When it comes to giving a new outlook to your home, changing your flooring is among the best things you can do. These days, there are many flooring options in the market. Hardwood flooring, for example, has been very popular over the years. It gives an aesthetically pleasing appearance and comfort to your home. Engineered hardwood, on the other side, has a similar look, but its lifespan is significantly different.
To make a choice, there are many things we must keep in mind. Of course, the result will depend, mostly, on the budget, location, and needs. If it's time to renovate your home, and you're hesitating about what to do, you must read this article. It'll help you clear your doubts and realize what's better for you, Engineered Hardwood or Hardwood flooring.
Manufacturing
Water and Heat Resistance
When talking about heat resistance, both flooring types have good resistance. Nevertheless, when talking about water resistance, things are different. Hardwood flooring has poor water resistance since humidity makes it swell and warp. Hardwood flooring isn't recommended for truly wet locations or environments with high humidity. Also, professionals should not install this flooring against concrete slabs as moisture migrates through the concrete and will harm the flooring.
Although Engineered Hardwood has a thin layer of solid wood, it has better performance against humidity. Premium-quality plywood makes engineered hardwood less susceptible to warping. Hence, if it's necessary to install the flooring against a concrete subfloor, Engineered Hardwood would be your choice.
Appearance
As mentioned before, Hardwood and Engineered Hardwood appearances are very similar. However, if color is a key factor for you, solid hardwood flooring offers a wider range of alternatives. Solid hardwood comes in thicker but narrower boards. Additionally, they are available either pre-finished or unfinished.
Engineered hardwood floorboards are wider and, generally, are available pre-finished. Also, these floorboards have beveled edges that create slight grooves between planks. Engineered hardwood flooring does not offer as many colors as solid hardwood. Nonetheless, the final choice really boils down to your personal taste and preference.
Care and Cleaning
Both, Hardwood and Engineered hardwood are among the easiest floorings to clean. With simple sweeping and vacuuming, you'll get the job done. If you need to do a deeper cleaning, you can use a damp mop with wood cleaner.
Using a damp mop will not damage your flooring. But, you must remember that solid hardwood is very sensitive to water, and you should avoid using it. Also, you must avoid using steam. Steam goes through wood planks and may cause warping.
Durability and Maintenance
Both floorings have good resistance, but solid hardwood is our winner here. While solid hardwood can be sanded and refinished many times over its lifespan, engineered hardwood can only be refinished once or twice. If you refinish engineered hardwood one too many times, the hardwood layer will get exhausted.
Pre-finished planks are the most durable. They have a hard factory-applied finish that holds up really well. Thus, renewing the surface varnish coat every few years is a good way to maintain and keep your wood floor looking amazing.
Lifespan
There's no doubt that, when talking about lifespan, solid hardwood is the big winner. Solid hardwood flooring can last from 30 to 100 years. Its lifespan will depend on the care you gave your flooring and how many times you sand it and refinish it.
Engineered hardwood lifespan is also good. Still, it generally lasts from 20 to 30 years. As well as solid hardwood, its lifespan will depend on the care and maintenance it receives. If you occasionally renew the surface varnish coat, this flooring may last over 30 years.
Installation
The installation process for solid hardwood flooring is not as easy as engineered hardwood. Some engineered hardwood boards come with a click-lock system making it easier for DIYers to install. Solid hardwood, on the other hand, is installed with a tongue-and-groove system. Solid hardwood boards are blind-nailed to the subfloor through tongues at the edges of each board.
Some engineered hardwood planks are also blind-nailed to the subfloor. But, aside from the click-lock and the nail-down methods, some planks may be glued down against the concrete subfloor.
If you want to know more about the installation process, you can contact Fantastic Floors. The company offers different flooring services for customers in the greater Kansas City area. Additionally, you can get free advice from Fantastic Floors' professionals to make the right decision.
Resale Value
For most customers, resale value is among the most important factors. After all, everyone wants to get the most juice from what is left. Solid hardwood's lifespan makes real estate agents and potential home buyers put homes in a premium place. Even though both floorings have a similar look, professionals know which one lasts longer.
If the resale value is an essential factor for you, renovating your home with solid hardwood flooring is the right decision to make.
The Bottom Line
Years ago, most people thought that Engineered Hardwood was just a poor imitation of solid hardwood. Yet, these days, it has proven to be a good alternative. It has competitive prices, good quality, great lifespan, and similar feels and looks to solid wood. And a plus is that it uses only a thin layer of real hardwood contributing to the "green movement".
On the flip side, solid hardwood flooring gives your home a slight scent of prestige. Thus, your home's value will increase, and real state agents will put you on the top of their lists. Don't think twice and schedule a free in-home consultation with Fantastic Floors' professionals. Besides, the company offers a wide range of brands and styles that will suit any taste.
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