Just as the name implies, solid wood is made completely from solid wood and is one of the most popular types of flooring used today. Solid wood has a lot of advantages and one outstanding advantage is that it can be refinished and sanded numerous times throughout its lifespan.

Engineered wood flooring looks almost identical to solid wood on the surface. But the difference between the two is that instead of a single wood plank like solid wood, the core of engineered wood is made with plywood while the top surface is made with a thin layer of hardwood. It is more affordable than solid wood but it can’t be refinished with proper maintenance, it can still last up to 30 years. 

There is no advantage of one over the other. Your choice depends on how you value the merits of each. In general, both categories of hardwood offer a lot of benefits such as:

• Extremely durable being able to last for decades.
• Super easy to clean and maintain compared to other types of flooring. 
• Make your space appear larger than it is. 
• Complements a wide range of decor and furniture styles. 
• Improves the acoustics of your home. 
• Adds value and gives your home a natural look. 

Hardwood flooring can be a considerable investment, so it’s important to set a budget before you begin exploring your options. 

You also have to consider your taste when buying hardwood floors. How the floor matches the current design of your space or the look you’re trying to achieve should help shape your choice of hardwood flooring. Wood species differ based on their density, texture, and color. When choosing, you should think of the one that suits your taste, preference, and needs.

With prefinished options, you only need to install them and you can use them immediately after installation. For site-finished hardwood floors, the finishing is done after the installation, so you might need to wait a few days until the process is done before you can use the floors.