Engineered Wood vs Solid Wood Flooring: Which is better for The Jacksonville, FL Climate?
Choosing the right flooring for your home is a significant decision, especially when it comes to hardwood options. Both solid and engineered hardwood flooring have their own unique benefits and drawbacks. In this post, we’ll dive into the differences between the two and discuss which might be better suited for the climate in Jacksonville, FL.
Solid Hardwood Flooring
Composition and Structure:
Solid hardwood flooring is made from a single piece of wood, typically ¾ inch thick. Each plank is milled from a solid piece of timber, giving it a uniform structure.
Pros:
• Durability: Solid hardwood can be sanded and refinished multiple times, which means it can last for decades if properly maintained.
• Aesthetic Appeal: It offers a natural and authentic look, with a wide variety of wood species, grains, and finishes available.
• Longevity: With proper care, solid hardwood flooring can last a lifetime.
Cons:
• Moisture Sensitivity: Solid hardwood is more susceptible to changes in humidity and temperature, which can cause it to expand or contract.
• Installation Limitations: It is typically nailed down, which can limit where it can be installed, such as on concrete slabs or below grade (basements).
• Width Limitations: Solid hardwood planks are typically limited in width to around 5 inches or less. Wider planks are more prone to cupping and warping.
Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Composition and Structure:
Engineered hardwood flooring is composed of multiple layers. The top layer is real hardwood, while the underlying layers are made from plywood or high-density fiberboard (HDF). These layers are bonded together in a cross-grain configuration, which provides additional stability.
Pros:
• Stability: Engineered hardwood is more stable in humid and fluctuating climates because of its layered construction. It is less likely to warp or cup.
• Versatility: It can be installed in more areas of the home, including basements and over concrete slabs, due to its moisture resistance.
• Ease of Installation: It can be installed using various methods, including glue-down, nail-down, or floating, making it more versatile in terms of installation.
• Wider Plank Options: Engineered hardwood can come in wider plank options (over 12”) without the same risks of warping or cupping as solid hardwood.
Cons:
• Limited Refinishing: Engineered hardwood can be sanded and refinished, but only a limited number of times due to the thinner top layer.
• Price Variation: While it can be more affordable than solid hardwood, high-quality engineered options can be equally expensive.
Which is Better for Jacksonville, FL?
Jacksonville, FL, experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. This type of climate can cause challenges for solid hardwood flooring due to the potential for expansion and contraction with changes in humidity.
Why Engineered Hardwood is Ideal:
• Moisture Resistance: Engineered hardwood’s layered construction makes it more resistant to the high humidity levels typical in Jacksonville, reducing the risk of warping and swelling.
• Temperature Fluctuations: Engineered hardwood handles temperature changes better than solid hardwood, making it a more stable option for homes in this region.
• Versatile Installation: With the ability to install over concrete slabs and below grade, engineered hardwood offers more flexibility for various areas of your home.
Conclusion:
While both solid and engineered hardwood flooring have their benefits, engineered hardwood is generally the better choice for Jacksonville, FL, due to its superior stability and moisture resistance. However, if you prefer the timeless look and longevity of solid hardwood, ensure proper humidity control within your home to maintain its beauty and durability.
Whether you choose solid or engineered hardwood, both options can bring warmth, beauty, and value to your home. At Mike Nakhel Flooring, we’re here to help you make the best choice for your specific needs and climate. Visit our showroom or contact us today for expert advice and a wide selection of high-quality hardwood flooring options.
