Solid Wood Flooring Versus Engineered Wood Floor

category Wood-flooring, posted September 20, 2011

Wood flooring is popular not only because of comfort and high quality, but because of its appearance and durability. Though, wood flooring requires both materials and labor inputs.

Anyway, today people can choose between solid and engineered wood floor. Some experts say engineered wood floor is more attractive and easier to install. It can vary in thickness and design. But solid wood flooring looks really chic. Different ways of installation are used for engineered and solid wood. Engineered wood may be installed using a glue down or staple down method while for the solid wood the best way of installation is nail down method.

A lot of people believe solid wood flooring lasts longer, but it is not true. And let us think what flooring will be easier to refinish. Will it be solid wood floor installed using the nail down method or a engineered wood floor featuring a plywood underlayment and installed using a staple down or glue down method? Taking into account the engineered woof floor can last as long as solid wood floor (about 60-80 years) the engineered flooring looks more attractive. Moreover, it may sound strange, but this type of wood flooring is more stable to expansion and moisture than solid wood floor.

It should be said solid wood expands very much both horizontally and vertically. As wood shrinks down because of vertical expansion, it may be a trip hazard for you, as well as raised boards. Of course, beveled edges can reduce this unwanted effect, but they look not very attractive and this is their main downside.

Of course, each type of wood flooring has its advantages and drawbacks and nobody says solid wood floor is worse than engineered wood floor. However, before to choose any of these wood floor options, we recommend you to weigh all pros and contras.

Another Interesting Articles:

Radiant floor heat – an excellent alternative to traditional heating systems
Shade cloth. What is the difference
House siding - protection of your home
Carpet tiles versus traditional carpeting
Karastan rugs – Oriental beauty and American quality
Ideal bathroom faucets
Sewing window curtains
Window installation prices