Review, Pros and Cons, and Notable Brands

Recently I visited a friends flooring warehouse store, and browsed through his very respectable selection of types and brands of wood flooring.  I imagined myself making the decision all over again about the type of flooring for my house, knowing I’d live with the decision for years. And, although the products have changed and technology has advanced since I last installed new floors I would undoubtedly make the same decision. Engineered wood flooring.

If you’re like most people you’d be thinking: why invest in engineered when it cost just as much as solid hardwood flooring. Engineered is an inferior product to solid wood, right?! Not at all.

It’s inaccurate to refer to engineered hardwood as inferior to solid wood flooring. It was not developed as an affordable alternative.

Quite the contrary, engineered wood flooring was developed to have advantages over solid hardwood flooring.  Engineered wood floors are made to deal with the issues associated with hardwood floors, including warping over time, and difficulties with installation. And, engineered can be refinished.

Therefore, if you’re looking for real wood floors, without all the pitfalls of solid hardwoods, engineered may be the best solution for you.

To be fair no product is the perfect choice for every floor. So, we’ll go through all the strengths and weaknesses of engineered hardwood flooring, what it costs, and also answer some of the most common questions. We also provide a list of who we think are the best brands.

For full disclosure: Floor Sellers is reader-supported, and do make money from advertisers. However, at the time this article is written Floor Sellers does not receive any revenue or commission from the engineered flooring manufacturers recommended.

What’s the difference between solid and engineered hardwood?

As the name implies, solid hardwood is a piece of solid wood all the way through.  It generally is 3/4″ in thickness.  Engineered hardwood flooring is manufactured in layers.  The top layer is a hardwood veneer and then beneath that, there are layers of wood.  Generally, these plies are perpendicular in direction and laminated together, and generally these plies are made of wood. So, most of the finest quality engineered have a bottom layer that looks like plywood and a top layer that is a thin piece of wood.  

Where it gets interesting…

The thickness of the top veneer can vary. Generally higher quality engineered woods have a thicker top layer, and cheaper ones have a thin one. I’ve sampled most brands, and have seen engineered flooring that looks like a laminate. That’s because the top veneer is paper thin! Others I have recently sampled have a top veneer that’s ¼”, 3/8” or even thicker…that’s a thicker top layer than many hardwood floors.  

Just for clarification: this is a discussion about ENGINEERED HARDWOOD not LAMINATE.  Laminate is fake hardwood. Don’t get me wrong, laminate is great. However, laminate is made to look real, but it’s not.  Engineered hardwood may sound fake but its real wood. It’s real hardwood through and through just done in layers.

Engineered Hardwood Pros

1. Installs over Concrete

Due to its multi-layer construction, engineered wood flooring stands up to moisture and humidity much better than solid hardwoods. Therefore, you can glue or float this product over a concrete slab. You still need a moisture barrier, and fix any cracks in the concrete, but it’s no problem.  Chalk it up for engineered.

At my house I laid down a plastic moisture barrier over the concrete that acts also as a cushion. Then I placed 3/8” plywood over that, gluing the engineered flooring over the plywood. This gave less chance of creaking over time during shifts, and made it easier to install.

2. Multiple Installation Methods

Want to install your new flooring without the help of a pro? You’ll have an easier time using an engineered product. Unlike solid hardwood, you can float, staple, or glue engineered wood. You can even find planks with locking mechanisms.  Much more forgiving material than hardwoods. Nod goes to engineered.

3. Less Sensitive to Moisture and Humidity

Engineered floors are much more stable. Unlike solid hardwood, manufacturers assemble these products in layers. The top layer is a wood veneer, while the core layers are composed of plywood, particleboard, or fiberglass. Many of the cheaper versions are done with plastic which is not ideal but gives added moisture resistance.

4. Improves Resale Value

Here’s some great news for those considering engineered wood. The resale market makes zero distinction between engineered hardwood and solid hardwood. So, if you’re concerned about the return on investment, don’t be. Since it’s basically a pic’em on this one engineered still looks strong on this one.

