Engineered Wood vs. Solid Wood Flooring: Why Engineered Wood is the Smarter, Greener Choice
When choosing hardwood flooring, the debate between engineered wood and solid wood often comes up. While solid wood has long been considered the traditional option, engineered wood is gaining popularity—and for good reason. Not only does it offer practical advantages in performance and installation, but it also has a significantly smaller environmental footprint. Here's why engineered wood is becoming the preferred choice for eco-conscious homeowners and designers alike.
What is Engineered Wood?
Engineered wood flooring is made from multiple layers of real wood veneers bonded together, with a solid hardwood top layer that gives it the appearance of traditional wood floors. This layered construction adds stability, reducing the risk of warping or shrinking due to changes in humidity or temperature.
The Environmental Benefits of Engineered Wood
One of the biggest advantages of engineered wood is its sustainability. Because only the top layer is made of premium hardwood, manufacturers can use less of these slow-growing trees and rely more on fast-growing, renewable wood species for the inner layers. This results in more efficient use of natural resources.
In addition, many engineered wood products, like those in our TimberTop collection, are FSC-certified. This certification ensures the wood comes from responsibly managed forests that meet strict environmental, social, and economic standards. By choosing engineered wood, you’re helping preserve forest ecosystems and promote sustainable forestry.
More Stability, Less Waste
Engineered wood's structural integrity makes it less susceptible to expansion and contraction than solid wood. This means fewer installation issues, less material waste, and a longer-lasting floor that maintains its shape and appearance over time. It can also be installed in areas where solid wood isn’t ideal, such as basements or over concrete slabs.
Cost-Effective and Versatile
Engineered wood often comes at a lower price point than solid hardwood, making it a cost-effective option without sacrificing beauty. It is also available in a wide range of finishes, styles, and plank sizes, allowing for greater design flexibility across residential and commercial spaces.
Our Final Thoughts
While solid wood flooring has its merits, engineered wood is proving to be the smarter, more sustainable option for modern living. From its eco-friendly production to its superior stability and affordability, engineered wood is paving the way for a greener future in flooring.
Explore our engineered wood collections today and make a choice that’s beautiful, durable, and better for the planet.
Written by Ollie Duncan