Hardwood floors vs engineered flooring: what is best? If your flooring were a movie it would be an old spaghetti western, and hardwood flooring would be Clint Eastwood and engineered hardwood flooring would be ‘Angel Eyes’ Lee Van Cleef. The two types of wood flooring have become arch nemesis, with hardwood flooring representing the high-quality posse and engineered the affordable contingent. But—are these stereotypes true? Or is wood flooring types just personal preference? Or, is one wood flooring type better than the other? Hardwood Floors vs Engineered Hardwood Flooring: The Showdown To understand the difference between hardwood floors vs engineered hardwood flooring you must know the differences between them, including the differences in their manufacturing/construction, the properties they offer homeowners, the durability and the price. So—let’s take a look at those now: 1. Manufacturing/Construction Solid hardwood flooring is one single slice of wood, cut to the specific thickness you desire (the most common being 3/4-inches), and it commonly uses tongue-and-groove joining. Engineered hardwood is wood that has been pressed together, in two or more layers. The bottom layer can be a number of materials (generally plywood or HDF), with the top layer being a thin piece of solid wood. The layers are then pressurized together, with either tongue-and-groove or click-lock joiners. 2. Properties Both hardwood floors and engineered wood look nice, are strong and provide a number of properties that are attractive to homeowners. Their greatest difference in terms of properties is that solid hardwood is more susceptible to humidity than engineered hardwood. Solid hardwood needs to be maintained at 45-55% humidity to avoid movement and warping, whereas engineered has a wider humidity gap at 40-65%. If your home doesn’t have fluctuating humidity rates then this is of no concern. 3. Durability Contrary to popular opinion, hardwood flooring isn’t always more durable than engineered. It depends on the type of surface wear and flooring finish that the floor has. So, to determine what is more durable you need to consider which finishing option you would be choosing between. 4. Price Another all-too-common stereotype for flooring is that solid hardwood is always more expensive than engineered, but this isn’t always true (although solid hardwood often is more expensive). Engineered flooring with click-lock joiners that are laid as a ‘floating’ floor will be cheaper in terms of installation than hardwood, but the overall price depends on the installation costs, plank size and materials and lumber costs. Choosing between hardwood floors vs engineered hardwood flooring depends on a number of factors listed above. Important things to consider is the overall price (including materials and installation costs), the floor finishing types, the relative humidity of your home (and your dedication to maintain it) and of course the look of each type of flooring. If you need help deciding between hardwood and engineered flooring—call the pros here at Tony’s Flooring—we can help you decide which floor is the best investment, and show you some examples that will make your decision easier.]]>
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Frequently Asked Questions
What should Toronto homeowners know about hardwood floors vs engineered hardwood flooring?
When considering hardwood floors vs engineered hardwood flooring, evaluate durability, maintenance requirements, and cost per square foot for your specific needs. Tony’s Flooring Centre at 268 Royal York Rd offers expert advice and free estimates to help you make the right choice for your Toronto home.
What is the best flooring for Toronto homes?
The best flooring depends on your lifestyle, budget, and room usage. Hardwood offers timeless appeal and high resale value. LVP provides waterproof durability at a lower price. Cork and marmoleum are excellent eco-friendly options. Visit our showroom at 268 Royal York Rd to compare all options.
Does new flooring increase home value?
Yes, new flooring is one of the top home improvements for ROI in the Toronto market. Hardwood typically returns 70-80% of its cost at resale. Even replacing worn carpet with LVP can significantly increase your home’s appeal and selling price.
Need Help Choosing the Right Flooring?
With over 60 years of experience, Tony’s Flooring Centre makes choosing the right floor easy. From hardwood and carpet to eco-friendly cork and marmoleum, we carry it all. Visit us at 268 Royal York Rd, call (416) 255-9631, or contact us online.