Hardwood vs. Laminate

Engineered Hardwood

Composition:
Engineered hardwood is actually 
produced with three or more
layers of HDF, MDF, with a real 
hardwood vaneer bonded together 
under heat and pressure.

Strength:
More suitable in high-moisture 
areas or in areas of frequent 
temperature changes than solid 
hardwood due to its “multiple-ply 
plank’ manufacturing.

Uniformity:
Engineered hardwood is 
designed for optimal uniformity.

Dimensional Stability:
Constructed to be more 
dimensionally stable through 
multi-ply design. This allows 
greater resistance to temperature 
changes.

Resistance to moisture and heat:
Engineered hardwood is surely a 
suitable choice when solid wood is 
not applicable due to increased 
moisture or heat. It is more 
resistant to both if compared 
to solid wood.

Resistance to climatic changes:
Engineered hardwood does not 
warp or cup during climatic 
changes. It is more resistant to 
higher moisture levels than solid 
flooring. It is a better choice for 
installation over radiant heat 
sources, damp basements, and at 
locations in rainy climates.

Solid Hardwood

Composition:
Solid wood is milled from 
a real hardwood species, making it the 
sole material used in the making 
of the flooring.

Strength:
Noted for adding overall 
structural strength to the building 
in which it is installed. The 
degree to which this is true 
depends upon the species.

Uniformity:
Uniformity varies depending on 
grade. Some grades allow for 
multiple knots, for example.

Dimensional Stability:
Prone to expansion, warping, 
cupping, to a significant degree 
when exposed to temperature 
changes.

Resistance to moisture and heat:
Solid wood is unsuitable for 
applications at any location with 
increased moisture or high 
temperatures. These could be 
areas which are not 
environmentally controlled, damp 
areas such as below-grade 
installations and over radiant 
heat.

Resistance to climatic changes:
Solid wood generally expands 
and contracts a lot more than 
engineered wood during climatic 
changes, especially extremes in 
heat and cold and rainy season.