5. You Can Refinish Engineered Hardwood

Contrary to popular myth, you can refinish engineered wood. And, not just once or twice. Many of the highest quality engineered flooring have a top layer even thicker than hardwoods. You heard me right. Generally hardwoods can be refinished a greater number of times. However, if you compare top quality engineered to the average hardwoods they have very similar refinish abilities.

Some cheaper brands of engineered hardwood can’t even be refinished once. So, be sure to compare apples to apples.

Looking at a Mirage engineered hardwood floor sample; you’ll see that the top veneer (wear layer) is at least ¼” thickness.  I’ve sampled another brand that is even thicker. That’s almost exactly the thickness of the wear layer of ¾” hardwood flooring.

6. Sanded, Stained, and Sealed

Want hardwood floors with a factory finish? Take a look at engineered flooring. Unlike messy site finishes, prefinished boards look consistent out of the box. High-quality finishes will have tonal variations, but no bubbles or blemishes.

If the factory stains your boards, off-gassing will be minimal. So, not only are you saving yourself from a figurative headache, you’re preventing a literal one.

7. Engineered Hardwood is Elegant and Timeless

Whether you’re planning on staying in your home forever or staging your home for sale, wood flooring is an excellent investment. Like solid hardwood, engineered has a similar lifetime and a simple elegant look. Compare that to luxury vinyl, which only appeals to some, or carpeting that can go in and out of style.

8. Compatible with Radiant Heating

Radiant heating is quite the trend these days. Very comfortable on a cold winter’s morning, helps save on your heating bill, and is a great selling point for your house.  But, most solid hardwood flooring does not work with radiant heating – engineered does. This is a great advantage for engineered flooring as the radiant heating units are not extremely expensive.

Engineered Hardwood Cons

1. Engineered Hardwood Fades

Like most flooring, engineered hardwood will fade over time if exposed to sunlight and UV rays. Although luxury vinyl flooring, and laminates, will more resistant to fading in sunlight engineered flooring fades just like solid hardwoods.  So, since it fades at about the same rate has engineered that’s no reason to buy hardwood.

2. Scratches and Dents

Engineered is not as resistant to dents, and scratching, as vinyl and laminate are. And, if you have large dogs make sure you clip their toenails unless you like tracks all over the floor. My Australian Shepard has made a spot next to the couch where she rips around the corner to get outside when she hears a cat or squirrel. 

But, as compared to hardwoods they don’t ordinarily scratch more or less. Some reviews say that engineered does scratch or dent easier but it’s not been our experience. Again, comparing top quality products with each other – apples to apples.

3. Same Price as Solid Hardwood

Not sure if this is much of a con, as it is just a reality break. You won’t save money buying engineered, vs. hardwood flooring, unless you choose cheap stuff.

4. Low-Quality Core Construction

Some manufacturers try to cut production costs by using low-quality core material such as oriental strand board or fiberboard. This action results in flooring that is unstable and prone to damage.

Not all engineered is the same, so if you don’t mind a cheaper product that requires replacement in a few years then go for it. But, do your research. Many engineered flooring brands are extremely bad quality, but very low priced. They’re not all bad, however the lower-quality engineered flooring defeat the purpose. If you want to save costs, and and don’t care that it can’t be refinished, just choose laminate flooring. It saves money, looks just like hardwood, and it’s more durable.

5. Manufacturers May Use Thin Veneer

Veneer should be at least 3/16” thick to ensure a durable wear layer. While a thinner surface may be cheaper you won’t be able to sand and refinish your flooring.

In addition to thickness, remember to check how the wood is cut. Believe it or not, this makes a difference. Rotary cut veneer uses a blade that peels the top layer off the log, resulting in a wide grain appearance.

On the other hand, a sawn-cut veneer is sliced from the log, like solid wood. Because it mimics the same color and pattern variations as solid hardwood, most homeowners prefer the look of a sawn-cut veneer.

