longevity is your top priority, solid hardwood usually wins because it allows many refinishing cycles. But high quality engineered hardwood still provides impressive durability and often holds up better in challenging environments.
If your home has stable humidity and you want a floor that can be refreshed many times, solid hardwood is a great investment. If your home has changing conditions or you prefer a wider plank look, engineered hardwood may be the better choice.
Maintenance and Care
Both hardwood and engineered hardwood are easy to care for with routine cleaning. Use a hardwood safe cleaner, avoid harsh chemicals and keep floors dust free.
Hardwood may need refinishing sooner in high traffic areas. Engineered hardwood tends to handle small temperature and moisture changes better but still requires proper care to protect the real wood surface.
Cost Considerations
The cost difference between solid hardwood and engineered hardwood depends on species, plank width and finish. Solid hardwood can sometimes be higher in price, especially for premium species. Engineered hardwood offers a wide range of price points, making it accessible for many budgets.
AGW Hardwood Floors helps you compare cost, lifespan and style so you can make a choice that fits your design and your budget.
How to Make the Right Choice for Your Home
The best choice depends on your home layout, foundation and long term plans. Here are a few guidelines that may help.
Choose solid hardwood if you want:
- A floor that can be refinished many times
- A classic, long lasting option
- Installation in areas with stable conditions
Choose engineered hardwood if you want:
- Stability in basements or rooms over concrete
- Wider plank options
- A floor that handles humidity changes well
AGW Hardwood Floors provides expert guidance so you can choose a floor that complements your home and performs beautifully for years.
Ready to Upgrade Your Floors
If you want to explore hardwood or engineered hardwood for your home, our team is here to help. We provide high quality installation, dustless refinishing and pre finished flooring options throughout Connecticut and Springfield MA.
Contact AGW Hardwood Floors today to schedule your consultation and discover the perfect floor for your space.
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