| Composition |
Engineered hardwood is actually
produced with three or more
layers of HDF, MDF, with a real
hardwood vaneer bonded together
under heat and pressure. |
Solid wood is milled from
a real hardwood species, making it the
sole material used in the making
of the flooring. |
| Strength |
More suitable in high-moisture
areas or in areas of frequent
temperature changes than solid
hardwood due to its “multiple-ply
plank’ manufacturing. |
Noted for adding overall
structural strength to the building
in which it is installed. The
degree to which this is true
depends upon the species. |
| Uniformity |
Engineered hardwood is
designed for optimal uniformity. |
Uniformity varies depending on
grade. Some grades allow for
multiple knots, for example. |
Dimensional
stability |
Constructed to be more
dimensionally stable through
multi-ply design. This allows
greater resistance to temperature
changes. |
Prone to expansion, warping,
cupping, to a significant degree
when exposed to temperature
changes. |
Resistance to
moisture and heat |
Engineered hardwood is surely a
suitable choice when solid wood is
not applicable due to increased
moisture or heat. It is more
resistant to both if compared
to solid wood. |
Solid wood is unsuitable for
applications at any location with
increased moisture or high
temperatures. These could be
areas which are not
environmentally controlled, damp
areas such as below-grade
installations and over radiant
heat. |
Resistance to
climatic changes |
Engineered hardwood does not
warp or cup during climatic
changes. It is more resistant to
higher moisture levels than solid
flooring. It is a better choice for
installation over radiant heat
sources, damp basements, and at
locations in rainy climates. |
Solid wood generally expands
and contracts a lot more than
engineered wood during climatic
changes, especially extremes in
heat and cold and rainy season. |
