Is Engineered Hardwood Flooring Better Than Solid Hardwood Flooring?

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.

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.

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.

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.