Solid Hardwood vs Engineered Wood Flooring
Make an informed decision about Solid Hardwood Flooring vs Engineered Wood Flooring for your North London home.
Solid Hardwood Flooring
Traditional flooring made from a single piece of solid timber, typically 18-22mm thick. Can be sanded and refinished multiple times over its lifetime.
✓ Advantages
- ✓Can be sanded/refinished 3-5+ times
- ✓Lasts 50-100 years if maintained
- ✓Authentic, traditional appearance
- ✓Adds significant property value
- ✓Improves with age (patina)
- ✓Best for period properties
✗ Disadvantages
- ✗Higher material and installation costs
- ✗Not suitable for underfloor heating
- ✗Expands/contracts with humidity
- ✗Requires acclimatisation (1-2 weeks)
- ✗Cannot be used in bathrooms/basements
- ✗More susceptible to moisture damage
Best for: Period properties in conservation areas, Main living rooms with stable humidity, Those wanting long-term investment, Matching existing wooden floors, Properties without underfloor heating
Price range: £60 - £150 per sqm installed
Engineered Wood Flooring
Layered construction with a real hardwood top layer (3-6mm) bonded to plywood or HDF base. Offers the look of solid wood with better stability.
✓ Advantages
- ✓Compatible with underfloor heating
- ✓More stable (less expansion/contraction)
- ✓Can be floated or glued
- ✓Suitable for kitchens (with care)
- ✓Faster installation
- ✓Often more affordable
✗ Disadvantages
- ✗Can only be sanded 1-2 times
- ✗Shorter lifespan (25-50 years)
- ✗Cheaper products look artificial
- ✗Thin top layer limits refinishing
- ✗Quality varies significantly by brand
Best for: Homes with underfloor heating, Open-plan spaces, Kitchens and conservatories, Renovations with limited budget, Properties with concrete subfloors
Price range: £40 - £120 per sqm installed
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Solid Hardwood Flooring | Engineered Wood Flooring |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Cost | £60-£150/sqm | £40-£120/sqm |
| Lifespan | 50-100 years | 25-50 years |
| Refinishing | 3-5+ times | 1-2 times |
| UFH Compatible | Generally no | Yes |
| Stability | Moves with humidity | Very stable |
| Installation Speed | Slower | Faster |
| Authenticity | Genuine solid wood | Real wood veneer |
| Kitchen Suitable | Not recommended | Yes (with care) |
Our Expert Verdict
For period properties with radiator heating, solid hardwood is the authentic choice. For modern living with underfloor heating and open-plan layouts, engineered offers better performance. Both look beautiful when quality materials are used.
Choose Solid Hardwood Flooring if:
- →You have a Victorian/Edwardian property
- →Matching existing solid floors
- →Long-term investment is priority
- →You don't have underfloor heating
- →Authenticity matters most
Choose Engineered Wood Flooring if:
- →You have underfloor heating
- →Installing in kitchen or conservatory
- →Budget is a constraint
- →You have a concrete subfloor
- →You want open-plan continuity
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you tell the difference between solid and engineered?▼
With quality engineered flooring (5mm+ top layer), it's virtually impossible to tell once installed. The surface is genuine hardwood. Differences only show at edges or if you cut the planks.
Which is better for Victorian houses in Hampstead?▼
It depends on your heating system. For traditional radiator heating, solid hardwood matches the period aesthetic beautifully. If you're installing UFH (popular in renovations), engineered is necessary.
How thick should engineered flooring be?▼
We recommend minimum 15mm total thickness with 4mm+ wear layer for quality that lasts. Cheap 10mm engineered with 2mm veneer cannot be refinished and shows wear quickly.
Can you install hardwood over my existing floor?▼
Sometimes. Solid hardwood usually needs to be nailed to timber subfloor. Engineered can float over many surfaces including concrete with proper underlay. We'll assess your specific floor.
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Need Expert Advice?
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