How much does engineered hardwood vs. hardwood cost?
How much does engineered hardwood vs. hardwood cost?
$9 – $20 cost per square foot installed (engineered)
$11 – $25 cost per square foot installed (hardwood)
Engineered hardwood vs. hardwood price & features
Engineered hardwood costs $9 to $20 per square foot with installation. Solid hardwood flooring costs $11 to $25 per square foot installed. Engineered hardwood flooring is easier to install and offers better moisture resistance, while solid hardwood lasts longer and can be fully refinished multiple times.
Engineered wood flooring features a real hardwood top layer over a stable, layered core, while solid hardwood is made from a single piece of wood. Deciding between them involves considering appearance, performance, value, and your priorities for moisture, longevity, and installation.
| Feature | Engineered hardwood | Solid hardwood |
|---|---|---|
| Installed cost | $9 – $20 per square foot | $11 – $25 per square foot |
| Construction | Real wood veneer over layered core | Solid piece of hardwood |
| Moisture resistance | High | Low |
| Refinishing ability | Limited (1–2 times, based on veneer) | Extensive (multiple times possible) |
| Installation options | Floating; glue-down; nail-down | Nail-down only |
| Common thickness | 3/8" to 3/4" | 3/4" |
| Lifespan | 20 – 40 years | 50 – 100+ years |
| Room suitability | Any level, including basements | Main floors and above; not suitable for basements |
Cost
Engineered hardwood flooring costs $6 to $12 per square foot for materials and $3 to $8 per square foot for labor, for a total of $9 to $20 per square foot. Labor is often more affordable for engineered wood because these floors install faster, especially with floating or click-lock systems.
Solid hardwood flooring costs $6 to $15 per square foot for materials and labor averages $5 to $10 per square foot, for a total of $11 to $25 per square foot. Labor costs are higher since pros have to nail down solid wood flooring, which requires more time, skill, and detailed finishing work compared to engineered options.
Durability
Engineered hardwood resists light scratches, dents, and scuffs from pets and daily activity, but deep damage may expose the underlying core and require plank replacement.
Solid hardwood can scratch and dent more easily from pet claws or dropped items, but homeowners can easily sand out and refinish imperfections multiple times.
Moisture resistance
Engineered hardwood handles moisture fluctuations well and can be installed in kitchens, basements, and over radiant heating systems. Its layered construction allows it to withstand humidity and minor spills better than solid hardwood, making it a reliable choice for spaces where moisture is a concern.
Solid hardwood is sensitive to moisture, making it suitable only for dry areas. Homeowners should not install it in basements or damp rooms.
Refinishing
Engineered hardwood can tolerate sanding and refinishing a limited number of times, just once or twice before the top veneer is exhausted. Deep scratches or wear often require plank replacement rather than restoration.
Solid hardwood can be brought back to life through multiple rounds of sanding and refinishing. This allows homeowners to restore the floor’s original beauty or update the look frequently over decades.
Installation
Engineered hardwood installations use glue-down, nail-down, or floating methods. The material works well over concrete and many other subfloors. Installation is often faster and more flexible thanks to options like floating or click-lock systems.
Solid hardwood use a nail-down method, attaching it to a wood subfloor, so installation is more limited and labor-intensive. This process takes more time to complete and requires careful leveling and finishing for best results.
Lifespan
Engineered hardwood floors have a lifespan of 20 to 40 years with regular maintenance and proper installation. Routine care, like sweeping and using furniture pads, helps preserve their appearance and function.
Solid hardwood can last up to a century if cared for, making it one of the longest-lasting flooring choices. Its ability to be refinished multiple times supports its remarkable durability in homes over generations.
Eco-friendliness
Engineered hardwood uses a thin layer of hardwood over high-density fiberboard or plywood, so it often requires less slow-growth wood per plank and reduces environmental impact. Many options use responsibly harvested or recycled wood materials in their layered cores.
Solid hardwood uses more wood from each tree, especially wide and thick planks, which can affect forests. However, its extended life and refinishing capabilities may offset environmental impact over the long run.
