Solid wood and engineered wood flooring are both beautiful, durable options that can transform a space, but key differences could influence which is the right fit for your needs. While solid wood has long been considered the traditional choice, engineered wood flooring has been gaining popularity for its versatility, stability, and eco-friendliness. In fact, engineered wood now accounts for over 50% of wood flooring sales in the UK. Let’s explore the key differences between engineered wood and solid wood flooring.

Solid Wood Flooring: The Classic Option

Solid wood flooring is made from a single piece of timber, typically milled from hardwood species like oak, walnut, or maple. Its appeal lies in its authenticity, with each plank offering a natural grain pattern that brings warmth and character to any room.

Pros of Solid Wood Flooring:

  • Longevity: Solid wood flooring can last for generations if properly maintained, with the ability to be sanded and refinished multiple times over its lifespan.
  • Natural Beauty: The rich, natural grains and textures of solid wood can enhance the elegance of any space, offering a timeless look that never goes out of style.
  • Value: Solid wood is often viewed as a premium choice, which can add long-term value to your property.

Cons of Solid Wood Flooring:

  • Susceptibility to Moisture: One of the biggest drawbacks of solid wood is its sensitivity to humidity and temperature changes. It can expand or contract, leading to warping or gaps between the planks, especially in rooms like kitchens or bathrooms.
  • Installation and Cost: Solid wood flooring tends to be more expensive and requires professional installation, often adding to the overall cost. The flooring must also be nailed or stapled down, limiting where it can be used.
  • Limited Versatility: Due to its reaction to moisture, solid wood is not suitable for installation over underfloor heating or in basements, where temperature fluctuations are common.

Engineered Wood Flooring: The Modern Favourite

Engineered wood flooring is composed of a real wood veneer layer on top of several layers of plywood or other timber types. This multi-layer construction gives engineered wood exceptional stability, making it a versatile option for modern living.

Pros of Engineered Wood Flooring:

  • Stability and Durability: Engineered wood is designed to withstand fluctuations in temperature and humidity, making it ideal for areas with underfloor heating or rooms prone to moisture, such as kitchens, bathrooms, or basements.
  • Eco-Friendly: Since the core of engineered wood is made from layers of plywood or fibreboard, it uses less hardwood than solid wood. 
  • Ease of Installation: Engineered wood can often be placed over existing floors with ease. It is also compatible with underfloor heating.
  • Affordability: Engineered wood tends to be more budget-friendly than solid wood, without compromising on the look and feel of natural timber.

Cons of Engineered Wood Flooring:

  • Limited Sanding: While some engineered wood can be sanded and refinished, it can only be done a limited number of times depending on the thickness of the top layer. However, given its resilience and durability, this is rarely a concern for most homeowners.
  • Perception: Some people still favour the idea of solid wood flooring as the ‘real deal’. However, modern engineered wood flooring offers the same luxurious finish, making it indistinguishable from solid wood once installed. Engineered boards can also be made wider and longer than solid boards.

Choosing Engineered Wood from The Solid Wood Flooring Company

With so many advantages, it’s easy to see why engineered wood is becoming the flooring of choice for many homes. At The Solid Wood Flooring Company, our range of engineered wood flooring is designed to combine beauty with practicality, offering the authentic look of hardwood while delivering superior performance and sustainability.

We stock a wide variety of finishes and wood species, allowing you to choose the perfect style for your home, whether you prefer a sleek modern aesthetic or something more rustic. We are proud of our company’s commitment, evident in our FSC-certified products.

Whether you have underfloor heating, live in a period property prone to draughts, or need a durable surface for high-traffic areas, their engineered wood solutions are built to last.

Conclusion: Which Flooring is Right for You?

If you’re after a floor that can be sanded down and revived over decades, and you don’t have to worry about moisture or temperature changes, solid wood may be the right choice. However, for most homeowners today, engineered wood offers a more practical and versatile solution.

With its superior stability and eco-friendly benefits, engineered wood flooring from The Solid Wood Flooring Company is an ideal choice for modern living. Plus, with designs that offer all the warmth and character of real wood, you won’t be sacrificing style for functionality.

Ready to find the perfect flooring for your home? Explore The Solid Wood Flooring Company’s range of premium engineered wood flooring and make an investment in your interiors that will stand the test of time.