What’s the Difference Between Solid and Engineered Hardwood Flooring?

Hardwood flooring is one of the most sought-after flooring options in Toronto homes due to its timeless appearance, durability, and ability to increase property value. But when it comes to choosing between solid hardwood and engineered hardwood flooring, many homeowners are unsure which is the better fit.
While both offer the beauty and feel of real wood, they differ in structure, installation methods, and suitability for different environments. In this guide, we break down the key differences between solid and engineered hardwood flooring so you can make the best decision for your space—whether it's a downtown condo, a suburban home, or a commercial project.

What Is Solid Hardwood Flooring?

Solid hardwood flooring is made from a single, solid piece of natural wood, typically ¾" thick. It’s milled from one species of hardwood—such as oak, maple, birch, or hickory—and can be sanded and refinished multiple times throughout its lifespan.

Installation:
Solid hardwood flooring installation involved nail down instsallation method to a plywood subfloor, making it unsuitable for installation directly over concrete or below grade (such as in basements). This type of flooring expands and contracts more with changes in humidity, so it's best suited for stable indoor environments like main and upper floors in homes.
​
Key Advantages of Solid Hardwood:

• Long-lasting and can be refinished many times
• Premium, authentic wood feel
• Wide range of stains and species available

Potential Limitations:

• Not recommended for basements or concrete subfloors
• More sensitive to moisture and temperature changes
• Typically more expensive to install due to subfloor requirements

What Is Engineered Hardwood Flooring?

Engineered hardwood flooring is made from multiple layers: a top layer of real hardwood (called the veneer), bonded to layers of plywood or high-density fiberboard. This layered structure gives engineered hardwood greater stability and resistance to moisture and temperature fluctuations—making it a popular choice across the Greater Toronto Area.

Installation:
Engineered hardwood can be installed in several ways: nail down, glue down, click (floating), or even double glue down—depending on the product and the subfloor. It’s ideal for condo floors, basement floors, and homes with radiant heating systems.
​
Key Advantages of Engineered Hardwood:

• Can be installed over concrete or radiant heat
• More resistant to humidity and temperature changes
• Available in click systems for easier, faster installation
• More affordable than solid hardwood in many cases

Potential Limitations:

• Limited refinishing (depending on veneer thickness)
• Some lower-quality products may have a thin wear layer

Which One Should You Choose for Your Toronto Home?

Choosing between solid and engineered hardwood flooring depends on your specific space, lifestyle, and goals. Here’s how to decide:
Choose Solid Hardwood if:

• You're installing on the main or upper levels of a house.
• You want a flooring option that can be sanded and refinished multiple times over decades.
• Your home environment is stable in terms of humidity and temperature.
• You’re going for a traditional feel and look that ages beautifully over time.

Choose Engineered Hardwood if:

• You live in a condo or are installing below grade (e.g., basement).
• You have radiant heating or slight moisture concerns.
• You want a more cost-effective yet high-end hardwood flooring option.
• You need a floating/click install for easier or faster installation.
• You’re looking to install wide plank hardwood floors.

In Toronto, many homeowners are leaning toward engineered hardwood due to its versatility, wide range of finishes, and better performance in our seasonally humid climate. However, both options are excellent choices when installed and maintained properly.

Our Professional Advice Based on 20+ Years of Flooring Experience in Toronto

At Parqueteam Hardwood Flooring, we've helped hundreds of homeowners, condo dwellers, and contractors choose the right flooring for their specific needs. Here's what we’ve learned from over two decades in the Toronto flooring industry:

• For Condos and Basements: Engineered hardwood is almost always the better choice. Its stability, click-install option, and ability to float or glue down over concrete make it ideal for condo floors and basement floors.
• For Family Homes with Pets and Kids: Engineered hardwood with a tough finish can handle wear and tear just as well as solid wood — and at times even better, especially when moisture or temperature swings are involved.
• For Long-Term Investments: Solid hardwood still holds the crown when it comes to ultimate longevity and refinishing potential. If you're planning to stay in the home for 30+ years and want to sand/refinish multiple times, solid wood is a solid bet.
• Installation & Budget Considerations: Glue-down engineered hardwood floor offers a luxurious, stable result — but at a lower material cost than solid wood. For budget-conscious upgrades, engineered click flooring allows quicker installation with fewer additional costs.

