Types of Wood Flooring

Solid Floor

A solid piece of wood all throughout.  No layering or lamination.  Wood grain runs all in the same direction.

Engineered Floor

From 3 to 5 layers of wood pressed together to form one piece of wood.  On top is a layer of finished hardwood for display.

Positives

+

• Sandability.  Can be sanded multiple times.
• Longer life-span because it is sandable.
• Often homebuyers place higher value on solid floor because it is "real wood" all the way through.

• Can be used in basements, laundry rooms, and places where some dampness is an issue.*
• Layers arranged with grain running in opposite directions give wood more strength.

Negatives

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• Not suitable for areas where moisture might be a problem.
• Because it is a purely natural product, there is less consistent quality than engineered wood

• Sanding not recommended because thin top layer will sand off.
• Shorter life-span because it is not sandable.