The Difference Between Solid Wood, Engineered Wood and Laminate Floors

When building or renovating a home, multiple factors should be considered when it comes to picking out floors.

  • What’s the weather like in your area?
  • How much are you willing to spend?
  • What type of maintenance are you willing to put into your floors?
  • Where are you installing this flooring and what is the existing subfloor?

If you and your family are considering wood flooring options, it is best to understand the difference between solid wood, engineered wood and laminate floors to help make your decision easier.

Solid wood floors are typically one solid piece of wood that is 3/4″ thick. They are installed above grade over approved wooden subfloors and are nailed or stapled down. If you live in a climate where temperature changes or humidity exists, this may not be the best option. People who live in Jacksonville, Florida may opt to choose an alternative to solid wood flooring.

Engineered wood floors are popular for people who want real wood floors but live in climates where moisture is inevitable or existing subflooring is cement. This type of wood flooring differs from solid wood because it has a wear layer of wood with multiple layers of a different wood (oak or poplar) attached to it. Multiple layers prevent moisture damage to your floors, and you can install this type of floor on any level in your home. Engineered wood floors typically have multiple price points, colors and sizes, and are therefore more customization options.

Laminate floors are a synthetic floor with four layers: a wear layer, a design layer, an inner core layer and a backing layer. The design layer is a photographic image of wood. It’s this layered construction that makes laminate floors so durable. This option is generally cheaper, quicker to install and easier to maintain than solid wood floors. Although laminate flooring is not actually wood, it is still a great option to consider in a home.

As Jacksonville’s premier Floorscapes Retailer, our store is held to the highest standards by Mohawk in terms of product selection, installation and service. Stop in today to view our expanded showroom that displays new lines of wood and laminate flooring.