Engineered Timber vs. Solid Timber Flooring: What’s the Difference?

When choosing timber flooring, two major options dominate the conversation: engineered timber and solid timber flooring. Both deliver the warmth, beauty, and durability that timber is known for, but they perform differently depending on your space and needs.

Considerations such as budget, sustainability, design variety, perceived value, and versatility separate the two.  

At French Oak Floors, we specialise exclusively in engineered timber flooring with a premium French Oak top layer — combining the timeless appeal of French Oak with the advanced stability of engineered construction.

In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between engineered and solid timber flooring to help you choose the right fit.

What is Engineered Timber Flooring?

Engineered timber flooring is constructed from multiple layers of wood, with a top layer of real hardwood (such as French Oak) bonded to a stable core of plywood or other timber composites. This layered structure provides the look of solid timber with added strength and flexibility.

Benefits of Engineered Timber Flooring:

• Superior Stability: Engineered boards are less affected by changes in temperature and humidity, reducing the risk of warping or cupping, where the edges of the planks rise higher than the centre.
• ‍Versatile Installation: Engineered flooring is ideal for installation over concrete slabs, below grade, or with underfloor heating systems.
• ‍Eco-Friendly: It uses less hardwood compared to solid timber, making it a more sustainable choice.
• ‍Cost-Effective: It is typically more affordable than solid timber, while still providing a luxurious timber appearance.
• ‍Design Variety: Engineered boards are available in a wide range of finishes, such as matte, semi-gloss, brushed, deep brush, hand-scraped, and band-sawn. Colours range from light to dark, and installation styles such as herringbone, plank, and chevron are available.  

Considerations:

• Refinishing: Engineered timber can be refinished, but the number of times depends on the thickness of the top layer.
• ‍Perception: Some still prefer solid timber for its traditional appeal.

Engineered oak flooring is a cost-effective option that offers design and eco-friendly benefits. With more versatility and stability, it is suitable for more environments due to its resistance against humidity and temperature changes.

What is Solid Timber Flooring?

Solid timber flooring is milled from a single piece of hardwood, offering a dense and authentic timber product. Known for its longevity, solid timber flooring can be sanded and refinished multiple times over its lifespan.

Benefits of Solid Timber Flooring:

• Incredible Longevity: With proper care, solid timber can last generations.
• ‍Authenticity: Each plank offers the depth and character of a single, solid piece of wood.
• ‍Refinishing Flexibility: Solid hardwood can be sanded and refinished multiple times.

Considerations:

• Moisture Sensitivity: It is more prone to expansion and contraction with environmental changes.
• ‍Installation Restrictions: Solid timber is not ideal for areas with concrete slabs or radiant heating.
• ‍Higher Cost: It is typically more expensive upfront than engineered timber flooring.

Solid timber has a higher perceived value due to its authenticity but is prone to moisture sensitivity and is not recommended to be installed over concrete slabs or underfloor heating. It is also less sustainable than engineered flooring due to using more hardwood.

Which Flooring Option is Right for You?

Climate & Environment

If you live in an area with humidity or seasonal changes, engineered timber is more stable and reliable. Solid timber is best suited for stable indoor environments where humidity can be controlled.

Installation Surface

Engineered timber is better suited for installations over concrete or heated floors. Solid timber flooring requires a wooden subfloor and is not ideal for below-grade installations.

Budget

Engineered timber offers the beauty of hardwood with a lower material and installation cost than solid timber.

Sustainability

Engineered timber reduces hardwood consumption, making it a more eco-conscious choice.

Both options have their merits, and the right choice ultimately depends on your specific needs. If you need a versatile, stable, and cost-effective option that retains the beauty of real wood, engineered timber flooring is an excellent solution.

Why Choose French Oak Floors?

At French Oak Floors, we specialise in engineered timber flooring featuring a genuine French Oak veneer, known for its sophisticated grain and durability. Our floors are designed to perform in varied climates while offering timeless style.

We also use a market-leading TREFFERT Sapphire™ coating system for exceptional scratch resistance, backed by a 25-year warranty.

French Oak Floors understands the importance of eco-friendly practices. All our timber is sustainably sourced from European forests that are well-managed and meet strict environmental, social, and economic standards. With our Chain of Custody certification, our timber is traceable throughout its entire journey.

While solid timber may suit traditional projects, engineered timber flooring is often the smarter choice for modern living, offering flexibility, sustainability, and durability — all with the natural beauty of hardwood. Contact us today to elevate your floors.  

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