6. Off-Gassing

Many manufacturers still use formaldehyde and other carcinogens in the construction of their composite products. Often, they are found in the adhesives and sealers used to assemble the flooring.

These chemicals, known as volatile organic compounds, convert to a gas form when heated to room temperature. This process is called off-gassing.

While the government regulates the use of these chemicals, even trace amounts can cause health issues. If you or someone in your home has a compromised immune system, look for flooring that is certified formaldehyde- and VOC-free.

7. Not Moisture-Proof

Because engineered wood flooring is resistant to moisture underneath, many believe it is moisture proof on top. Not so. Cleaning engineered floors has fewer pitfalls, as it does not warp from moisture used by a mop. However, it is not the best choice for a kitchen or bathroom floor.

Engineered wood flooring is made with thin composite layers of wood, which are specifically designed to counteract wood’s natural tendency to warp when exposed to water. This means that they do better in mildly damp locations, such as basements, than hardwood. But just like solid wood floors, engineered wood floors will develop mold if they are constantly exposed to water.

8. Maintenance

Engineered is flooring still needs the care given to hardwood flooring. Frequently dust-mopped, and a damp towel or mop with Bona or other wood floor cleaners is necessary. Also, steam is bad. It can take more moisture than hardwoods when cleaning, but no wet mopping.

Average Costs

So, what does engineered hardwood cost?

On the budget end of the spectrum, you can find engineered floors for $2.00-3.00 per square foot. Understand that unless they’re part of a promotion, these floors will be low-quality, mass-produced imports.

Mid-range products are better quality, and are priced at $4.00-6.00 per square foot. The difference you see is generally the bottom layers, and the wear layer is slightly thicker.

Top quality products range anywhere from $6.00-$12.00 per square foot. However, this is great stuff that cannot be beat. It will look better than most flooring, and last at least as long as a hardwood floor counterpart.

High-end products have the thickest wear layers and sturdiest cores. They can be refinished multiple times and may last 50 years or more. You’ll also have your pick of color, length, and finishes.

Qualities to Look For

First, let’s recap how engineered wood is produced.

Most engineered floors are made of multi-ply construction. Manufacturers typically laminate three to five sheets of plywood together to form a plank. Each layer is stacked on top of the other but crisscrossed in opposite directions.

Often called cross-ply construction, this method ensures that the plank is dimensionally stable. In addition, it counteracts the wood’s natural tendency to expand and contract with changes in the temperature or humidity level.

Most experts advise a total thickness of 5/8”. Cores should be made of nine to eleven layers of real plywood, not OSB or fiberboard. And when it comes to veneer, look for one that is about ¼” thick but not less than 3/16”.

These are the minimum requirements for a dimensionally stable and renewable engineered flooring product. There are manufacturers out there that may disagree, but unless they can show concrete proof of the floor’s durability over time, be wary of their claims.

If you’re concerned with what chemical products were used during the manufacture, for safety reasons, it may be best to check that as well. However, know that sometimes the best and hardest finishes are those that are highly regulated in California, and in other states. Meaning if the finish is illegal here they may last the longest.

Last, but not least, is the warranty terms. These days, most engineered floors come backed by a 30 to 50-year or limited lifetime warranty. Look for guarantees that cover both construction and surface layer defects.

Best Engineered Wood Flooring Brands

Hurst Hardwoods

Hurst Hardwoods are one of the few engineered brands offering both unfinished and prefinished engineered flooring. In addition to many styles and sizes, they also have a wide variety of wood species to choose from.

Hurst Hardwoods has a stellar reputation as one of the most trusted retailers in the business. If you do a bit of research, you’ll find that both homeowners and contractors are satisfied with Hurst’s products and services.

Pricing is competitive, at $3.00-$6.00 per square foot.

Hosking Hardwood

Appearing on the PBS show “This Old House” you may recognize the name, Jeff Hosking. Known as an expert in the wood flooring world, Hosking Hardwood has been selling flooring since 1932.

