Hardwoods Versus Engineered Flooring: What’s the Difference?

June 1, 2022

HARDWOODS VERSUS ENGINEERED FLOORING: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

Whether it’s playtime, workout time, or time to entertain guests, the floors of our home act as the foundation for our everyday lives. Yet, they also serve as both the centerpiece and backdrop of our home’s beauty and resilience. No doubt about it, floors are the best multi-taskers a home could ask for. So, when it comes to which type of flooring to choose, the most popular choice is often hardwoods. With their classic beauty and unrelenting durability, we often think of hardwoods as the safe-bet flooring used for centuries by our grandparents and their grandparents. However, over the last few decades, engineered flooring has become quite the popular alternative to hardwoods.

Engineered flooring: the term itself sounds much too industrial and synthetic to get a fair shake against our beloved hardwoods. Not so fast, though. While hardwoods are in it for the long-haul, engineered floors combine natural beauty and engineered materials designed for maximum durability and longevity. In short, both are remarkable in their own ways, but if you’re on the fence about which floor will give you more, consider these differences:

• Engineered Flooring is Typically More Affordable: If you’re in the market for more budget-friendly flooring that looks just like hardwoods, engineered flooring is a great choice. These floors have real wood as the top layer, and sturdy synthetic materials underneath, so they look similar to their hardwood counterparts and are exceptionally durable. The biggest difference outside of cost? While you might be able to sand them down a couple of times (depending on which you buy), you won’t be able to re-sand them nearly as often as real hardwoods. That said, they will still last decades to come and are generally a better option for high-moisture spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
• Hardwoods Can Be Re-sanded for an Even Longer Lifespan: If you’re looking for flooring that will stand the test of time in heirloom fashion, hardwoods are the way to go. Since these floors consist of real wood in their entirety, they can be sanded multiple times throughout their lives and restored. While they generally cost more than engineered floors, real hardwoods can last 100-plus years and are often a priceless choice among many homeowners.
• Both Look the Same: On the surface, there’s not much difference between hardwoods and engineered flooring. Both boast impeccable beauty and charm, and both are incredibly durable. The biggest difference outside of cost is what’s underneath.
• Both Have Similar Maintenance: Both hardwoods and engineered floors are easy to maintain. Simply sweep, vacuum and mop as needed. Restoration is where you see the biggest differences between the two.

All in all, it comes down to your budget and preference. You can even use both types of flooring depending on your space. Either way, you can’t go wrong with these made-to-last, beautiful floors for your everyday life.

With a vast array of flooring options, USA Flooring’s expert staff members are here to provide the right flooring for your family and lifestyle, along with the expert installation and service you need, including mobile consultations in your home. Call or come by our showroom today, or visit our website at https://usaflooringnc.com/.