Engineered vs. Solid Wood Flooring: Core Types Explained
Hardwood flooring is the definitive choice for adding timeless elegance and value to any home in the Greater Toronto Area. Yet, the term “hardwood” itself can be confusing, referring to two fundamentally different types of construction: Solid Wood and Engineered Wood. While they share the same luxurious, natural wood veneer on top, their core construction is what defines their performance, stability, and suitability for the often-fluctuating climate of Toronto and the GTA. At Markville Carpet & Flooring Centre, we believe understanding the core is essential for making the right long-term investment. Serving the community for over 38 years, we explain the key differences between these two flooring types.
Solid Wood: The Traditional, Unbroken Timber
Solid wood flooring is the traditional approach, known for its classic look and exceptional lifespan.
Construction: A Single, Continuous Piece
- Definition: Solid wood planks are exactly what the name implies: they are milled from a single, continuous piece of 100% natural timber from top to bottom.
- Thickness and Refinishing: The uniform nature of the wood means these planks are typically thicker than engineered wood (around 3/4 inch). This generous thickness allows solid wood to be sanded down and refinished multiple times over its lifespan often three to five times making it a generational product.
- The “Living” Material: Solid wood is a natural, “living” material. It expands and contracts significantly in response to changes in temperature and humidity. In the cold, dry Toronto winter, it shrinks; in the humid summer, it swells.
Engineered Wood: Stability Through Layered Construction
Engineered wood flooring is a triumph of modern flooring science, designed to mitigate the inherent instability of solid wood while maintaining the same beautiful surface aesthetic.
Core Construction: Layered Stability
- Definition: Engineered wood flooring is constructed with multiple layers that are fused together under heat and pressure. The plank consists of two primary components:
- Top Veneer (Wear Layer): A surface layer of real, natural hardwood (e.g., Oak, Maple, Hickory). This is the only part of the floor you see and touch, making it aesthetically identical to solid wood.
- Layered Core (The Engine): A multi-ply core, typically made of high-quality Baltic birch plywood or HDF (High-Density Fiberboard). The layers of the core are stacked and glued with the grain of each layer running perpendicular to the layer above and below it.
- Enhanced Stability: This cross-ply construction counteracts the natural tendency of wood to swell and shrink in one direction. This makes engineered wood significantly more stable and moisture-resistant than solid wood, a critical advantage in the highly variable climate of the GTA.
- Below-Grade Suitability: The enhanced stability of engineered wood allows it to be installed in environments where solid wood should not be, such as basements or over concrete slabs, greatly expanding its versatility.
Core-Based Performance Comparison
| Feature | Solid Wood Flooring | Engineered Wood Flooring |
| Core Construction | 100% single piece of hardwood. | Plywood or HDF cross-ply layered core. |
| Stability/Moisture | Less stable; prone to gapping/cupping from humidity. | Highly stable; resistant to warping/gapping. |
| Installation | Must be nailed or stapled; limited to above-grade floors. | Can be nailed, glued, or floated; suitable for all grades (including basements). |
| Refinishing | Can be sanded/refinished multiple times. | Can be sanded/refinished once or twice (depending on veneer thickness). |
The choice between solid and engineered wood is ultimately a decision about where the floor will be installed and how much stability you require. For most Toronto and GTA homes dealing with basements, concrete slabs, or variable HVAC systems, engineered wood is the professional-recommended choice for longevity and peace of mind.
Understand Your Investment with Markville
Choosing hardwood is a valuable investment in your home. By understanding the core differences between solid and engineered wood, you can select the product that best meets the demands of your specific environment and budget.
Established in 1980, Markville Carpet & Flooring Centre is proud to be serving the entire GTA and City of Toronto for over 38 years, providing “Five Star” guaranteed installations on all our high quality broadloom and hard-surface product offerings. We are a full service carpet and flooring company specializing in the supply and installation of residential and commercial carpet, hardwood flooring, luxury vinyl plank, laminate flooring, residential and commercial sheet vinyl, and so much more.
Ready to choose the perfect hardwood for your home? Visit our showroom locations in Markham, ON & Toronto, Ontario, to compare the core construction and aesthetics of solid and engineered wood side-by-side. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and benefit from our expert advice and Five Star guaranteed installation!