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Solid Hardwood vs. Engineered Flooring

When you begin your search for Aurora hardwood flooring, you’ll quickly realize just how many options there are. There are two main categories of hardwood floors, including solid and engineered. Solid hardwood floors are made from pure hardwood that are either prefinished or unfinished, ultimately cut into different sizes. On the other hand, engineered hardwood flooring is made from 3-12 layers of ply that are cross-layered, glued down and pressed together. From there, species-specific hardwood is placed on top and it creates the appearance of wood. 

Here are some factors to consider. 

Cost

Of course, cost is going to play a factor when determining what type of hardwood flooring is right for you. Engineered hardwood flooring is usually less expensive because not as much real tree goes into the board. However, keep in mind that you will also need to invest in a pad to go underneath the engineered flooring to help reduce echoing and act as a moisture barrier. 

Versatility

The aesthetic of Aurora hardwood flooring vs. engineered flooring isn’t as drastically different as you may think. But there is more to consider beyond the aesthetic. Engineered hardwood floors are more versatile because they can be nailed down, glued on top of current flooring, and they are less prone to climate-related damages.

However, solid hardwood may only be nailed or stapled to a wood sub-floor. 

Why Consider Solid Hardwood?

Despite the above, solid hardwood flooring is still a great option for many. It doesn’t require any sort of padding underneath it and it typically has a longer lifespan than engineered flooring. Think of it as an investment, especially if you are planning on selling your home in the future. 

Our team at Best Buy Interior Finishes & Granite is ready to help install your hardwood flooring in Aurora. Contact us to get started!