Engineered vs. Solid Hardwood: Which Should You Choose?
Solid hardwood is a single piece of wood, milled from one species. Engineered hardwood has a real-wood top layer bonded to a plywood core, which makes it more dimensionally stable in humidity and temperature swings.
When solid hardwood wins
Solid boards can be refinished many times, which gives them a multi-decade (even multi-generational) lifespan. They're ideal for main living areas and bedrooms on or above grade in the DMV's climate.
When engineered makes sense
Engineered planks handle moisture better, so they're a smart pick for basements, over concrete slabs, or over radiant heat. Choose one with a 3mm+ wear layer if you want the option to refinish later.
Quick answers
- Is engineered hardwood real wood?
- Yes — the top layer is genuine hardwood. It's bonded to a stable plywood core rather than being solid all the way through.
- Can engineered hardwood be refinished?
- Usually once or twice, depending on the thickness of the wear layer. A 3mm+ veneer gives you the most flexibility.
Written by
Daniel Santos
Owner, CDS Hardwood Floors
Daniel Santos is the owner of CDS Hardwood Floors and has spent 15+ years sanding, staining and installing hardwood in Maryland, Virginia and Washington DC homes. He personally walks most projects, specializes in HEPA-contained dustless sanding, premium water-based finish systems and custom installations, and believes homeowners make better decisions when the process is explained plainly before a single board is touched.
Looking for engineered hardwood installation in Maryland?
CDS Hardwood Floors handles this work every week across Gaithersburg, Montgomery County and the wider DMV.