At a Glance:
The Difference Between Hardwood and Engineered Wood Floors
Featured Engineered Wood Flooring Looks
Where to Buy Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Wood flooring is always an excellent choice if you want to choose a high-end flooring option for your home. But not all wood flooring is made the same—and different types directly impact the durability, look, and price of the end result. If you’re like many others deep in flooring research, you’ve probably come across engineered wood flooring vs hardwood. What’s the difference and do buyers really have to shell out top dollars for the same look? This guide will take a deep dive into the differences between engineered wood flooring vs hardwood, so keep reading to find the answers you’ve been looking for as we compare engineered wood flooring to hardwood.
Discover the Best Hardwood Flooring Deals
From engineered to hardwood, Liddiard Home Furnishing can help you pick the right flooring choice for your lifestyle and budget.
Shop Hardwood FlooringThe Difference Between Hardwood and Engineered Wood Floors
In simple terms, hardwood floor is made entirely of wooden slabs cut down into planks and then installed into the floor. On the other hand, engineered hardwood flooring is a hardwood veneer adhered to a piece of plywood. What the actual veneer is varies (it’s usually real wood), but each plank is made of multiple materials.
Despite the different manufacturing method, engineered wood floors are nearly identical to hardwood in terms of aesthetics. However, installing engineered hardwood flooring is more affordable and can be easier to install.
Engineered Hardwood vs Hardwood Flooring | Materials
The main reason engineered wood flooring is more affordable is it isn’t solid all the way through. Instead of using a full plank, only the surface is made using real wood.
The upside is that engineered wood flooring is more waterproof and durable because of tose veneers. While they might be made of the same wood as oak or maple planks, the engineered wood veneers are typically made with an extra coating to protects their surfaces. And since manufacturers don’t have to harvest mature trees—which can take years to grow—engineered floors are more affordable and sustainable compared to traditional hardwood floors.
But is engineered wood flooring better than solid wood? It is when you are shopping on a budget and need specific durability and water resistance features for your home.
Engineered Hardwood vs Hardwood Flooring | Durability
Solid hardwood flooring is often preferred by homeowners because of its durability. Hardwood floors usually last between 30 to 50 years and can last up to 100 years if they are well-cared for. While pricey upfront, hardwood floors are truly a long-term investment that can increase the value of a home. On average, the best engineered hardwood floors should last between 20 to 30 years if they are well-maintained.
Engineered wood might be the better option if you will likely move before you have to replace your flooring again. It is also ideal for properties where you don’t need to boost the resale value. High-demand homes often sell just as quickly with engineered wood floors.
Engineered Hardwood vs Hardwood Flooring | Maintenance
Both engineered and hardwood floors are built to last for decades when well-maintained. Clean both types of flooring by sweeping or vacuuming on the appropriate settings. You can also use a slightly damp mop on both types of floors and make sure there is enough circulation in the room for the floors to dry. Never steam clean either of these flooring types.
The biggest difference is that engineered is easier and more appropriate for modern cleaning methods. These floors are more durable, more scratch-resistant, and better able to handle liquid spills. In contrast, hardwood floors may be sensitive to certain chemicals, moisture, and sometimes need a good polish to bring the look back to life. With just a regular sweep and mop, engineered floors are more than fine.
Engineered Hardwood vs Hardwood Flooring | Pricing
It is considerably more affordable to install an engineered hardwood floor than a solid wood floor. The average cost per square foot for hardwood is $16.50 while the average cost per square foot for engineered wood is $10.25.
That said, installation and materials prices can range significantly. Experts estimate the average cost range for hardwood starts at around $5 per square foot and reaches up to $28. The range for engineered wood starts at $4.50 and only reaches around $16. This means the most expensive engineered wood floors would only cost as much as the mid-range cost for hardwood.
For Example:
If you need to furnish a 100-square-foot room, you can expect to pay a total cost of $1650 for hardwood and $1025 for engineered wood. This results in savings of $625, or about a 38% price reduction.
Featured Engineered Wood Flooring Looks
Once you understand the engineered wood flooring pros and cons, you can start to explore some of the current products available. Here are a few examples that showcase the differences between engineered wood flooring vs hardwood options.
Shaw® Floors Repel Hardwood Pacific Grove Midnight Harwood Flooring
Shop the Shaw Floors Pacific Grove Flooring
Dark wood flooring is a trending choice among buyers for its ability to keep up in high-traffic zones. This Shaw engineered hardwood selection from the Pacific Grove collection delivers on the look along with enhanced durability to handle everyday wear and tear. Check out this option for the dark wood look you’ve been wanting at a fraction of the cost.