Hosking carries both engineered and solid hardwood. The site offers top quality products from big-name manufacturers as well as small independent mills. If you’re looking for a combination of wholesale pricing and knowledgeable sales assistance, look no further than Hosking.

Prices start at $3.00 per square foot, and up to $10.00 or more per square foot.

Tesoro Woods

Known for eco-friendly engineered wood Tesoro Woods brand features FSC certified and zero VOC products, which fit well in any environment. Tesoro also uses recycled wood from old building timber and industrial waste to construct high-quality engineered boards.

Tesoro Woods carries a wide variety of pre-finished colors and tones to meet any style.

Product pricing are on average $6.00-$8.00 per square foot. 

Somerset Hardwood Flooring

Established more than 20 years ago, Somerset Hardwood is one of North America’s leading suppliers of Appalachian Hardwoods. The company offers both solid and engineered hardwood in various textures, tones, and sizes. And, their engineered flooring is one of the thickest available on the market.

All products are made in the USA and adhere to strict quality guidelines.

Prices range from $5.00-$6.00 per square foot.

From The Forest

From The Forest is a small Wisconsin-based manufacturer of American-made engineered hardwood. They offer several lines of flooring, for both bargain and high-end shoppers. The company’s Choice collection utilizes a nine-ply birch core.

Prices average $8.00 per square foot, but offers one of the best warranties in the business. Check out the From The Forest website for samples and discounts by email.

Regal Hardwoods

Regal Hardwoods specializes in hand-scraped engineered floors at affordable prices. Based in Texas, the company carries eight lines of flooring, all engineered with solid birch cores.

Prices for Regal are on the high end: between $6.00 and $12.00 per square foot. As one of the best, Regal is confident in their product with lengthy finish and construction warranties.

Hallmark Floors

Hallmark offers a wide array of engineered wood in varying sizes, styles, and design patterns.  Priced on the high end, Hallmark engineered wood products are of the highest quality. Their Organic 567 Series features thick ply construction, a sawn-cut veneer, and a multi-layer oil finish that resists staining.

Prices are between $8.00-$9.00 per square foot, only through a flooring reseller. You can find a list of authorized resellers on Hallmark’s website.

Harris Wood

Harris Wood is a 120-year-old American hardwood manufacturer based out of Johnson City, Tennessee. On top of solid hardwood products, the company offers a vast selection of engineered hardwood floors.

Harris is known for their click-locking boards, and carries more than 19 varieties of snap-together floors in several fashionable colors and finishes.

Prices are very affordable at $3.00- $4.00 per square foot for their standard product line.

Mirage

Full disclosure: I have Mirage engineered flooring in my house, and very pleased. One of the best known brands of engineered flooring, Mirage offers several widths and colors. All their engineered is pre-finished, and you can choose from matt and glossy finishes. They have an awesome thick veneer, and can be refinished several times. Mirage also offers solid hardwood flooring.

I wasn’t sure about it’s durability so I took a sample piece of engineered, and another sample piece of solid hardwood flooring of the same brand and a competing brand. Then I took a nail and a hammer and compared how easily they dent and scratch. I found no difference between the engineered and the solid hardwood. So, if folks believe it’s softer it’s all perception. The finish is still great after years, it cleans up easy. Only problem is we have two dogs that run in the house. No getting around it, you’re going to get scratches if you have crazy dogs!

Pricing is at around $4 to $10 per square foot. If you purchase an exotic species, you may easily pay $10 or more per square foot.

Other Brands:

• Anderson
• DuChateau Solid & Engineered Hardwood
• Mullican Hardwood
• Pergo

Conclusion

Engineered hardwood can be an excellent choice for those that appreciate the value of wood flooring but crave the versatility of laminate or vinyl. No, it’s not the cheapest floor covering on the market. But to some, it’s the best of both worlds.

Overall, you have to commit to what you know and love the most. However, all things being equal there are fewer reasons than ever to choose hardwoods over engineered…unless I missed something.