Is Engineered Hardwood Flooring Better Than Solid Hardwood Flooring?

10/17/2025

Is Engineered Hardwood Flooring Better Than Solid Hardwood Flooring?

When choosing new hardwood flooring for your home or condo in Toronto, one of the most common questions is:
Is engineered hardwood flooring better than solid hardwood?
Both options are made with real wood and offer timeless beauty and long-term value, but they come with different benefits and limitations. With Toronto’s fluctuating climate, varying subfloor types, and the rise of condo living, the right choice often depends on your specific space and needs.

Traditional solid hardwood floors in a classic Toronto home living room

What Is the Difference Between Engineered and Solid Hardwood Flooring?

At first glance, engineered and solid hardwood floors might look identical, but their internal structure and performance can be quite different.
Solid Hardwood Flooring

Made from a single piece of solid wood, such as oak, maple, or walnut.
Thickness is typically ¾ inch.
Installed by nailing directly into a plywood subfloor.
Solid hardwood flooring can be refinished multiple times (depending on condition).
More prone to expansion and contraction with temperature/humidity changes.

Engineered Hardwood Flooring

Constructed with a real wood veneer on top of several layers of plywood or HDF core.
Thickness ranges from ⅜ inch to ¾ inch, with varying top-layer veneer thickness.
Can be installed via click-lock, glue-down, or nail-down methods.
Offers greater stability in humid environments.
Refinishing potential depends on veneer thickness (usually 1–3 times).

In short:
Solid hardwood is a traditional, long-lasting option with high refinishing potential — best for homes with plywood subfloors.
Engineered hardwood is more versatile, particularly in condos or areas with concrete subfloors and humidity swings — making it ideal for many Toronto properties.

Pros and Cons of Engineered Hardwood Flooring

Pros of Engineered Hardwood

Moisture Resistance
Its multi-layer construction provides better dimensional stability, making it less prone to warping and cupping — ideal for Toronto’s changing climate and below-grade installations like basements.
Versatile Installation
Can be installed as click-lock (floating), glue-down, or nail-down, depending on the subfloor. This flexibility is perfect for condo flooring with concrete subfloors, where solid wood isn’t feasible.
Suitable for Radiant Heat
Many engineered hardwood products are compatible with in-floor heating systems, a growing trend in modern Toronto homes.
Wider Planks & Design Options
Available in wider hardwood flooring planks, which provide a more modern, luxurious look that’s harder to achieve with solid hardwood.
Cost-Effective in Some Cases
While high-end engineered flooring can rival solid hardwood in price, thinner or mid-range options can be more budget-friendly, especially when considering installation savings.

Cons of Engineered Hardwood

Limited Refinishing
Can typically be sanded only 1–3 times, depending on the veneer thickness. If the top layer is too thin, refinishing may not be possible at all.
Less “Authentic” to Some Buyers
Some homeowners still prefer the idea of one solid piece of wood and see engineered as less traditional or premium — though high-quality options are nearly indistinguishable.
Price Range Varies Widely
Premium engineered flooring with thick veneers can cost just as much (or more) than solid hardwood, especially with glue-down or herringbone installations.

Refinished solid hardwood flooring in a Toronto heritage home

Pros and Cons of Solid Hardwood Flooring

Pros of Solid Hardwood

Long-Term Durability
Made from a single piece of wood, solid hardwood can be sanded and refinished multiple times over its lifetime — often 5–7 times or more. This makes it a truly lifetime investment if properly maintained.
Timeless Aesthetic
Offers an unmatched traditional feel, with natural grain variation and richness that’s hard to replicate. Ideal for heritage homes or buyers who value authenticity.
Increased Home Value
Because of its durability and perception as a premium material, solid hardwood is often seen as a desirable feature that adds to resale value.
Custom Finishing
Can be site-finished for a fully custom look, allowing homeowners to choose exact stain, sheen, and finish type — perfect for matching existing floors or cabinetry.

