There’s a good reason potential homeowners on real estate television shows get so excited when they find hardwood flooring. A home with hardwood floors has an air of elegance and beauty. It can completely transform the look of a room and stand up to the life that happens in your home.

In the flooring world, two types of hardwood floors face off for the affection of homeowners across the country: solid hardwood and engineered hardwood flooring. Both are made from 100% natural wood, and no two pieces are ever exactly alike. Both increase the value of your home and add sophistication to your living spaces.

For all their similarities, these two types of wood flooring have stark differences. Here’s your guide to solid hardwood and engineered hardwood flooring to help you make the right choice for your home.

All About Hardwood Flooring

For the most authentic hardwood flooring option, solid wins. Constructed from one solid piece of wood, this type of flooring is made from maple, walnut, and oak. Engineered hardwood, however, is made from stacks, with a top layer of 100% hardwood and alternating layers of plywood.

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Pros and Cons of Solid Hardwood Floors

Versatility is the biggest pro of solid hardwood flooring. Because it’s one piece of wood, homeowners can sand and refinish it multiple times in the life of the flooring. It’s also incredibly durable—wood flooring can last 100 years or longer.

Sensitivity to weather conditions is one negative of solid hardwood flooring. These floors tend to expand and contract with hot and cold weather, which can cause damage over time. Cost fluctuates, but you can expect hardwood to cost between $8 and $18 per foot, but be sure to add installation costs into your price projections. Solid hardwood flooring is best installed by a professional.

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Pros and Cons of Engineered Hardwood Floors

Engineered hardwood can be a better choice for spaces that have water or the potential for water, like bathrooms and kitchens. Price is also a pro because engineered hardwood floors cost between $3 and $14 per foot, and it’s DIY friendly (although we still recommend help from a professional.)

These floors last around 25 to 30 years, and while they are available in a variety of finishes and colors, they can only be refinished once or twice during their lifespan.

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The decision comes down to a few factors, like price and flexibility, but no matter what type of hardwood floor you choose, you’ll love the style.

Who you choose for your construction project is critical, and for the best in the business, local is the way to go. Let us show you the benefits of local construction in person.

At CRD Construction, we can help you decide the best flooring for your home and help you install it—contact us today for a quote on your next flooring project.