Engineered Hardwood vs. Solid Hardwood: What to Know
Araujo Flooring Team
Professional Flooring Experts in Georgia
Ten years ago, most Georgia homeowners defaulted to solid hardwood without a second thought. Today, engineered hardwood outsells solid in our market, and for good reason.
How They Are Built
Solid hardwood is milled from a single piece of timber — three-quarters of an inch thick, tongue-and-groove on all sides. Engineered hardwood has a real hardwood veneer on top (2mm to 6mm), bonded to multiple layers of plywood arranged in alternating grain directions. This cross-layer construction provides dimensional stability.
Stability in Georgia's Climate
This is the most important difference for our region. Solid hardwood expands and contracts significantly with humidity changes. In a Georgia home without tight humidity control, you will see seasonal gapping in winter and potential cupping in summer.
Engineered hardwood moves far less because the cross-layered core counteracts natural expansion. A 7-inch engineered plank shows less movement than a 3-inch solid plank. This is why engineered hardwood can be installed over concrete slabs where solid cannot.
Refinishing Capability
Solid hardwood can be refinished four to five times, giving a potential lifespan of 75 to 100 years. Engineered hardwood depends on veneer thickness — 4mm+ allows two to three refinishes, 2mm allows one, under 2mm cannot be safely sanded.
Installation Methods
Solid hardwood is nailed to plywood subfloors. It cannot go over concrete without building a plywood system first. Engineered can be nailed, glued to concrete, or floated as click-lock — the most flexible option.
Cost Comparison
Solid materials run six to twelve dollars per square foot. Engineered runs five to ten. Installation savings with engineered click-lock can be two to three dollars per square foot less.
Which Should You Choose
Choose solid if you have plywood subfloors with good moisture control and want maximum refinishing life. Choose engineered for concrete slabs, wide planks, or when you want flexibility in installation method. For most new construction in Georgia, engineered is the better choice.