Cons of Solid Hardwood

Not Ideal for Moisture-Prone Areas
Susceptible to expansion and contraction from humidity and temperature changes, making it a risky choice for basement floors or condos with concrete subfloors and less ventilation.
Requires Nail-Down Installation
Needs a plywood subfloor to be nailed into, which can add cost and limit where it can be installed. Not suitable for glue-down over concrete.
Higher Cost in Certain Scenarios
While basic solid oak may be affordable, exotic species or custom finishes can drive the price up — especially when combined with additional prep like plywood installation.

Which Flooring Type Is Better for Toronto Homes?

When choosing between engineered and solid hardwood flooring in Toronto, the best choice depends heavily on your home’s structure, subfloor type, and lifestyle needs. Here’s how it breaks down in common scenarios:

For Condos & High-Rises

Best Choice: Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Due to strict condo regulations, concrete subfloors, and the need for soundproofing, engineered hardwood is the go-to option. Its stability and compatibility with glue-down flooring installation or floating installation methods make it ideal for this setting.

For Detached or Semi-Detached Homes

Both Can Work — Depends on Subfloor and Budget
- If there is a plywood subfloor and the homeowner wants a refinishing-friendly, traditional feel, solid hardwood may be preferred.
- If the homeowner prefers faster installation, prefinished planks, or wider/longer boards, engineered hardwood is a strong alternative.

For Basements & Below-Grade Installations

Best Choice: Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Solid hardwood is not recommended in moisture-prone areas like basements. Engineered hardwood, especially with a plywood core, offers superior moisture resistance and is much safer for below-grade use.

For Busy Family Homes

Leaning Towards: Engineered Hardwood
It offers excellent durability, more scratch- and dent-resistance (depending on finish and species), and often comes pre-finished.

For Commercial Floors in Toronto

Engineered hardwood floors are a great flooring option for commercial floors, since they can be installed easily over concrete floors. Glue-Down hardwood flooring isntallation is the reccomended choice

Final Verdict – Which Should You Choose?

When choosing between engineered and solid hardwood flooring, the best option depends on your specific needs, home structure, and long-term goals. Here's a breakdown to help you decide:

Choose Engineered Hardwood Flooring If:

You live in a Toronto condo or high-rise with concrete subfloors.
You need moisture resistance for basements or radiant heat systems.
You prefer wider or longer planks, modern finishes, or prefinished options.
You want a more stable option with fewer risks of cupping or warping.
You’re doing a glue-down, floating, or click-lock installation.

Choose Solid Hardwood Flooring If:

You live in a house with plywood subfloors and prefer traditional materials.
You want floors that can be sanded and refinished multiple times.
You value the feel and heritage of solid wood underfoot.
You’re not installing below grade or over radiant heating.

Or Combine BothIn many cases, Toronto homeowners mix both materials:

Engineered hardwood for basements, kitchens, and condos.
Solid hardwood for main living spaces in traditional homes.

At Parqueteam Hardwood Flooring, we help you assess your home and lifestyle to recommend the perfect option — both in material and installation method.

Wide plank 34 inch engineered hardwood flooring installed in a luxury Toronto home

Frequently Asked Questions

Is engineered hardwood more durable than solid hardwood?
Engineered hardwood is more dimensionally stable, making it less prone to warping or expanding with humidity changes. However, solid hardwood can typically be refinished more times, which may contribute to a longer lifespan in the right conditions.

Can engineered hardwood increase home value like solid hardwood?
Yes — engineered hardwood adds strong resale value, especially when it’s high quality, thick, and installed professionally. Most buyers consider engineered and solid hardwood equally desirable if the appearance and feel are comparable.

Is solid hardwood harder to maintain?
Yes. Solid hardwood is more sensitive to moisture, temperature swings, and scratches. It also requires more attention to humidity levels in Toronto homes. Engineered hardwood is often easier to care for, especially in high-traffic or climate-variable areas.

Can I refinish engineered hardwood?
Yes, but only a few times, depending on the thickness of the veneer (top layer). 3mm–4mm veneers can be refinished once or twice, while solid hardwood can usually be refinished multiple times.

