Solid Hardwood Vs. Engineered Hardwood: Comparison Guide

Cost

Engineered hardwood tends to be more affordable, starting around $4.50 per square foot. Solid hardwood generally ranges from $5 to $28 per square foot based on species and grade. Prefinished solid hardwood can be comparably priced, with factory finishing reducing on-site labor costs.

Lifespan And Refinishing

Solid hardwood offers superior longevity, often lasting over a century with proper care. Its thickness allows for multiple sandings and refinishings. Engineered hardwood, due to its thinner veneer, typically lasts 20-30 years and can only be refinished once or twice.

Water Resistance

Engineered hardwood has better moisture resistance. Because its core is made of plywood or high-density fiberboard, it handles humidity better and is less likely to warp. This makes it a good fit for places where moisture is common, such as basements, kitchens, and humid climates. 

Solid hardwood, which is made from one piece of wood, is more sensitive to water and humidity changes, and should not be used in bathrooms or areas below ground where moisture can cause damage like swelling or cupping (edges of the boards rising).

Durability

Both flooring types offer similar surface durability. This is especially true with modern factory finishes like aluminum oxide. However, solid hardwood has a long-term advantage because it can be fully refinished, removing deep scratches or dents. Engineered flooring handles daily wear but is harder to repair if damage goes through its thin top layer.

Installation

Engineered hardwood is versatile and convenient to install. It supports several installation methods: nail-down (fastening the planks to the subfloor with nails), glue-down (adhering the planks to the subfloor using glue), or floating (the planks are attached but not the subfloor, often with a click-lock system). 

This flexibility allows it to be installed over concrete, which is common in modern homes. In contrast, solid hardwood must be nailed to a wooden subfloor, a process generally requiring professional skills and tools.

Resale Value

Both flooring options increase your home’s value, though solid hardwood has a slight edge due to its prestige and long-term durability, which can enhance resale value.

Appearance

Solid and engineered hardwood look nearly identical. Plank width and edge style are key visual differences—engineered wood often has wider planks and beveled edges, while solid hardwood usually features tighter seams for a smooth finish.

Care And Cleaning

Caring for both types of wood flooring is similar. Sweep or vacuum on a regular basis to get rid of dirt and grit that increases the chances of scratches on the surface, and mop with a damp (not wet) cloth using a cleaner made specifically for wood floors. Avoid using steam cleaners—these use hot water vapor, which can damage wood by forcing moisture deep into the surface.

Environmental Impact

Engineered hardwood planks use less solid wood because only the top layer is real wood, making them more resource-efficient. However, the adhesives (glues) used to bond the layers can contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are chemicals that can release fumes. Solid hardwood uses more raw wood for each plank, but it’s naturally biodegradable and can be reclaimed (salvaged and used again) or reused. When either type is sourced from responsibly managed forests, both can be environmentally sustainable.