Real Wood Flooring Vs Engineered Hard Wood


When looking at different types of hardwood flooring, one of the most common debates that people run into is trying to decide which type of hardwood floor is best. With a multitude of types, colors, patterns, and finishes, coming to a decision can be a difficult one. Once you’ve picked out the appropriate color and finish, there is one last decision before you commit: choosing between solid hardwood flooring and engineered hardwood flooring.

 

Both solid hardwood flooring and engineered hardwood flooring have their advantages, but the biggest key in determining where to use them in your home. Solid hardwood flooring is milled from a single ¾” thick piece of hardwood. However, solid wood expands and contracts with the changes in your home’s humidity. There is typically a compensation that installers implement by leaving an extension gap between the floor and the wall. That gap is traditionally covered by base molding or quarter round. On the other hand, engineered wood is produced with three to five layers of hardwood. Each of these three to five layers is stacked in a cross-grain configuration, where heat and pressure bond them together. Due to this heat and pressure, engineered wood is less likely to expand and contract based on the humidity in your home.

 

The type of wood best suited for your home really boils down to location. There are three categories of location:

  1. On-Grade – at ground level
  2. Above Grade – any second level or higher
  3. Below Grade – any floor below ground, including basements

 

Solid hardwood floors are not suitable for any below grade areas of your home. The abundant moisture that can be found in a basement or sub-ground level living areas would cause various issues with the wood. Engineered hardwood floors are an excellent solution below grade. However, neither option is advised in a bathroom, where there is constant moisture. Either flooring type is an attractive option on any on-grade or above grade locations in your home. Another consideration is to look at the type of sub floor you have. If the sub floor is concrete, engineered hardwood floors must be used.

 

Now that you have a better idea of what type of hardwood flooring to buy, come in to the beautiful showroom at Topmark Floor and Design. Our professional sales team offers years of expert experience in helping find the right type of flooring for your home. Enjoy a wide variety of grains, colors, and wood types to suit your every need. When looking for wood flooring in Park City, UT, look no further than Topmark!