Which flooring type is better for condos in Toronto?
Engineered hardwood is the better choice for condos, thanks to its compatibility with concrete subfloors, click or glue-down installation, and soundproofing underlayment options.

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How Much Does Engineered Hardwood Flooring Cost in Toronto?

10/7/2025

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How Much Does Engineered Hardwood Flooring Cost in Toronto?

Engineered hardwood flooring has become a go-to option for many Toronto homeowners, condo dwellers, and even commercial property managers. Thanks to its durability, versatility, and stylish appearance, it delivers the look of solid hardwood flooring while offering added stability—especially important in environments with fluctuating humidity levels like Toronto.
Unlike solid hardwood, engineered hardwood is made with multiple layers, making it more resistant to expansion and contraction. It's also compatible with a variety of subfloors, including concrete, which makes it ideal for condos and basements across the GTA.

Elegant herringbone engineered hardwood flooring installed in a high-end Toronto living room

What Factors Influence the Cost of Engineered Hardwood Flooring?

Several key factors determine the overall cost of installing engineered hardwood floors in Toronto:

Material Quality: Prices range based on veneer thickness, brand reputation, and overall construction quality. Higher-quality planks with thicker top layers (ideal for refinishing down the road) will typically cost more.
Thickness & Finish: Engineered hardwood planks come in different thicknesses, from 3/8" to 3/4". Thicker planks are more durable and usually more expensive.
Installation Method: Click-lock (floating), glue-down, or double glue-down installation types all come at different price points (more on that below).
Layout & Room Size: Larger areas may benefit from reduced labour rates per sq. ft., while complicated layouts (e.g., tight corners, stairs, transitions) may increase installation time and cost.
Design Pattern: Straight lay installs are more affordable. Custom patterns like herringbone flooring or chevron significantly increase labour costs.

Average Material Costs for Engineered Hardwood in Toronto

When shopping for engineered hardwood flooring in Toronto, you’ll notice a wide range of prices. This variation is largely due to the brand, thickness, veneer layer, wood species, and country of origin. Here's a general breakdown:

Entry-Level Options:
$4.99 – $6.99 per sq. ft.
Mid-Range Options:
$7.00 – $9.99 per sq. ft.
High-End Options:
$10.00 – $11.99+ per sq. ft.

Factors that influence material costs:

Thickness of the top veneer (a thicker veneer allows for refinishing in the future)
Wood species (e.g., European White Oak and Hickory typically cost more)
Country of manufacturing (Canadian-made products are often higher in quality and price)
Finish and texture (e.g., wire-brushed or matte UV finish)

Average Installation Costs by Method & Style

Installation pricing for engineered hardwood flooring in Toronto can vary depending on the method used, the layout complexity, and overall square footage. Here's a breakdown of the most common engineered hardwood flooring installation types:
Straight Lay Installations (Standard Pattern)

Click Installation
$1.50 – $2.50 per sq. ft.
Best suited for floating floors. Cost-effective and fast to install.
Nail & Glue Assist Installation
$2.50 – $3.50 per sq. ft.
A reliable method for added stability—especially ideal for wider or longer planks. Requires a plywood subfloor.
Glue-Down Hardwood Flooring or Double Glue-Down Hardwood Flooring Installation
$3.00 – $4.50 per sq. ft.
Used when soundproofing or added stability is needed. Ideal for condos or concrete subfloors.

Custom Patterns (Herringbone, Chevron, etc.)

Herringbone or Custom Pattern Installations
$5.50 – $7.50 per sq. ft.
Requires precise cuts and layout planning, resulting in higher labor costs.

Additional Material Costs

Adhesive Costs
High-quality flooring adhesive typically costs around $170 per pail. The number of pails needed depends on the total square footage and adhesive spread rate.

Professional glue-down installation of engineered hardwood flooring in a Toronto home

What Affects Installation Pricing

While square footage plays a major role in estimating costs, several additional factors can significantly impact the final price of your engineered hardwood flooring installation in Toronto:

Subfloor Condition
If the subfloor is uneven, damaged, or not suitable for the chosen installation method (e.g., nail-down or glue-down), it will require prep work—such as leveling or installing plywood—which adds to the cost.

