Engineered vs. Solid Hardwood? Let’s Set the Record Straight

If you’ve ever stood in a flooring showroom staring at two beautiful planks—one solid, one engineered—and had no idea what the difference is (besides the price), you’re not alone.

It’s one of the most common questions we get here at McGrath Floor & Design:
"Rick, what’s the difference between engineered and solid hardwood? And which one’s right for my home?"

The truth? Both are great options—but choosing the right one comes down to where you’re installing it, how you live, and what you expect from your floor over the long haul.

Let’s break it down.

What Is Solid Hardwood Flooring?

This is the real-deal, old-school flooring—each board is one solid piece of wood, typically 3/4" thick. It’s milled from a single species (like white oak, hickory, or walnut) and can be sanded and refinished multiple times over its lifetime.

Pros:

• Long-lasting and traditional

• Can be sanded/refinished for decades

• Natural wood look and feel

• Ideal for homes with stable indoor humidity

Cons:

• Not good in basements or over concrete slabs

• Prone to movement with humidity changes

• Can take longer to install (nail/staple method)

• Limited width and length in many products

What Is Engineered Hardwood Flooring?

Engineered wood is a layered product: the top layer is real wood (your species of choice), and the core is made of cross-laminated plywood or HDF, making it dimensionally stable and less likely to warp, cup, or gap.

It can still be sanded/refinished (depending on thickness), and modern engineered options are indistinguishable from solid when installed properly.

Pros:

• More stable in varying conditions (like Nashville’s humidity swings)

• Can be floated, glued, or stapled—flexible installation

• Comes in wider, longer plank sizes

• Works great over concrete and radiant heat systems

• Perfect for basements and upper floors

Cons:

• Limited sanding/refinishing compared to solid

• Can vary in quality depending on the core and top layer thickness

So… Engineered or Solid? Rick’s Real Talk Breakdown:

Here’s a quick cheat sheet for our Nashville-area friends:

Rick’s Tip: Not All Engineered Floors Are Created Equal

Some folks think “engineered” means “cheap.” Wrong.

At McGrath, we stock premium engineered hardwood from brands like:

• Urban Floor

• Sawyer Mason

• Garrison

• Provenza

• Mercier

These aren’t knockoffs—they’re some of the best-performing, most beautiful floors on the market. They’re made to last, backed by warranties, and they look just as good as solid hardwood—sometimes better.

Why McGrath Is the Place to Choose Your Floor

We don’t just sell wood—we guide you through it.
Whether you go engineered or solid, you’ll get:

✅ In-home consultations with real advice
✅ Moisture testing to make sure your subfloor is compatible
✅ Help choosing width, color, species, and finish
✅ Expert installation options—no subs, no stress
✅ Brand support and warranty info you can trust

With McGrath, you get flooring education AND execution.
That’s what makes us Nashville’s go-to team for real hardwood done right.

Helping good folks walk on better floors since vinyl was still “linoleum.” - Rick McGrath