What are the differences between hardwood and engineered hardwood flooring?

Hardwood and engineered hardwood differ primarily in construction, with solid hardwood being one piece of wood throughout, while engineered hardwood features a real wood veneer over a plywood or composite core. Both offer the beauty of natural wood, but each has distinct advantages for different situations.

Solid hardwood flooring is milled from a single piece of wood, typically 3/4" thick. This traditional option can be sanded and refinished multiple times throughout its lifespan - often 3-5 refinishing cycles or more depending on the wood species and wear layer thickness. Solid hardwood must be nailed down to a wooden subfloor and requires careful moisture control, making it unsuitable for basements or concrete slabs in Ottawa's climate. The natural expansion and contraction with seasonal humidity changes is more pronounced, requiring proper acclimation and installation techniques.

Engineered hardwood consists of 2-7 layers with a real wood top layer (typically 2-6mm thick) bonded to a stable plywood or high-density fiberboard core. This construction makes it more dimensionally stable and suitable for installation over concrete, radiant heating systems, and below-grade applications like finished basements. Engineered flooring can be installed as a floating floor, glued down, or nailed down depending on the product. While it can typically be refinished 1-2 times (depending on veneer thickness), it won't last as long as solid hardwood.

In Ottawa's climate, engineered hardwood often performs better due to our significant seasonal humidity swings. The cross-grain construction resists expansion and contraction, reducing gaps and cupping issues common with solid hardwood during dry winter months. For homes with radiant heating or concrete subfloors, engineered is often the only viable option.

Cost-wise in the Ottawa market, engineered hardwood installation typically runs $8-14 per square foot, while solid hardwood ranges from $10-18 per square foot. The long-term value equation depends on your plans - solid hardwood wins for permanent installations, while engineered offers more versatility and immediate stability.

For a free estimate comparing both options for your specific Ottawa home, request a quote from Ottawa Floor Install to discuss which choice best suits your subfloor, lifestyle, and budget.

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