Solid vs. Engineered Hardwood flooring

Solid hardwood Floors

Solid hardwood floors are constructed of a solid piece of hardwood and are available in 9/16", ½" and ¾" thickness. Solid hardwood floors are susceptible to high levels of moisture in the air, as well as drastic changes in room temperature, which will cause the floor to buckle or bow. If you live in an area that experiences a high level of humidity, or the area is subject to drastic changes in air temperature within a short period of time, then you might want to consider an engineered hardwood floor. Solid hardwood floors can be nailed down to wooden sub-floors or glued directly to concrete. Note that most manufacturers will not warrant a glue down installation of a solid hardwood floor.

Engineered hardwood floors

Engineered hardwood floors consist of multiple layers of hardwood that are glued together in a cross grain construction, giving the floor dimensional stability, which results in a floor that will not buckle or bow when installed in a humid environment. These floors are engineered with 3 to 12 ply's, the more layers the better, and are available in thickness ranging from ¼" to ¾", and can be glued directly down to concrete or stapled to a wooden sub-floor.