Engineered hardwood vs solid hardwood
Thanks in advance!
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Cici Chrysalis on Jun 16, 2015There are TONS of information. What will work for you depends on a lot of things. How big is your family, are they young, rough on floors? Dogs with claws? Are you looking at lighter or darker woods? Do you really want wood or the look of wood? Would a commercial grade wood look vinyl serve you as well? Are you really going to replace down the line or are going to resurface hardwood or higher grade engineered flooring/laminate??? IF you have a busy household (like my daughter) she went for higher end hand-scraped laminate. It may well give the look you want and booboos are not as noticeable. http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/flooring/buying-guide.htmHelpful Reply
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D & K on Jun 16, 2015There are few differences between the two types of flooring. Engineered wood flooring is more stable and won't swell and contract as much as solid. If damaged solid lumber flooring can be refinished but due to the often thin wear layer of engineered flooring, it will often need replacement when damaged. Engineered flooring is also available in woods that you wouldn't find in solid simply because to do so would be cost prohibited. The key to a long lasting engineered floor is to purchase the flooring with the thickest wear layer available. Also stay away from the hand scraped look. Not only does it wear faster simply because the high spots of the flooring take all the abuse and wear and tear, but it's impractical to refinish. The refinishing process ultimately takes 80+% of the wear layer off just to remove the finish from the recessed scraped areas. An alternative to hardwood flooring is bamboo. But bamboo also comes with it's own set of caveats. Bamboo is harder than any hardwood. However, the darker the finish of bamboo flooring, the softer it is. Bamboo is not stained but rather steamed which caramelizes the sugars contained in the bamboo and the process softens the bamboo. Also, I wouldn't use any bamboo that wasn't 7 years or older when harvested. The younger it is the softer it is. I hope this helps.Helpful Reply
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Cornelia Schott on Jun 17, 2015Property Brothers just spoke about this topic. I looked for the link, but could not find it. They said engineered wood flooring has come a long way and they install engineered wood vs hardwood due to the cost. We have engineered wood and are very happy with the results. We used 3/8" thick X 5" wide planks engineered. Good Luck!Helpful Reply
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Terry on Jun 17, 2015If you go with engineered hardwood, be wary of Shaw products. I live in a subdivision where it is in all of the homes (those who paid for it vs tile or carpet) and 80-90% of the homeowners are having issues with it cupping, chipping and scratching very easily.Helpful Reply
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C on Jun 17, 2015Climate is another important factor. If you live in a wet/damp climate.... you do NOT want hardwood. The constant swelling & contracting of hardwood will cause the floorboards to separate & leave you with unsightly gapsHelpful Reply
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Barbara C on Jun 17, 2015Real Hardwood is easier to clean.,the engineered can only be damp mopped,no water or other liquid.definitely no steam. The layer of engineered wood is very thin. No high heel shoes,or any sharp object that will dent it.Helpful Reply
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Samantha on Jun 19, 2015Thanks everyone! Have any of you that deal with engineered hardwood often every heard of Symphony Hall as a brand? I haven't been able to find much through "all-knowing" Google ;) This guy bought a bunch and then changed his mind and is trying to sell it...I just don't want to get stuck with crap flooring. It's all still in the packaging.Helpful Reply
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Barbara C on Jun 20, 2015I would leave that deal for someone else.Get flooring with a guarantee or warranty. This guy can't give you that.Helpful Reply
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