When selecting flooring for your home, hardwood flooring is often at the top of the list due to its natural beauty, warmth, and long-lasting durability. However, there are two main types of hardwood flooring: solid hardwood and engineered hardwood. While solid hardwood has traditionally been a popular choice, engineered hardwood flooring offers several advantages, particularly when it comes to handling moisture and humidity. This blog will explore how engineered hardwood flooring is more resilient to these factors compared to solid hardwood and why it might be the better choice for certain environments in your home.
What Is Solid Hardwood Flooring?
Solid hardwood flooring is made from a single piece of wood, which is typically cut from the trunk of a tree and sanded, polished, and finished to create the flooring planks. It is known for its classic appeal and can be refinished multiple times, making it a long-lasting option for many homeowners. Solid hardwood floors offer a rich, natural look with beautiful wood grain patterns.
However, solid hardwood is highly sensitive to moisture and humidity. Wood naturally expands and contracts when exposed to changes in moisture levels, which can cause issues such as warping, buckling, or gaps between the planks. This makes solid hardwood a less ideal choice for areas with high moisture, like kitchens, bathrooms, or basements.
How Engineered Hardwood Flooring Is Different
Engineered hardwood flooring, on the other hand, is made up of multiple layers of wood, with the top layer being a real hardwood veneer (like oak or maple) and the lower layers being made of plywood or high-density fiberboard (HDF). These layers are bonded together in a cross-grain construction, making engineered hardwood more stable and resistant to moisture and humidity fluctuations.
The structure of engineered hardwood flooring gives it a distinct advantage when compared to solid hardwood. Since engineered hardwood is made of multiple layers, it’s far less susceptible to swelling, shrinking, or warping due to moisture changes. The top veneer layer still offers the aesthetic appeal of solid hardwood, but the lower layers make it more resilient and suitable for high-humidity environments.
For example, engineered hardwood flooring can be used in places like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements, where solid hardwood might not be a suitable option due to the moisture exposure.
Why Engineered Hardwood Handles Moisture and Humidity Better
The main difference between engineered hardwood and solid hardwood lies in how they respond to humidity and moisture. Solid hardwood expands and contracts naturally when exposed to varying moisture levels. For instance, in a humid environment, wood absorbs moisture from the air, causing it to swell, and in dry conditions, it loses moisture, causing the wood to shrink.
Engineered hardwood, however, is constructed with layers that resist the impact of moisture. The cross-grain structure prevents the boards from expanding or contracting excessively when exposed to humidity. The plywood or HDF layers at the bottom of the planks are not as prone to absorbing moisture, helping to keep the top veneer layer intact and free from warping or distortion.
This superior moisture resistance makes engineered hardwood the better option for areas in the home where humidity levels vary, such as:
- Kitchens – Where steam from cooking and spills can increase moisture levels.
- Bathrooms – With the regular fluctuations in moisture due to showers or baths.
- Basements – Which tend to have higher humidity levels compared to other parts of the house.
How Engineered Hardwood Performs in Different Areas of the Home
In Kitchens and Bathrooms
Kitchens and bathrooms are exposed to high levels of moisture from cooking, spills, and showers. Solid hardwood may not hold up well in these areas because it is susceptible to warping and buckling when exposed to moisture. However, engineered hardwood, with its cross-layered construction, is built to handle such changes without the risk of warping. This makes it an excellent flooring option for moisture-prone areas.
The European Oak collection at Parma Flooring is a perfect example of engineered hardwood that combines style with durability, suitable for high-moisture areas like kitchens or bathrooms.
In Basements
Basements are often exposed to high levels of humidity, which can cause solid hardwood to expand and warp. Engineered hardwood, however, is much better suited for basement environments due to its moisture resistance. The layers prevent it from reacting to humidity changes, keeping the floors stable even in rooms that are typically prone to dampness.
The SPC collection at Parma Flooring is another example of engineered hardwood designed specifically to withstand the challenges posed by moisture in basements or other damp areas.
In High-Traffic Areas
While engineered hardwood handles moisture better than solid hardwood, it’s also an ideal choice for high-traffic areas like hallways and living rooms. The added stability of engineered hardwood allows it to resist wear and tear better than solid hardwood, which can show signs of damage over time, especially in homes with children or pets.
Other Advantages of Engineered Hardwood Flooring
- Wide Range of Styles: Engineered hardwood is available in a variety of wood species, finishes, and colors. Whether you prefer a traditional oak look or a modern walnut finish, engineered hardwood can be tailored to suit your home’s aesthetic.
- Easy Installation: Many engineered hardwood flooring products come with click-lock installation systems, allowing for easy, DIY-friendly installations without the need for nails or glue.
- Eco-Friendly: Because engineered hardwood uses fewer natural resources than solid hardwood, it can be a more environmentally friendly choice.
- Cost-Effective: Engineered hardwood tends to be more affordable than solid hardwood, providing the same aesthetic appeal at a lower cost.
Next Steps for Choosing the Right Flooring
When considering hardwood flooring for your home, engineered hardwood offers superior benefits, particularly when dealing with moisture and humidity. Its layered construction makes it more resilient to moisture fluctuations, making it the ideal option for kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and high-traffic areas. With its range of styles and finishes, engineered hardwood provides the beauty of natural wood while offering better performance in environments that may not be suitable for solid hardwood.
For more information on engineered hardwood flooring, explore collections like the European Oak or SPC at Parma Flooring. If you’re ready to upgrade your flooring, feel free to contact us for a free consultation, or request a wholesale inquiry for bulk orders and special pricing. Our team at Parma Flooring is here to help you choose the perfect flooring solution for your space!
