Solid or Engineered

Solid wood floors were the very first type of hardwood floors, and are still the most durable option for any home. Solid hardwood floors don't just last for a lifetime, they can last for generations when properly cared for. There are some clear disadvantages to solid floors, however. First, they cannot be installed below ground level. Secondly, with a few exceptions, solid floors must be nailed down to be properly installed, which is generally best left to a professional. Engineered flooring was created in the 1950s when an American economic expansion created thousands of new homes, many with concrete substrates. These new homes required a floor that could handle changes in temperature and humidity. Engineered wood floors filled that need. They can be installed anywhere in the home that doesn't have a high risk of moisture damage like kitchens or bathrooms, are lighter-weight, more inexpensive and simpler to install. Which one is right for you depends on a few factors. First, where the flooring is going to be installed. If you need hardwood for a basement or anywhere underneath the surrounding ground level, engineered is your only option. Secondly, do you want to hire a professional installer? Nail-down or staple-down installation is best left to someone experienced, and even glue-down installation can be difficult for the novice. But some engineered floors called longstrips can be floated above any subfloor like laminates, making it far easier to install yourself. Finally, engineered floors are usually cheaper than solid floors, and are more dimensionally stable.

In summary, solid hardwood looks better, feels sturdier and can last longer, but engineered floors are less expensive, aren't as susceptible to changes in humidity, and perform better.