What is the difference between hardwood and engineered wood flooring?

For many households, hard flooring is a convenient, attractive choice. Whether you live in a contemporary apartment or a rustic cottage, hard flooring is practical, easy to clean and looks great.

But you may be wondering whether to opt for hardwood floors or engineered wood flooring. Both have some fantastic qualities – let’s have a look at some of the features so you can decide which is right for your home.

Hardwood Floors

As the name would suggest, hardwood floors are made up of solid wood. This comes directly from a real tree and is shaped into planks, typically around three to four inches thick. As you would expect, hardwood floors are extremely durable and last very well. They’re a luxurious way to enhance your home, and wood offers a highly attractive look which stands the test of time.

However, hardwood can be susceptible to damage from moisture or heat, so it’s not advisable in kitchens, bathrooms or areas which may get hot. Cost-wise, it can be expensive, but it is likely to last up to 100 years, so it’s unlikely you would need to replace it.

Engineered Wood Flooring

This type of flooring is a series of planks, each of which is made up of layers of hardwood and softwood with a veneer outer.

Engineered wood flooring is available in a wide range of shades, so you can find the right colour to match your interior style. It’s always a good idea to visit an engineered wood flooring specialist such as .irwintiles.ie/wooden-flooring/engineered-wood-flooring for tailored advice and inspiration.

Engineered wood floors can easily be kept immaculate by sweeping or vacuuming regularly, and using a damp mop to clean, according to The Spruce.

Engineered wood flooring has a number of benefits. It’s much less expensive than hardwood and boasts a much better ability to cope with moisture and humidity, making it a better choice for kitchens and bathrooms. You can expect engineered wood floors to last for up to 50 years, so it’s still very long-lasting.