Warmth, charm and timeless appeal are some of the reasons folks love hardwood flooring in Memphis. However, many are unsure about what to do when it’s time to upgrade. Many ask the common question of: Is engineered hardwood better than solid hardwood?
Both beauty and long-term value, but the right one for you depends on your home’s conditions, your lifestyle and your budget. In Memphis, humidity and temperature swings are quite common, which lets one option come out on top.
At King Flooring, we help Memphis homeowners choose hardwood flooring that looks great and lasts in our city. Today in this wood guide, we’ll compare engineered hardwood and solid hardwood to determine the best option for your home.
Discussing the Differences Between Engineered and Solid Hardwood
What separates engineered and solid hardwood? Both are real hardwood, but they’re built a little differently. This makes a huge difference. Here’s an overview:
Engineered Hardwood
Made from multiple layers of wood and a genuine hardwood veneer, engineered hardwood is constructed a bit differently. Its layered construction provides stability and more resistance to moisture. That makes it perfect for the humid conditions of the Mid-South.
Love the look of hardwood, but need something more durable? Engineered hardwood floors might make more sense.
Solid Hardwood
The planks are made from a natural piece of wood. Known for its depth and character, solid hardwood flooring can be refinished multiple times over its lifespan. Despite this, it expands and contracts with changes in humidity so it can be sensitive to Memphis’s damp summers and fluctuating temperatures.
Want to compare options in person? Book a free in-home consultation with King Flooring to explore our collection of engineered and solid hardwood flooring today.
The Pros and Cons of Engineered and Solid Hardwood
How do you decide between engineered and solid hardwood? Think about how they perform in Memphis homes.
Engineered Hardwood
Choosing engineered hardwood flooring has its advantages and disadvantages. Let’s start of with the positives:
- Moisture Resistance: Less likely to warp or swell in Memphis humidity.
- Versatile Installation: Can be installed over concrete.
- Budget-Friendly: More affordable than solid hardwood while offering a nearly identical appearance.
- Quick Installation: Glue, float or staple installations are fast and have few limitations.
On the other hand, engineered hardwood flooring isn’t perfect. Consider the following:
- Can only be refinished once or twice based on the thickness of the real wood veneer.
- Slight shorter lifespan compared to solid wood.
Solid Hardwood
Solid hardwood is great, but far from perfect. Here are some of the reasons to choose it over its counterpart:
- Classic Appeal: 100% natural wood that adds luxury and value.
- Long Lifespan: Can last 50-100 years when properly maintained.
- Customizable: Sand and refinish as many times as needed.
Before you settle on solid hardwood, you have a few things to think about. The downsides include:
- Sensitive to Moisture: Prone to warping or cupping in humid conditions.
- Requires Stable Humidity: Needs consistent temperature control to prevent damage.
- Higher Installation Costs: Requires more prep and a wood subfloor.
Memphis summers are humid and temperatures can be unpredictable. Because of this, engineered hardwood is often the more practical and cost-effective option. It provides the same beautiful wood look without the risks that come with solid hardwood in a humid environment.
Installation and Maintenance Requirements
Engineered and solid hardwood floors add long-term value to your home, but flooring installation in Memphis and upkeep methods tend to differ.
Installation
When it comes to installing hardwood, solid and engineered options use different methods. Here’s what you need to know about each:
- Engineered Hardwood: It can be installed on concrete slabs and some radiant heating systems. It’s usually floated, glued or stapled down for a fast, easy process.
- Solid Hardwood: These planks have to be nailed to the subfloor, which limits where they can be used and can lead to extended labor time.
Maintenance
Both hardwood flooring options require regular cleaning., However, engineered hardwood doesn’t require as much long-term maintenance. You have to refinish solid hardwood flooring and control the humidity in the space more.
Lifespan
Solid hardwood lasts longer overall because it can be refinished several times to restore the surface. Engineered hardwood’s climate stability leads to fewer issues and repairs over time so it’s a better investment for Memphis homeowners.
Thinking about upgrading your floors? At King Flooring, our team can help you compare your options from the comfort of your home. We’ll walk you through design choices, finishes and installation methods to choose the option that fits your home and budget.
Choose the Right Hardwood for Your Memphis Home
Is engineered hardwood better than solid hardwood? For Memphis homes, yes. Engineered hardwood offers the same warmth as solid hardwood, but performs better in humid conditions, requires less maintenance and offers more flexible installation options.
Choosing the right flooring dealer in Memphis is just as important as choosing the right hardwood for your space. At King Flooring, we make choosing new flooring simple. We can bring both solid and engineered hardwood flooring samples to your door so you can compare them up-close.
Ready for new floors? Contact us to book a shop-at-home consultation today!