Shaw® Floors Floorte Hardwood Exquisite Regency Walnut Harwood Flooring
Shop the Shaw Floors Exquisite Regency Flooring
It’s nearly impossible to tell the difference between this engineered wood flooring vs hardwood in the same finish. Warm undertones with wirebrushed details add plenty of visual interest to the room while keeping it clean and cozy. Spills and scratches are less thing to worry about with this flooring option, equipped with Floorte ScufResist Platinum technology proven to protect against daily use.
Shaw® Floors Repel Hardwood Alpine Hickory Red Clay Harwood Flooring
Shop the Shaw Floors Alpine Flooring
When you really want to celebrate the natural look of wood with your home’s flooring, the Shaw Floors Alpine collection is a solid choice. Rich with grain details and a warm combination of wooden undertones, this pick is a great in any room but a particular favorite in the bedroom where coziness calls.
Shaw® Floors Repel Hardwood Exploration Oak Passage Harwood Flooring
Shop the Shaw Floors Exploration Flooring
Engineered flooring is a standout selection in areas of the home buzzing with activity, including the kitchen and living room. Made with exclusive Shaw’s Repel Splash-Proof technology, messes are no match for this collection. And since engineered wood flooring is simple to clean, keeping this collection’s beautiful, light finish on display is only a matter of light maintenance. is engineered wood flooring good
Shaw® Floors Repel Hardwood Monument Hickory Scraped Canyonlands Harwood Flooring
Shop the Shaw Floors Canyonlands Flooring
These beautiful hickory floors are in demand across Tooele. Along with the moisture barrier, they also come with ScufResist Platinum Technology that prevents scratches and scrapes. This can extend the life of your engineered floors. These floors are perfect for preventing damage from kids and pets. When you shop engineered hardwood flooring, look for the ScufResist Platinum label to ensure beautiful flooring for the maximum duration of its lifetime.
Shaw® Floors Repel Hardwood Pebble Hill 6 3/8" Linen Harwood Flooring
Shop the Shaw Floors Pebble Hill Flooring
It’s hard to go wrong with a classic, like the timeless look of plank flooring expertly executed by the Shaw Floors Pebble Hill collection. Aside from its beautiful finish, it’s designed with Epic™, Shaw’s eco-friendly wood option. The result? Gorgeous flooring that’s also sustainable.
Where to Buy Engineered Hardwood Flooring
If you’re looking for quality floors for your home, there’s only one place to go. Liddiard Home Furnishings has the best flooring Tooele has to offer. When you visit us, we’ll be happy to help you compare engineered hardwood vs hardwood and see how they stack up side by side. Liddiard also has an exceptionally wide selection of flooring colors and styles, so you’re guaranteed to find something that meets your needs. Visit the best place to buy engineered hardwood flooring in Tooele. Stop by today and choose from more than 350 engineered wood floor options.
Learn More: How to Choose the Right Flooring for Your Home or Business
The look you want at a price that fits your bank account is what engineered wood floors are all about. With designs that look like the real thing and top-notch durability, it’s one of the most popular flooring options on the market, and Liddiard Home Furnishings is your source for the best finishes. Explore our featured favorites and many more today!
FAQ
Can engineered wood flooring be refinished?
Engineered wood flooring can be finished, but not as many times as solid hardwood. The veneer will wear down with each refinishing and could potentially expose the plywood underneath. The thicker the veneer, the more times it can be refinished. A 6-millimeter veneer is considered very thick.
Is engineered hardwood flooring real wood?
Yes, engineered wood is just as real as solid hardwood. The main difference is the wood type. With engineered hardwood floors, the top layer is a high-quality wood veneer while the second bottom layers are durable plywood.
Is engineered wood flooring waterproof?
Wood flooring is not waterproof. However, engineered wood flooring is typically water-resistant. It is less likely to absorb water and stain because of liquids. Homeowners should still be careful to keep it dry and clean up any water immediately.
Why Trust Liddiard Home Furnishings?
For over 65 years, Liddiard Home Furnishings has been providing Utah with premium home furnishings. This family-owned business has worked to deliver a better kind of shopping experience to the greater Salt Lake City area. Whether it’s the carefully laid out showroom or the outstanding customer service, when you shop at Liddiard’s, you’ll feel like family. The team at Liddiard has crafted a catalog full of incredible products made by brands with reputations for quality. Shop online or visit our showroom to discover what makes Liddiard Home Furnishings so unique.
Shop Hardwood Flooring at Liddiard Home Furnishings
For the home furnishings you need, visit Liddiard Home Furnishings in Tooele, UT. You’ll find the best prices when you shop flooring online. Check out Liddiard reviews, and if you have questions, our friendly product experts are always happy to help you discover the differences between engineered wood flooring vs hardwood flooring— whether you call us at 435-882-0964 or use our online chat feature. Visit our Tooele showroom today!
Learn More: COREtec Flooring Reviews: Before and After Insights