The primary difference lies in structural composition and moisture sensitivity. Solid hardwood is a single piece of wood, which expands and contracts significantly with changes in home humidity. It can be sanded and refinished multiple times. Engineered hardwood is constructed with a cross-ply core, making it less prone to movement than solid wood. Its stability allows it to be installed in environments like basements where humidity levels might fluctuate. While most engineered floors offer a limited capacity for refinishing based on the thickness of the top veneer, they provide excellent performance and a similar aesthetic to traditional solid hardwood.
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What is the difference between solid and engineered hardwood construction?
Solid hardwood is one piece of lumber from top to bottom, while engineered hardwood consists of a thin veneer of real wood bonded to a stable, multi-layered core. Solid wood is susceptible to humidity shifts, whereas engineered wood is built for greater stability.