​
In short: Engineered hardwood is the go-to choice for most Toronto homes today, thanks to its adaptability, range of styles, and better performance in urban and multi-level buildings.

Comparison: Solid Hardwood Flooring vs. Engineered Hardwood Flooring

When choosing between solid and engineered hardwood flooring, it's helpful to look at their key differences side by side. While both offer timeless beauty and durability, their construction and performance differ in important ways.
Construction:
Solid hardwood is made from a single piece of natural wood, typically ¾” thick, while engineered hardwood is built from multiple layers (usually plywood or HDF core) topped with a real hardwood veneer. This layered design gives engineered hardwood added stability.

Durability & Moisture Resistance:
Solid hardwood is more susceptible to expansion and contraction due to humidity changes. That’s why it's not ideal for basements or over concrete subfloors. Engineered hardwood, on the other hand, handles moisture better, making it suitable for a wider range of environments, including condos, basements, and kitchens.

Refinishing Ability:
Solid hardwood can be sanded and refinished multiple times (up to 4–5 times), depending on the thickness. Engineered hardwood can also be refinished, but usually only once or twice, depending on the thickness of the veneer.

Installation Methods:
Solid hardwood generally requires nailing or stapling to a wood subfloor. Engineered hardwood is more flexible — it can be installed using glue-down, nail-down, or floating (click-lock) methods, depending on the product.

Cost:
Engineered hardwood tends to be more budget-friendly in terms of both materials and installation, especially in complex or moisture-prone settings. Solid hardwood, being denser and more traditional, often comes at a premium and requires more labor-intensive installation.
​
Best Use Cases:
Solid hardwood shines in traditional homes where longevity and multiple refinishes are desired. Engineered hardwood is a smarter option for Toronto’s condos, high-rise buildings, or any home needing a moisture-tolerant, flexible solution without sacrificing the look of real wood.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can engineered hardwood be refinished like solid hardwood?
Engineered hardwood can be refinished, but not as many times as solid hardwood. It depends on the thickness of the top veneer. High-quality engineered hardwood with a thicker wear layer may allow for one or two refinishes, while solid hardwood can be refinished multiple times over its lifetime.

2. Which is more durable, solid or engineered hardwood?
Both are durable, but in different ways. Solid hardwood is thicker and can last for decades with proper care and refinishing. Engineered hardwood is more stable in humid conditions and less prone to warping or cupping, making it ideal for condos and basements in Toronto.

3. Is engineered hardwood cheaper than solid hardwood?
Generally, yes. Engineered hardwood tends to be more cost-effective due to its layered construction and easier installation options. It also saves money on installation, especially for click-lock methods.

4. Can I install solid hardwood in a condo?
In most Toronto condos, installing solid hardwood is restricted due to soundproofing and subfloor requirements. Engineered hardwood is usually the preferred and approved option because of its compatibility with concrete subfloors and underlayments.

5. Does engineered hardwood look the same as solid hardwood?
Yes. Both use real wood on the surface, so they look identical once installed. Engineered hardwood is topped with a real hardwood veneer, offering the same grain, texture, and beauty as solid hardwood.

6. What’s the best flooring for basements — solid or engineered hardwood?
Engineered hardwood is the better choice for basements. Its layered design resists moisture and temperature changes much better than solid hardwood, which is more prone to expansion and warping.

7. Which type of hardwood flooring adds more value to a home?
Both types can add resale value to your home. Solid hardwood may carry a slight edge in traditional homes due to its longevity and ability to be refinished many times. However, engineered hardwood offers wide appeal and practicality in modern Toronto homes and condos.