What’s the difference between solid and engineered wood flooring?

Ocean State residents who favor classic flooring can find hardwood in Central Falls, Rhode Island, at Massud & Son Floor Covering. We have a large assortment of both solid and engineered hardwood in our showroom. If a floor constructed of each type of wood were placed side by side, you would see no difference between the two. But looks can be deceiving. There are several differences between solid and engineered wood flooring.

Flooring composition

In contrast to a solid wood plank, an engineered wood plank has only a hardwood surface layer. The base is composed of layers of plywood that are positioned in different directions. Because of this composition, planks can tolerate moisture. Therefore, man-made wood flooring is ideal for kitchens, basements, and other areas that are not always dry.

Method of installation

Unfinished and prefinished solid hardwood planks are nailed to a wood subfloor. But engineered wood planks are designed to click and lock together, so floors need no attachment to a subfloor. These floating floors can be installed over existing hard surface floors and cement slabs. Underlayment helps support the flooring, and some brands act as a moisture barrier.

Flooring lifespan

Likely, solid wood floors will last the lifespan of the home. Many nineteenth-century homes boast original floors. High quality engineered wood can be expected to last up to 80 years with proper care. Solid wood can be refinished several times, while man-made flooring can be sanded down once or twice.

Family-owned Massud & Son Floor Covering, established in 1972, carries flooring from top companies like Mannington and Shaw. Services include hardwood installation and dustless refinishing. Flooring estimates are free. We serve the  Central Falls, Rhode Island, area, including Smithfield, Seekonk, Providence, and Pawtucket. Visit our showroom in Central Falls or shop at home for your solid or engineered hardwood flooring.