Both Are Real Hardwood — Just Built Differently
A common misconception: engineered hardwood is somehow fake or inferior. It’s not. Both solid and engineered hardwood are made from real wood. The difference is in their construction — and that construction determines where and how each one performs best.
What Is Solid Hardwood?
Solid hardwood is exactly what it sounds like: a single, solid plank of wood, top to bottom. It’s typically 3/4″ thick and can be sanded and refinished many times over its lifetime — which is why properly maintained solid hardwood floors can last a century or more.
Best for: Above-grade installations over wood subfloors, in rooms with stable humidity levels.
What Is Engineered Hardwood?
Engineered hardwood consists of a real hardwood veneer (the layer you see and walk on) bonded to multiple layers of plywood or HDF core. This cross-ply construction makes the board more dimensionally stable — it expands and contracts less with humidity changes than solid wood does.
Best for: On-grade or below-grade installations, over concrete, in areas with humidity variation (kitchens, basements), or over radiant heat systems.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Moisture and Humidity Stability
Engineered wins. The multi-ply core resists seasonal movement much better than solid wood. Solid hardwood requires tight humidity control (35%–55%) or it can gap in winter and cup in summer. Engineered handles a wider range.
Refinishability
Solid wins. Solid hardwood can typically be sanded and refinished 5–8 times over its life. Engineered hardwood can be refinished 1–3 times, depending on how thick the top veneer is (look for 2mm+ veneer for maximum refinishing potential).
Installation Options
- Solid: Nail-down or staple-down only; requires a wood subfloor
- Engineered: Nail-down, glue-down, or floating; can go over concrete and wood subfloors
Cost
Prices overlap significantly. Entry-level engineered can be less expensive than solid; premium engineered with thick veneers can match or exceed solid hardwood pricing. Both are pricier than LVP or laminate.
Appearance
Identical once installed. You cannot tell solid from engineered by looking at the surface. Both can be found in the same species, stains, widths, and finishes.
Where Each Type Works
- Solid hardwood: Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms — above-grade, stable environments
- Engineered hardwood: Kitchens, basements (check manufacturer specs for below-grade), over radiant heat, over concrete slabs
Making the Call
If you’re installing above grade over a wood subfloor in a climate-controlled home, solid hardwood is a classic choice with maximum refinishing potential. If you’re dealing with concrete, varying humidity, radiant heat, or want a floating installation, engineered hardwood is the smarter pick — and still gives you all the beauty of real wood.
Browse our selection of both at Total Value Flooring and compare veneer thickness, species, and finish options side by side.