The trade-offs.
Moisture: engineered handles moisture and humidity swings better because the cross-grain plywood core does not expand and contract like solid wood. Solid hardwood is restricted to above-grade installations (not basements); engineered can install below grade.
Refinishability: solid hardwood refinishes 5 to 10 times over a 50+ year lifespan. Engineered refinishes 1 to 3 times depending on wear layer thickness. For a multi-generational home build, solid wins on refinishing.
Cost: at the same species and width, engineered runs 10 to 30 percent below solid. The savings reflect material (less hardwood, more plywood) not quality.
Look: identical when finished. Both can be wide plank (5 to 10 inch boards), in any species, with any finish. The construction is invisible after install.
Common questions.
- Is engineered hardwood as good as solid hardwood?
- For most installations yes. Engineered looks identical when installed, costs less, handles moisture better, and works in basements and over concrete. Solid wins on refinishability over a 50-year lifespan; if you plan to refinish the floor multiple times, solid is the long-term choice.
- Can engineered hardwood be refinished?
- Yes, 1 to 3 times depending on wear layer thickness. 2mm wear layer refinishes once or twice; 6mm refinishes 3 to 4 times. Confirm wear layer at quote; thinner layers (under 3mm) limit future refinishing.
- Which is better for radiant heat?
- Engineered is the safer choice. The plywood core handles temperature swings from radiant heat without the cupping or gapping that solid hardwood can show. Some solid hardwood works on radiant heat with careful spec, but engineered is the lower-risk default.
Project in motion
Specifying flooring?
We source solid and engineered hardwood across species and widths.