Comfort
Engineered hardwood provides a stable, natural surface that feels slightly firmer underfoot, especially when installed as a floating floor. High-quality underlayment can add plushness and help dampen echoes, promoting a comfortable experience in everyday living areas.
Solid hardwood delivers a naturally warm, slightly springy feel underfoot and tends to adjust to room temperature. This creates a cozy, timeless ambiance that many homeowners favor.
Sound
Both engineered and solid hardwood offer the characteristic acoustics of real wood. Solid wood tends to produce a deeper, fuller sound. Engineered wood, particularly when floated, may sound lighter or slightly hollow, but a good underlayment can reduce this effect.
Resale value
Both options add significant value to a home. Solid hardwood is better for buyers who value classic materials and longevity, but high-quality engineered wood can also impress, especially with wide-plank, trendy styles.
Engineered hardwood vs. hardwood cost by size
Engineered hardwood floors cost $9 to $20 per square foot installed and are less expensive than solid hardwood, which ranges from $11 to $25 per square foot. Solid hardwood’s higher price comes from being 100% lumber.
Over larger areas, the price gap between the two options becomes more noticeable, making engineered wood more cost-effective for big projects. The following table shows estimated installed costs based on room size.
| Square footage | Engineered hardwood average cost |
Solid hardwood average cost |
|---|---|---|
| 150 | $1,350 – $3,000 | $1,650 – $3,750 |
| 250 | $2,250 – $5,000 | $2,750 – $6,250 |
| 500 | $4,500 – $10,000 | $5,500 – $12,500 |
| 1,000 | $9,000 – $20,000 | $11,000 – $25,000 |
| 1,500 | $13,500 – $30,000 | $16,500 – $37,500 |
| 2,000 | $18,000 – $40,000 | $22,000 – $50,000 |
FAQs about engineered vs. hardwood floors
What is engineered hardwood vs. hardwood?
Engineered hardwood consists of a real hardwood top layer bonded to several layers of plywood or fiberboard, giving it extra stability and moisture resistance. Solid hardwood is made from a single, solid piece of wood throughout, offering classic beauty and the ability to be refinished many times.
Can you refinish engineered hardwood floors?
Yes, homeowners can refinish engineered hardwood 1 to 2 times if the top veneer is thick enough. Thinner wear layers may only allow for light surface buffing or recoating rather than full sanding.
Which flooring is better for kitchens or basements?
Engineered hardwood is the better choice for moisture-prone spaces like kitchens or basements due to its layered, stable construction. Solid hardwood is best for dry, above-grade rooms to prevent warping or cupping from humidity.
How do I clean and maintain these floors?
Both floors require regular sweeping or vacuuming, promptly wiping up spills, and using manufacturer-approved cleaners. Avoid soaking either floor material with water and use pads under furniture to prevent scratches.
Getting estimates from wood flooring installers
Follow these tips when getting estimates from engineered or hardwood flooring installers near you:
Get multiple estimates from different flooring installers to compare pricing and services.
Check reviews on HomeGuide and Google to verify quality and reliability.
Ask for recent customer references.
Ensure the estimate breaks down costs for materials, labor, and any additional services (such as removal of old flooring, subfloor prep, or finishing).
Request proof of licensure, liability insurance, and workers’ comp coverage.
Clarify the deposit amount, payment milestones, and terms. Never pay the full amount up front.
Questions to ask a wood flooring installer
Ask your wood flooring installer these questions to ensure you hire a qualified professional and avoid unexpected issues:
How many years of experience do you have installing hardwood and engineered flooring?
Are you licensed and insured?
Can you provide references from recent clients with similar projects?
What types and brands of flooring do you recommend for my situation?
Is subfloor preparation included in your quote?
Do you handle removal and disposal of old flooring?
What is your projected timeline for starting and completing the project?
What kind of warranty do you offer on your workmanship and materials?
How do you handle unexpected issues, such as moisture problems or damaged subfloors?
Will you move furniture and return it after installation?
How will you minimize dust and protect adjacent areas during installation?
What is your payment schedule, and what forms of payment do you accept?
Do you provide guidance on floor maintenance and future refinishing options?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.