Solid Vs Engineered Hardwood Flooring
We have several different styles of solid and engineered hardwood flooring, learn about the differences.
Our Trusted Hardwood Floor Suppliers
Sierra has been in business for over 20 years, plus the many additional years of flooring experience that our staff bring, we really do specialize in hardwood flooring. From design, styling, product knowledge, installation experience, project management, and service, you don’t need to look any further than Sierra Flooring.
What Is Solid Hardwood?
As the name indicates, solid hardwood flooring products are made from solid wood throughout the full thickness. The planks are usually made from hardwood species like walnut, maple, and oak.
What Are The Benefits?
While the surface aesthetic might look very similar to engineered hardwood, solid floors have a few distinct advantages that justify the higher average costs.
- Thicker planks can be sanded and refinished more times which extends the potential lifespan well beyond engineered products.
- Hardwood floors have superior resale values
What Is Engineered Hardwood?
Engineered hardwood products look very similar to solid hardwood but are made from a thinner layer of hardwood bonded over a substrate of high quality plywood. The difference in construction offers compelling cost savings while still delivering good aesthetics and quality.
What Are The Benefits?
Average lifespan is lower than solid hardwood options but relative cost and water resistance make it an attractive choice for many buyers. Engineered products offer several benefits to flooring shoppers.
- Relatively lower costs compared to solid products
- Better resistance to warping
- Can be sanded and refinished although fewer times
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Protect the Natural Beauty of Your Sierra Hardwood Flooring
- Use a lightly damp cloth to blot spills, and spots as soon as they happen. Always avoid allowing liquids to stand on your floor.
- Sweep, dust, or vacuum the floor regularly with the hard floor brush attachment (not the beater bar) to prevent accumulation of dirt or grit that can scratch, or dull the floor finish.
- Occasionally wipe the floor with a very lightly moist cloth.
- Periodically clean the floor with hardwood care products also available from Sierra.
- Each manufacturer has their own recommendations to be followed to maintain their warranty.
- Don’t use oil based, wax, polish, or strong ammonia or abrasive cleaners.
- Don’t use steel wool or scouring powder.
- Don’t wash or wet-mop the floor with soap, water, oil-soap detergent, or any other liquid cleaning material. This could cause swelling, warping, and joint-line separation, and void the warranty.
- Don’t use any type of buffing machine.
- Each manufacturer has their own recommendations to be followed to maintain their warranty.
- For tough stains, use the cleaner or method as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Use protective mats.
- Use floor protectors on furniture.
- Maintain a relative humidity level as recommended by the hardwood manuafacturer.
- Avoid sharp or pointed objects directly on your hardwood floor.
- Protect the floor when moving any large or heavy object; use a dolly or a protective mat.
