The choice between solid hardwood and engineered wood can confuse the best of us. As solid hardwood flooring has been used in homes and offices for long, most people have an obvious inclination towards it. Engineered wood flooring, on the other hand, has recently gained popularity; thanks to various advantages such as cost-effectiveness and availability of many styles, colors, and designs. Apart from basic differences, the two also differ in terms of durability, maintenance needs and cost. That means you should wisely choose between solid hardwood and engineered wood to get maximum value for money. An expert from a trusted brand such as Mikasa Floors can also help you in making the best choice. Continuing on the subject, in this post, we present a comparison of solid and engineered wood flooring. Read on.
Basic Difference
Solid hardwood is sold in its original and natural solid form, in various sizes and thickness. Engineered wood, on the other hand, has a more intricate manufacturing wherein multiple layering of wood are bound together, with the top layer being of hardwood veneer. The thickness of the top layer or veneer can vary depending on the quality of engineered wood flooring. The thicker the top layer, the better the quality.
Durability
Though solid hardwood is a time tested flooring option, it’s not the most durable one out there, and different species of wood have different lifespans. Engineered wood flooring, on the other hand, is known for exceptional durability. Being made with multiple layers of wood, engineered wood can effectively endure testing conditions such as high temperature, moisture, humidity, and heavy footfall.
Maintenance
Floor maintenance is a key concern for property owners. It means, when you are investing in a flooring material, you would want to choose the one that is cost effective in the long run. Though solid wood has various natural attributes that make it the choice of many, engineered wood emerges as a clear winner when it comes to maintenance. Due to its higher resistance capacity and stability in extreme conditions such as high and low temperatures, engineered wood needs less maintenance and is, therefore, more preferable.
Cost
Solid hardwood comes in standard to premium quality with varying cost. It means, if you go for the premium quality solid hardwood flooring, the cost will be high. But why would you go for it when you can get better quality and results from engineered wood flooring at a much lower price? Moreover, if you are on a budget and looking for the best value for your money, engineered wood flooring options represent a safe choice.
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Wrap Up
Both solid and engineered wood flooring have their unique advantages. Engineered wood flooring, however, has gained huge popularity due to the many factors that make it a better choice than hardwood floors. If you need expert assistance to make an informed and smart choice, simply call 1800 833 0004, or write to us at info@mikasafloors.com and we will get back to you as soon as possible.