When it comes to creating a warm, timeless atmosphere in your home, wood flooring is often at the top of the list. Its natural beauty, durability, and ability to complement nearly any style make it a favorite among homeowners. But choosing between popular options like traditional solid hardwood and engineered hardwood can feel like a challenge.
At Landmark Interiors, we want you to feel confident in your decision. Both hardwood and engineered hardwood offer unique benefits, and the best choice often comes down to your lifestyle, budget, and long-term needs.
What Is Solid Hardwood Flooring?
Solid hardwood is exactly what its name suggests: flooring milled from a single piece of natural wood. Each plank showcases authentic wood grain and can be sanded and refinished multiple times throughout its life.
This makes solid hardwood a lasting investment for homeowners who want floors that can adapt to evolving styles and withstand decades of use. However, because it is 100% wood, solid hardwood is more vulnerable to moisture and temperature changes. It performs best in stable environments above grade, such as living rooms, bedrooms, and dining areas.
What Is Engineered Hardwood Flooring?
Engineered hardwood is crafted with multiple layers, combining a real wood veneer on top with a core made of high-performance materials. This layered construction provides greater stability and resistance to moisture compared to solid hardwood.
At Landmark Interiors, our engineered hardwood collections—City of Oaks and Country Oaks—deliver the authentic look and feel of traditional wood while offering added durability. With a protective urethane wear layer, these planks resist scratches, fading, and everyday wear, making them suitable for households with pets, children, or higher traffic.
Engineered hardwood can also be installed in more areas of the home, including spaces where humidity may fluctuate.
Comparing Hardwood and Engineered Hardwood
While both flooring options are beautiful, the differences come down to performance, maintenance, and versatility.
Durability and Longevity
Solid hardwood can last for generations with proper care, thanks to its ability to be refinished multiple times. Engineered hardwood also has excellent durability, but refinishing depends on the thickness of the veneer layer.
Moisture and Stability
Because solid hardwood expands and contracts with changes in humidity, it’s less ideal for areas like basements, kitchens, or bathrooms. Engineered hardwood, on the other hand, is built for stability in all three dimensions—its layered construction allows it to flex naturally with the subtle movements of a home as it settles, as well as adapt to seasonal shifts in temperature and humidity. This dimensional stability makes engineered hardwood a versatile and reliable choice for nearly every room, offering the beauty of real wood with enhanced long-term performance.
Installation Options
Solid hardwood usually requires professional nail-down installation. Engineered hardwood provides more flexibility and can often be installed as a floating floor with locking systems, depending on the collection.
Cost
Engineered hardwood tends to be more budget-friendly while still providing the authentic look of natural wood. Solid hardwood, as a premium material, often comes at a higher price point.
Which One Is Best for Your Home?
The right choice depends on your lifestyle and priorities. If you’re seeking a traditional, long-term investment and are willing to manage its care, solid hardwood may be the perfect fit. If you want a wood floor that offers greater flexibility, moisture resistance, and ease of installation, engineered hardwood may better suit your needs.
At Landmark Interiors, our engineered hardwood collections are designed with modern living in mind. With wide planks, stylish finishes, and enhanced durability, they bring the character of natural wood to your home with added peace of mind.
Explore Hardwood Flooring with Landmark Interiors
Whether you’re drawn to the timeless beauty of solid hardwood or the versatile performance of engineered hardwood, Landmark Interiors has a solution to match your vision. Use our Floor Visualizer tool to see how different options will look in your space, or browse our Look Book for design inspiration.
Contact your local Landmark Interiors’ retailer today to learn more about our premium engineered hardwood flooring and find the best fit for your home.