10/11/2026
What to Know When Shopping for Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood floors bring warmth, character, and lasting beauty to a home. Their timeless appearance works with nearly any décor, and their durability can add value to your property. Before choosing a floor, consider the differences between solid and engineered hardwood.😁
Solid vs. Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Solid hardwood is made from a single piece of timber, typically about ¾ inch thick. It comes in strips, parquet, and planks and is usually installed with a traditional tongue-and-groove system.
Solid hardwood is relatively easy to maintain, but wipe up spills promptly because excess water and moisture can damage the wood. Also acclimate the flooring to the room before installation to minimize expansion and contraction caused by changes in temperature and humidity. Because it can be sanded and refinished, solid hardwood may be refinished four to six times over its lifetime.✅✅
Engineered hardwood has become popular because its layered construction provides greater stability and better moisture resistance. The top layer features the hardwood species you select, such as oak, maple, or hickory. Beneath it are layers of genuine wood, combined with a small amount of resin and arranged in a crosswise pattern to help reduce movement.
Engineered hardwood is commonly available in thicknesses ranging from ⅜ inch to ½ inch. In general, thicker flooring offers more opportunities for refinishing. Depending on its thickness and construction, engineered hardwood may be refinished up to five times.🤝🤝
Choose your hardwood species.🤝🙏
Not all hardwoods have the same strength, so decide whether you need extra durability.
Hickory, pecan, hard maple, and white oak are the toughest, with white ash, beech, red oak, yellow birch, green ash, and black walnut closely following.
Mahogany and cherry are a little softer but still durable, and exotics (harvested in locations like Brazil, Southeast Asia, Indonesia, and Africa) are always very hard. Your best bet is to check the Janka hardness scale and look for something rated at least 1200 if you need extra durability, but that doesn't mean you should discount softer hardwoods like pine; they are just as beautiful in the right setting.