As preferred suppliers and installers of flooring and several other products for the last 25 years, we are often asked which product is better than another. In most cases, we find that it comes down to personal preference, type of requirement and cost, because all our products have benefits and are of the highest quality. In the case of Engineered or Solid Hardwood flooring – and how to choose, we would have to say the same criteria applies.
Both of these flooring types are fabulous and for the real wood floor connoisseurs they cannot be beaten or compared to the newer types of flooring like Vinyl and Laminate flooring. They both have that genuine, exquisite look and feel that only real wood can give, especially to a more stately home or plush offices, but of course this type of quality comes at a cost.
What are the differences?
We can begin to decide which may be better for our specific purposes by simply looking at what the differences are between these two wood types. Solid hardwood flooring is often simply referred to as solid wood flooring because it is made of the same timber species throughout its entire thickness. Engineered flooring differs in that it consists of a thin layer of hardwood bonded on top of a high-quality plywood.
Solid Wood Flooring gives your home that real authentic feel because Hard Wood Floors age with your home and are more durable than other types of wooden flooring due to resistance to wear and tear.
Engineered Wood Flooring is pre-sanded oak. Multiple ply layers are cross layered, glued and pressed together with a top thicker hardwood veneer wear layer which is then glued and pressed on the top surface of the core. It should not be confused with Vinyl or laminate flooring though.
What are their benefits?
Both have terrific benefits, and here are just a few that both these types of wood share…
Durable – Engineered wood, made from layers of wood stacked perpendicularly, makes it long lasting, strong and durable, as is Solid hardwood.
Low Maintenance – Both types of floors are easy to clean and maintain, but do not like too much water, with Engineered wood being a little more tolerable of this.
Look fabulous! – Solid Hardwood richly enhances the look of any home, working with any type of décor, and Engineered wood has the same lush feel.
Likes Underfloor heating – Both of these flooring types work well with underfloor heating, providing they are correctly installed.
Sustainable – Engineered wood has the edge here, using less natural hardwood than solid wood flooring, which helps conserve natural resources. An even better choice for this, also with the same luxurious look, is Bamboo Flooring.
Refinishing – Here, the Solid Hardwood has the edge as it can be sanded back and refinished multiple times, but with Engineered Wood, the wear layer can be sanded a limited number of times.
Consult the flooring experts!
When it comes to Engineered wood vs. Solid Hardwood – how to choose is a tough one, and if you’re not sure which solution is right for you, based on the benefits of both, we are not surprised. Libra Flooring is a firm of wood flooring experts and we will willingly help you with choosing the right wood type, size, colour, or pattern.
Please contact us to speak to one of our consultants or better still pop into our shop in Montague Gardens, Cape Town to view our full range of flooring, carpets and other home improvement products. We look forward to welcoming you!