What’s the Real Difference Between Engineered and Solid Hardwood?
Before we talk about installation, let’s quickly clear up what sets these two apart. Solid hardwood is exactly what it sounds like—planks made from a single piece of wood. It’s thick, durable and has that classic hardwood charm that makes a home feel warm and timeless.
Engineered hardwood, on the other hand, is like the modern cousin. It has a thin layer of real hardwood on top but beneath that, you’ll find layers of plywood or fiberboard that add stability. This layered construction makes engineered wood less prone to warping when exposed to moisture, which is why you often see it in basements or over concrete slabs.
Alright now let’s get to the fun part—installation.
Installing Solid Hardwood Flooring: Beautiful, but a Bit of a Workout
Solid hardwood flooring is a dream once it’s in place, but getting it there? That’s where things get interesting.
- Subfloor Matters (A Lot)
Solid hardwood demands a stable, dry, and level subfloor. If you’re working with concrete, you’ll need to install a plywood subfloor first. And if your subfloor isn’t perfectly level, you’ll have to fix that before you even think about laying hardwood floors. Otherwise, you’ll end up with creaks, gaps, or worse—planks that don’t sit flush.
- Acclimation is a Must
Wood reacts to temperature and humidity, so solid hardwood needs to sit in the room where it will be installed for at least 72 hours. This allows it to adjust to the environment and prevents issues like expansion or contraction later. If you skip this step don’t be surprised if your beautiful new floor starts developing gaps or buckling down the road.
- The Nail-Down Process
The most common method for installing solid hardwood is nailing or stapling it to the subfloor. This requires a flooring nailer, which isn’t something most people have lying around in their garage. If you’re DIY-ing this, you might need to rent one—or call in reinforcements. And yes, it takes time. Every single plank has to be nailed down properly, or you’ll have a mess on your hands.
- Sanding and Finishing (Sometimes)
Some solid hardwood planks come prefinished, but if you’re working with unfinished wood, you’ll need to sand and seal it after installation. This adds another layer of labor and mess (think sawdust everywhere). But on the bright side, unfinished hardwood allows for custom staining which means you can get the exact look you want.
Bottom Line: Solid hardwood is stunning but requires a bit more prep work, special tools, and patience. If you’re a first-time DIYer, this might not be your best starting point.
Installing Engineered Hardwood Flooring: A Faster, Friendlier Process
Now, let’s talk about engineered hardwood. If you’re looking for a more straightforward installation this might be the way to go.
- Flexible Installation Methods
One of the biggest advantages of engineered hardwood is that you have multiple installation options. Depending on the type of planks you buy you can choose from:
Floating installation – Click-lock planks snap together without glue or nails making it one of the easiest methods.
Glue-down installation – Best for concrete subfloors, this method involves securing the planks with adhesive.
Nail or staple installation – Similar to solid hardwood, but generally easier because engineered wood isn’t as thick.
- No Acclimation Needed (Most of the Time)
Unlike solid hardwood, engineered wood doesn’t always require acclimation. Some manufacturers still recommend letting it sit for a day or two, but it’s not as critical as with solid hardwood. This means you can get started faster.
- Works Over More Surfaces
Engineered hardwood can be installed over just about any subfloor—including concrete, plywood, and even existing floors like tile or vinyl (as long as they’re level). This gives you a lot more flexibility, especially if you’re working with a tricky space like a basement or condo.
- Less Equipment, Less Stress
If you opt for a floating floor installation, you can skip the nail gun and adhesive altogether. All you need is a saw to cut the planks to size. Even glue-down installation is simpler than nailing solid hardwood because you don’t have to worry about hitting the right spots with a flooring nailer.
Bottom Line: Engineered hardwood is much more DIY-friendly. With fewer prep steps and easier installation methods, it’s the better choice if you want a quicker, hassle-free experience.
So, Which One Should You Choose?
If you’re purely focused on ease of installation, engineered hardwood is the clear winner. It gives you multiple installation options, requires less specialized equipment, and works in more environments. Plus, if you’re going the DIY route, floating floors with a click-lock system make things almost foolproof.
That said, if you love the idea of having solid wood underfoot and don’t mind the extra effort, solid hardwood is a fantastic investment. It can be sanded and refinished multiple times, which means it can last for generations—something engineered hardwood can’t always promise.
At the end of the day, it all comes down to your priorities. If ease and speed are what you’re after, engineered hardwood wins hands down. But if you’re looking for timeless durability and don’t mind a more involved process, solid hardwood is worth the work.
No matter which one you go with, one thing’s for sure—nothing beats the warmth and beauty of real hardwood flooring under your feet. Ready to install yours?
For further information, please visit: Hardwood Floor Installation Costs: What You Need to Know Before You Start | Robar Flooring
