Guides
SOLID VS ENGINEERED HARDWOOD FLOORING: PROS AND CONS
By Bramer's Flooring · 2025-03-10
Real wood floors transform a home — but should you choose solid or engineered? Both are real wood. They behave very differently.
SOLID HARDWOOD
A single piece of timber, typically 18–22mm thick. Beautiful, can be sanded and refinished many times, lasts a lifetime. Sensitive to humidity changes — expands and contracts with the seasons. Not suitable for underfloor heating or basements.
ENGINEERED HARDWOOD
A real wood top layer (2–6mm) bonded to a stable cross-ply core. Looks identical to solid once fitted. Dimensionally stable, suitable for underfloor heating, and can be installed below ground level. Can still be sanded — typically 2–3 times depending on wear-layer thickness.
WHICH SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?
Modern homes with underfloor heating: engineered. Period properties without UFH: either works. Kitchens and conservatories: engineered. Bedrooms upstairs: solid is fine.
BRANDS WE TRUST
Ted Todd, Kahrs and Woodpecker are our go-to engineered brands — beautiful finishes, reliable construction, sensible warranties.