Q: My husband and I are renovating our kitchen and would like to replace our old tile with hardwood floors. What’s the difference between solid and engineered hardwood flooring?  Which should we use?

A: Installing hardwood floor is a great way to bring warmth and style to any room. Plus, it’s durable and its enduring popularity will likely add value to your home. To answer your question, there’s no one-size-fits-all rule for choosing the right type of hardwood. The selection depends on a number of factors in your home.

First, let’s talk about the differences between solid and engineered hardwood. Solid hardwood is made from planks of milled lumber. Because it’s made from solid wood planks, this type of hardwood is susceptible to both moisture and temperature. Water absorption can warp the planks, and hot temperatures can cause splintering. Solid hardwood can be tricky to work with, but as long as it’s properly taken care of and refinished, the flooring will continue to look good for years to come.

The other type of hardwood flooring is known as engineered hardwood. Engineered planks are created from multiple layers of wood fused together and topped off with a solid, wood veneer. These interlaced layers make engineered hardwood more stable than solid planking. That means it can be installed in almost any room you choose (even a basement) because the planks are able to withstand moisture and temperature. They can also be installed into a greater variety of subfloors, including concrete. Wear and tear can be the biggest problem facing engineered hardwood. Unlike solid hardwood, which can be refinished without issue, engineered floors can only be refinished a handful of times due to the thin top layer of the planks.

When choosing a type of hardwood, it’s important to evaluate the room you’re planning to install them in. Factors such as moisture levels, temperatures, subfloors and foot traffic should all be taken into account before making a decision. ACo is dedicated to helping our customers find the right solution for their home, style and budget. If you’d like more information on hardwood flooring, feel free to give us a contact us at (317) 575-9540 or stop by our showroom to see the various types and styles we offer.