IS ENGINEERED OR SOLID WOOD FLOORING BETTER?
Can you tell the difference between solid and engineered wood flooring? At Ted Todd we pride ourselves in offering the very best high quality wood flooring in both engineered and solid construction. Read on to explore the benefits of each and how one may be more suited to your upcoming project requirements.
WHAT IS ENGINEERED FLOORING?
Engineered wood flooring is created using a series of different softwood or hardwood layers. Each laminated layer is placed on top of one another at alternating angles. A suitable wear layer is added to complete the construction. This comes in various thicknesses, allowing the floor to be sanded down without impact. View our Engineered Wood Flooring
WHAT IS SOLID FLOORING?
Solid wood flooring is made from one single piece of hardwood. The same wood runs throughout each tile, from top to bottom. Solid wood flooring can sometimes be thicker than engineered wood, and is available in many thicknesses, up to 20mm in depth. Solid wood floors can be sanded down multiple times. View our Solid Wood Flooring
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ENGINEERED OR SOLID WOOD FLOORING?
Although these flooring types look almost identical, they are very different. One of the differences between solid and engineered wood flooring is their usage. Solid wood can be used on surfaces including walls, ceilings and floors, whereas only engineered wood at a thickness of 15mm can be used for these purposes. Unlike solid, engineered wood flooring is suitable for underfloor heating. Read on as we explore more differences between the two flooring types.
WHICH IS MORE DURABLE?
Solid wood is often thought to be more durable than engineered wood, due to the belief that solid wood can be sanded down and refinished more often. However, engineered flooring with a thick wear layer, can also be sanded down to a certain point. With engineered flooring, the wood’s natural tendency to expand and contract is reduced. However, the authentic and organic feel of solid wood flooring makes it a popular choice.
WHICH IS EASIEST TO INSTALL?
Both solid and engineered wood flooring types are equally easy to install. They can be installed in the same way, either glued down or nailed down if over a suitable subfloor. The format of your chosen floor can also impact the ease of installation. We always highly recommend using a professional to install your new flooring – download our installation guide for more information: Fitting and Installation
WHICH IS MORE EXPENSIVE?
Generally, solid flooring can be more expensive than engineered wood, however price can also be determined by the raw material and the amount of processes involved with creating the finished product. Our flooring types are competitively priced, with a selection of solutions tailored to you. Choose your floor today: Find a Showroom
WHICH IS EASIEST TO CLEAN?
Solid and engineered wood floors are equally as easy to clean when using the correct method. The cleaning regime will vary depending on the surface texture and finish of the wood; this also determines which Ted Todd Care System is required to maintain your floor. Visit our Floorcare Store to find the right cleaning solution: Floorcare Store
WHICH OFFERS MORE CHOICE?
Solid and engineered flooring are almost identical in appearance. The only visual difference is that engineered planks tend to be a uniform sizing, whereas solid wood flooring comes in a variety of natural sizes. Solid wood flooring is also more likely to be seen in places other than just flooring, as all solid floors can be used on ceilings and walls. At Ted Todd the majority of our floors come in an engineered construction, however we also offer a selection of high quality solid wood floors which may be more suited to your requirements.
WHICH IS MORE SUSTAINABLE?
Although the organic appearance of solid wood flooring might make it seem more sustainable, engineered wood flooring is often the more eco-friendly option. This is because one plank of solid wood flooring could make the wear layer for a few engineered flooring boards, depending on the thickness of the layer, meaning that the wood actually goes further. You may however use more wood when creating the construction of an engineered board. Engineered flooring requires the use of glue which can contain low VOCs.
ENGINEERED VS SOLID WOOD FLOORING
Both flooring choices have strong benefits, but which is better depends on your needs. For example, solid wood flooring isn’t limited in the fact that it can be used on every surface, whereas only some engineered floors can be used in this way. However, if you require underfloor heating then engineered flooring is the only suitable option. Both are similar in terms of appearance, installation, maintenance and durability, but engineered flooring is deemed to be more sustainable, whilst solid is generally a higher cost.
ORDER A FREE SAMPLE
Are you still undecided? We supply a range of award-winning engineered and solid wood floors to transform your space. Ordering a free sample of your favourite three wood floors is often the best place to start in your flooring journey. Simply place the samples in your basket, fill out your details, and we’ll ship them directly to your door. Order yours today: Free Wood Flooring Samples