Shopping for hardwood floors in Lexington or Central Kentucky? You’re probably wondering whether you should go with engineered or solid. Both are real hardwood and look beautiful, but they aren’t the same product. The right choice comes down to how your home is built and how you plan to live in it.
Today, Wildcat Flooring is going to compare the two. Here’s what you need to know before you decide.
Are Both Real Hardwood?
Let’s start off by clearing up a common misconception — both are real wood. Engineered hardwood is not a fake or inferior version of solid hardwood. It’s a real wood product consisting of a hardwood veneer top bonded to a layered core made to perform in a variety of conditions. Meanwhile, solid hardwood consists of a single piece of wood from top to bottom.
One isn’t better than the other. The right option is based on your subfloor, your space and what you’re looking for in the long run.
Why is Engineered Hardwood Built for More Homes?
In Lexington and Central Kentucky, engineered hardwood is on the rise. Homes are built differently here. Many Lexington homes sit over basements or crawl spaces with wood subfloors. Others like newer builds or additions have concrete foundations. Engineered hardwood handles both.
When put over a wood subfloor, this flooring can be stapled down with tar paper underneath, a common reliable installation method used for solid hardwood. Over concrete, it can be glued on with a moisture barrier adhesive, which solid hardwood would struggle to handle. The flexibility makes engineered hardwood ideal for a wide range of Kentucky homes.
It’s also available in several finishes including hand-scraped textures, beveled edges and wide planks so homeowners are never short on options. Customers who choose engineered hardwood tend to know exactly what they’re getting: a high-quality product made to last in their home for a long time.
Why is Solid Hardwood the Original Standard?
Solid hardwood flooring has been a staple of Kentucky homes for generations, but it earns that reputation. Common in downtown Lexington home and often installed decades ago, it’s still going strong. When the floors need restoration, solid hardwood goes right back in.
What’s so appealing? It’s a single, solid piece of real wood. The planks can be sanded and finished multiple times over their lifespan, which is a great investment for homes that get heavy use or where owners plan to stay for decades. It’s pretty common here.
Solid hardwood is installed by nailing or stapling over wood subfloor with tar paper, but it’s not suitable for concrete or high-moisture environments like basements. In the main living areas of Central Kentucky with a wood subfloor, it’s a proven lasting choice.
How Do You Decide Between the Two?
Solid and engineered hardwood have their advantages and disadvantages. That said, your decision should be based on the following:
- Your Subfloor: If you have wood subfloor that’s common in Lexington homes with basements or crawl spaces, both options are ideal. If you have concrete, engineered hardwood makes more sense.
- Your Space: In basements or areas with higher moisture risk, neither solid nor engineered hardwood is the best fit. In main living areas, kitchens and upstairs bedrooms, both are ideal for proper installation.
- Your Priorities: For maximum refinishing potential and when you know you’re staying in your home for 30+ years, solid hardwood offers a slight edge. For versatility, a wide range of finishes and a product that performs across different subfloor types, engineered is often the preferred choice.
What Do Both Options Have in Common?
While different, both options have a couple of things in common. They’re both real wood and add warmth, character and value to a home that synthetic products can’t replicate. They reward proper installation and care with decades of performance. Plus, they are a long-term investment unlike budget flooring — which is why Kentucky homeowners planning to stay for the long haul consistently choose real hardwood.
Still Deciding Which is Right For Your Home?
If you have yet to make a decision, it’s best to have someone walk through your space with you. Subfloor type, room location, humidity levels and how you use the space all impact the recommendation. At Wildcat Flooring, we make it easy by bringing samples directly to your home so you can see what they look like in your space without the guesswork or pressure.
Looking for new floors in Lexington or Central Kentucky? Contact us to book a shop-at-home consultation today!
