Engineered hardwood sometimes gets talked about like a lesser version of solid. It isn't. Both are real wood on top, and both can look stunning. The difference is what's underneath, and that changes where each floor works best.
What is engineered hardwood?
Engineered hardwood is a layer of real hardwood, called the wear layer, bonded to a core made of cross layered plywood or similar material. The layers run in different directions, so the plank resists the swelling and shrinking that humidity causes. From the top, it looks and feels like any other wood floor, because it is.
Solid hardwood is a single piece of wood from top to bottom, usually about three quarters of an inch thick.
Engineered vs solid hardwood at a glance
- Stability: engineered wins. It handles humidity changes with less gapping and cupping.
- Refinishing: solid wins. It can be sanded many times over its life.
- Where it can go: engineered wins. It works over concrete and in many basements.
- Wide planks: engineered wins. Most wide plank floors today are engineered because wide solid boards move too much.
- Matching old floors: solid usually wins, especially in older homes.
- Cost: it varies. Engineered is often less than solid in wide planks and premium species.
Can you refinish engineered hardwood?
Yes, in most cases. How many times depends on the thickness of the wear layer. A thin wear layer may only allow a light screen and recoat, while a thick one, around 3 to 4 millimeters or more, can usually be fully sanded and refinished once or twice. Solid hardwood can typically be refinished many times because there's much more wood above the tongue. We point out the wear layer on every engineered sample we show you.
Is engineered hardwood waterproof?
No. Engineered hardwood is more moisture stable than solid wood, but it's still real wood and isn't waterproof. Spills wiped up quickly are fine. Standing water, a leaking appliance or a flooded basement can damage it. If you need a truly waterproof floor, look at luxury vinyl plank, and see our LVP vs hardwood guide.
How long does engineered hardwood last?
A quality engineered floor with a good wear layer commonly lasts 20 to 40 years or more with normal care, and refinishing can extend that. Solid hardwood can last the life of the house.
How thick is engineered hardwood?
Most engineered planks are about three eighths to three quarters of an inch thick overall. The overall thickness matters for feel and stability. The wear layer thickness matters for how many times you can refinish.
Where each one fits best
Choose engineered hardwood for
- Big open floor plans and wide planks, common in newer homes in New Albany, Dublin and Powell.
- Rooms over concrete, including many finished basements.
- Homes with big seasonal humidity swings.
Choose solid hardwood for
- Matching or extending original floors in older homes, like those in Clintonville, Upper Arlington and Bexley.
- Main floors where you want the most refinishing life over decades.
Want more detail? See our full engineered vs solid hardwood comparison.