Which is Right for Your Des Moines, IA Home? Solid vs Engineered Hardwood

When it comes to the warmth, beauty, and value that hardwood flooring can bring to a home, there's no substitute. But once you've decided on hardwood, you're faced with a critical choice: solid vs engineered hardwood. While they may look the same on the surface, their construction, durability, and ideal applications are quite different.

 

Understanding the unique characteristics of solid vs engineered hardwood is key to selecting a floor that will look beautiful and perform perfectly in your specific space.

 

 

Solid Hardwood Flooring: The Classic Choice

 

Solid hardwood planks are made from a single, solid piece of wood, typically 3/4 of an inch thick. They are a timeless, premium flooring option that has been used in homes for centuries.

 

The Benefits of Solid Hardwood

 

• Authenticity and Value: Solid hardwood is the real deal. Its authentic, natural beauty is unmatched and can add significant value to a home.
• Longevity: Solid hardwood is incredibly durable and can last for generations. Because it's a solid piece of wood, it can be sanded and refinished multiple times to remove scratches and wear and tear, making it a floor that can truly last a lifetime.
• Variety: It comes in a wide range of wood species, from a classic oak to a rustic hickory, each with its own unique grain and color.

 

The Drawbacks of Solid Hardwood

 

• Moisture Sensitivity: Solid hardwood is highly susceptible to moisture and humidity changes. It can swell, warp, and buckle in high-moisture environments, so it is not a good choice for basements or bathrooms.
• Installation Limitations: Solid hardwood can only be installed on or above grade and must be nailed down to a plywood subfloor.
• Cost: It is generally more expensive than engineered hardwood.

 

Engineered Hardwood: The Modern Solution

 

Engineered hardwood flooring is a man-made product that consists of a thin layer of real hardwood veneer on top of a multi-layered core of plywood or high-density fiberboard (HDF).

 

The Benefits of Engineered Hardwood

 

• Dimensional Stability: The layered construction of engineered hardwood makes it incredibly stable. It is less likely to expand, contract, or warp with changes in moisture and temperature, making it a great choice for basements and kitchens.
• Versatile Installation: Unlike solid hardwood, engineered hardwood can be installed below grade, over concrete slabs, and even over radiant heating systems. It can be installed with a variety of methods, including glue-down, nail-down, or a floating click-and-lock system.
• Affordability: Engineered hardwood is a more budget-friendly option than solid hardwood, allowing you to get the look of a premium hardwood floor at a lower price point.
• Variety: It is available in a huge variety of wood species, colors, and textures, including some exotic species that are too unstable for solid planks.

 

The Drawbacks of Engineered Hardwood

 

• Limited Refinishing: The top layer of real wood veneer is much thinner than a solid hardwood plank, so it can only be sanded and refinished a limited number of times, if at all.
• Authenticity: While modern engineered hardwood is an excellent imitation, it is not a true, single piece of wood.

 

Are Engineered Hardwood Floors Waterproof?

 

While both solid and engineered hardwood floors are beautiful, neither is truly waterproof in its traditional form. The term "waterproof" in flooring is often used to mean that a product can be exposed to water for an extended period without damage, which is a characteristic of materials like porcelain tile or luxury vinyl plank. Hardwood, being a natural, porous material, is susceptible to water.

 

Traditional engineered hardwood floors are also not waterproof. While they are more dimensionally stable than solid hardwood and less prone to warping due to their layered construction, they are still made with a real wood veneer that is susceptible to moisture. Again, a surface finish can provide some water resistance, but prolonged exposure to water will cause damage.

 

Modern Innovations: The Rise of Waterproof Hardwood

 

Recent advancements in flooring technology have introduced a new category of "waterproof hardwood" products. These are typically engineered hardwood floors that combine a real wood veneer with a 100% waterproof core, often made of stone plastic composite (SPC) or high-density fiberboard (HDF). 

 

These products are designed to be installed in kitchens, basements, and even bathrooms, offering the authentic beauty of wood with the peace of mind of a waterproof floor. It's important to note that even these products are not "flood-proof," but they are built to handle everyday spills and moisture without the risk of damage.

 

Shop Solid & Engineered Hardwood Flooring for Your Home at Royal Flooring in Urbandale

 

The choice between solid vs engineered hardwood is not about one being better than the other, but about which one is the right fit for your home. For timeless elegance and longevity in a main living area, solid hardwood is a great investment. For spaces with moisture concerns or for those seeking a more budget-friendly and versatile option, engineered hardwood is a fantastic choice.

 

Call or visit Royal Flooring at our Urbandale, IA showroom or our Des Moines, IA warehouse. For 20 years Royal Flooring has proudly served the Des Moines Metro. Known for high quality products, installation and top-of-the-line customer service, we're confident that we'll fit right in. Veteran owned and operated, we have expertise, knowledge and professionalism to offer anyone walking through our doors. Along with our passion for this industry, hard work and grit have propelled us to where we are today. Going the extra mile for our customers is what we do best, and we firmly believe in taking care of customers through the finish line.