There is no better way to enrich the interior design of any space than by investing in hardwood flooring; however, finding the right type of hardwood to suit your needs can take some time, effort and research. While there are hundreds of varieties of hardwood, each with their own unique colour, grain and hardness, when it comes to flooring your biggest decision will be choosing between solid and engineered hardwood. Here we take a brief look at the pros and cons of each.

While there are hundreds of varieties of hardwood, each with their own unique colour, grain and hardness, when it comes to flooring your biggest decision will be choosing between solid and engineered hardwood

Solid hardwood

Often described as traditional hardwood, solid hardwood consists of a single piece of wood that is commonly ¾ inch thick.

PROS

Looks – No other type of flooring can compare with the natural look, feel and style of genuine solid hardwood.
Longevity – You can sand and refinish solid hardwood for generations, making it one of the most durable and long lasting flooring options available.
Variety – Solid hardwood comes in a diversity of styles and widths, ranging from strip to parquet to planks. It is also available in a multitude of species and countless stain options.
Added value – If you are looking to boost the value of a property investing in solid hardwood will certainly do so, as it is universally viewed as a symbol of class and sophistication.

CONS

It is sensitive to humidity – Solid hardwood will expand and contract due to environmental conditions, which can lead to buckling, gapping or warping in floors that haven’t been professionally installed.
It is for certain areas only – While solid hardwood has no problem handling wear and tear, its vulnerability to moisture means it should never be used in areas that could potentially get wet. For this reason solid hardwood isn’t recommended for flooring in kitchens, bathrooms or any surface below ground level.
It can be expensive – The cost of solid hardwood varies considerably depending on the species but if you have your heart set on rare or exotic wood they can be rather expensive.

Engineered hardwood

This popular option is made by fusing multiple layers of wood together using a process that involves high heat, pressure and adhesives.

PROS

Strong – Engineered hardwood’s many layers are fused together in a cross-grain construction style that makes it far stronger than a single piece of solid wood. A protective top layer veneer adds even further protection, making this highly resilient flooring perfect for high traffic areas.
Versatile – Engineered hardwood is far less vulnerable to moisture when compared with hardwood, so it can be used in many more areas. Under the right conditions, it can even be installed directly over concrete and below ground level.
Long lasting – While it can’t compare with the durability of solid hardwood, engineered hardwood can be sanded and refinished multiple times and will therefore outlast most other types of flooring.
Affordable – Engineered hardwood can provide an affordable alternative to solid hardwood, making it a great choice for those on a tight budget looking for quality flooring.

CONS

It isn’t solid hardwood – As fantastic as engineered hardwood may look, feel and perform, it still can’t quite match the natural appearance and epic durability that you only get with genuine solid hardwood.

Whether you need flooring for your home, office or factory, Aussie Flooring Insights can help. Our dedicated team of flooring professionals have the training and experience to know what will work in your particular situation as well as a wide range of complete flooring solutions to choose from. Give us a call or contact us online and let us help you find your perfect flooring.