Solid vs. Engineered Hardwood – What’s the Difference?
Choosing between solid and engineered hardwood flooring? Let VELO Floors break it down for you.

Both are real hardwood—not laminate—but they’re built differently, and each has its own advantages depending on your space and needs.

Solid Hardwood
Solid hardwood is made from one solid piece of wood, usually ¾” thick. It’s classic, timeless, and long-lasting.

Pros:

• Can be sanded and refinished many times
• Offers a natural, traditional look that adds long-term value

Cons:

• Not ideal for basements or moisture-prone areas
• Requires nail-down installation, so it won’t work over concrete
• More expensive and labor-intensive to install

Engineered Hardwood
Engineered hardwood consists of multiple layers of real wood stacked in a cross-grain construction with a hardwood veneer on top. This layered design gives it more stability, reducing movement from humidity and temperature changes.

Pros:

• More affordable than solid hardwood
• Can be installed almost anywhere (including basements and concrete)
• Options for glue, nail, or floating installation

Cons:

• Refinishing depends on the thickness of the top layer—only 3mm–6mm veneers can be sanded

VELO Floors Tip:
Humidity can cause wood to expand and contract, but professional installation includes strategic gaps and trim work to handle this naturally. Engineered hardwood’s structure helps minimize these issues.

Come visit our showroom to explore top-quality hardwood options and talk to the VELO Floors team. We’ll help you find the best match for your style, space, and budget.