Choosing wood flooring involves a number of considerations. One of the first decisions will be whether you decide to go with solid hardwood or engineered hardwood. Below, you will find an overview of the differences and similarities between the two.
Solid hardwood is a made up of single pieces of wood. There are no layers involved. While different thicknesses are available the standard is ¾". Board width and length is variable.
Engineered flooring is made of numerous layers that are glued or laminated together. The top layer will be made of a veneer of the actual species that you choose. The additional layers can be made up of a number of different products. The total thickness can vary from producer to producer and series to series. Various board widths are variable.
A solid wood floor can be have a large array of surface textures , colours, species, board lengths, widths and grades (which refers to the clarity of the wood). Most commonly a box of solid hardwood will contain boards with a specified minimum and maximum length. All the boards will fall randomly between these two measures.
Engineered flooring also comes in a wide range of finishes, colours, species and board sizes. The big difference in regards to board length is that an engineered floor will come with set board lengths. For example in one style all the boards may be one length while another style may contain 2 or 3 different lengths that are alternated during installation. This will alter the look of your floor.
Board widths are also quite different between solid and engineered. Solid can start quite narrow, under 3" if you prefer a formal more structured look. Board widths can go to 5" or more. Generally engineered flooring presents the consumer with wider board widths to begin with.
The biggest difference between the two products has to do with where they can be used and why.
Solid hardwood can only be installed at ground level or above ground level. This is due in large part to its susceptibility to changes in humidity levels, which we can experience in Calgary. This issue becomes more pronounced when you have a large seasonal climate changes, like we have in Alberta. The wider the solid hardwood board the more extreme its reaction to changing humidity levels. In order to control expansion and contraction, the boards need to be nailed or stapled into the subfloor, which rules out a concrete subfloor (normally what you have below grade).
Due to its' construction, engineered flooring is much more stable, resisting cupping and gapping of the boards. An engineered floor can be installed a number of ways, floating, glue down or stapled. Unlike solid hardwood, it can be installed below grade. The construction also means that engineered floors can be installed over in-floor heating, since it is less suseptible to drying out.
In both cases you have the look and feel of real hardwood. A high quality engineered flooring can be refinished a number of times just like a solid hardwood floore. A common misconception is that a hardwood floor can be refinished as much as you want, but that is not true. There is a point where the wood can no longer deal with the process and will become rough and grainy.
Regardless of your choice you need to understand the type, quality and durability of the finished surface. In solids and engineered there are many options in this area, both having suitable choices for your needs.
One consideration for Alberta consumers is that an engineered floor is a more sustainable solution. By using a veneer rather than a solid piece of wood, you are able to get much more surface product out of the same tree. This is an important consideration when looking at finate materials such as antique timbers or exotic species.
You will find both engineered and solid wood flooring used in quality installations around Calgary. Both are available in a wide range of colours, textures, species and styles. The enviroment in which you are putting the floor and the usage patterns will help determine your final selection.
Fashion Flooring in Calgary can show you a wide selection of both hardwood and engineered flooring, all from quality manufacturers. We employ experienced installers that know how to install your choice properly, giving you years of enjoyment of your new floor.
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