The difference between solid and engineered hardwood flooring

All three hardwood flooring types can have the same look in your home, including unfinished and prefinished solid hardwood, and engineered hardwood. What differs between solid and engineered wood floors is found beneath the surface. Regardless of which type of wood you choose to enhance room decor, you'll find it at Nielsen Bros & Sons. We have a showroom in Bellevue, Auburn, and Lynnwood, Washington. If you prefer, our mobile showroom can come to your home.

Multiple layer flooring construction

In contrast to solid wood, an engineered hardwood plank is composed of multiple layers. The surface layer is oak, maple, hickory, cherry, or another type of hardwood. The base is composed of plywood layers, each of which is positioned in a different direction.

Moisture resistance

Because of its composition, engineered wood flooring tolerates moisture. Thus, a floor constructed with this manmade material will not warp or bow in moisture areas.Engineered wood floors are installed below ground level as long as a protective moisture barrier is used.

Hardwood installation

The installation method differs between the two types of planks, and that is a second reason that engineered wood can easily be placed in the basement. Wood planks are nailed to a wood subfloor. Engineered wood planks click together so a floating floor can be constructed.

Sanding hardwood and refinishing

Since no attachment to a subfloor is needed, manmade wood flooring can often be installed over an existing floor covering. With proper care, the floor will last a lifetime. Engineered wood can be refinished once or twice, while you can have solid wood refinished numerous times.

Come meet our hardwood flooring experts

In addition to hardwood flooring installation, Nielsen Bros & Sons?offers design consultation, free in-home estimates, an online catalog, and chat service, and more. We have been serving the metropolitan area, including Tacoma, Edmonds, and Bothell, since 1946. To begin your wood floor upgrade, take advantage of our chat service or stop by the showroom nearest your home.