Project Layout & Complexity
Rooms with irregular shapes, tight hallways, many doorways, or intricate corners increase labor time. Larger open spaces are generally easier (and cheaper) to work with compared to multiple small rooms.

Pattern & Layout Type

Straight lay is faster and less costly.
Diagonal, herringbone, or chevron patterns require precision cuts and more labor, increasing costs significantly.

Condo vs. House

Condos often require glue-down, double glue-down, or click installation methods due to concrete subfloors and soundproofing requirements.
Houses with plywood subfloors allow for nail-down or nail and glue assist installations, offering more flexibility and potential savings.

Existing Flooring Removal
Removing and disposing of old flooring (hardwood, tile, carpet, etc.) will add labor and disposal costs. For reference, expect:

$0.50 – $2.00 per sq. ft., depending on the type of floor being removed.

Job Size
Larger projects tend to receive better per-square-foot rates, as setup and mobilization costs are spread over more area. Very small jobs may have minimum charges or higher per-foot pricing.

Is Engineered Hardwood Flooring Worth the Investment in Toronto?

For many Toronto homeowners, engineered hardwood flooring offers a compelling balance between luxury, performance, and practicality. But is it worth the cost? Here's what to consider:

Durability in Varying Climates
Toronto's humid summers and dry winters can cause traditional solid hardwood to expand and contract. Engineered hardwood, with its multi-layered core, is more stable and better suited for our local climate—especially in condos or basements.

Long-Term Value
While more expensive upfront than laminate or vinyl, engineered hardwood boosts property value and appeals to buyers looking for real wood aesthetics. If properly maintained, it can last decades and be refinished (depending on veneer thickness), making it a long-term investment.

Versatility in Installation
Whether you're dealing with concrete slabs in a condo or plywood subfloors in a house, engineered hardwood can be installed using various methods—click, nail-down, glue-down, or even double glue-down—offering flexibility without compromising durability.

Comfort & Acoustics
Unlike harder materials like tile, engineered hardwood provides a warmer, softer underfoot feel and better sound insulation—especially important in multi-level homes and condos.

Minimal Maintenance
With today’s prefinished and UV-cured surfaces, engineered hardwood resists scratches and stains better than ever. A regular sweep and occasional damp mop keep it looking like new.

Finished transition between engineered hardwood flooring and tile in a Toronto kitchen

FAQs About Engineered Hardwood Flooring Cost in Toronto

Q: What is the average cost per square foot for engineered hardwood in Toronto?
A: On average, you can expect to pay between $4.99 to $11.99 per sq ft for materials, depending on the brand, thickness, veneer, and finish. Installation adds $2.50 to $7.50 per sq ft, depending on method and layout complexity.

Q: Is engineered hardwood cheaper than solid hardwood?
A: Typically, yes. Engineered hardwood is more cost-effective both in material and installation—especially when using click systems—while still offering the look and feel of real wood.

Q: Does the installation method affect the cost?
A: Absolutely. Click installation is usually the most affordable (approx. $1.50 – $2.50/sq ft), while glue-down or nail & glue assist methods can cost more ($3.00 – $4.50/sq ft or higher), especially in complex layouts like herringbone.

Q: Are there any hidden or additional costs to consider?
A: Yes. Some additional costs may include:

Adhesive (for glue-down installs): ~$170 per pail
Leveling or subfloor prep (if needed)
Old flooring removal
Transitions, trims, and underlayment (for click installs)

Q: Is herringbone engineered hardwood more expensive to install?
A: Yes. Due to its intricate layout, herringbone or chevron installations typically range between $5.50 – $7.50 per sq ft for labor alone, depending on the scope of the project.

Q: What’s the best value option for engineered hardwood flooring in Toronto homes?
A: A click-lock engineered hardwood (12mm+ thick) offers excellent value—easy to install, cost-effective, and durable—especially for condos or finished basements.

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