How they are made
Solid hardwood boards are milled from a single piece of lumber, typically three-quarters of an inch thick. Engineered hardwood bonds a top layer of real hardwood, the wear layer, to a core of cross-laid plywood or wood-based layers. That alternating grain resists the swelling and shrinking that humidity causes.
How Maryland's climate affects each
Maryland has humid summers and dry heated winters. Solid hardwood expands in summer and shrinks in winter, which can show as small seasonal gaps or slight cupping if humidity swings widely. Engineered hardwood moves much less, which is why it is popular for wide planks and homes near the water.
Either floor performs best when indoor relative humidity is kept reasonably steady. Air conditioning in summer and a humidifier in winter help.
Where each can be installed
- Solid hardwood: above-grade rooms over a wood subfloor
- Engineered hardwood: above grade, below grade, and over concrete slabs
- Neither is waterproof: for wet areas, consider luxury vinyl plank
Refinishing and lifespan
Solid hardwood can usually be sanded and refinished several times. Engineered hardwood can be sanded only if the wear layer is thick enough; some products allow one or more refinishes, others only a screen-and-recoat. Ask about wear layer thickness when comparing engineered products.
How to choose
Choose solid hardwood for main-level rooms when you want the longest refinishing life or need to match existing solid floors. Choose engineered hardwood for basements, slabs, wide planks, homes with less consistent humidity, or when floor height is limited. A moisture check during an in-home estimate often settles the question.
Common questions
- What is the difference between solid and engineered hardwood?
- Solid hardwood is a single piece of wood. Engineered hardwood is a real wood top layer bonded to a stable layered core, which makes it less affected by humidity.
- Is engineered hardwood good for Maryland homes?
- Yes. It handles Maryland's seasonal humidity well and can be installed in basements and over concrete.
- Does engineered hardwood add the same value as solid hardwood?
- Both are real wood floors. Solid hardwood offers more refinishing life; quality engineered hardwood with a good wear layer is also widely accepted as real hardwood.
Related services
Further reading and nearby areas
Where we work
Prospect Hardwood Flooring of Maryland is based in Gaithersburg, Maryland, and serves communities across the state, including Annapolis, Severna Park, Arnold and Gaithersburg, plus the rest of Anne Arundel and Montgomery counties.
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