Can you tell the difference between solid and engineered wood flooring?

Once laid, it's virtually impossible to tell the difference by looking at the surface. The difference only becomes apparent if you look at the edge of a plank — solid wood shows a single piece of timber, while engineered wood shows the layered construction.

How long does engineered wood flooring last?

A quality engineered wood floor with a thick veneer (4mm+) should last 25–40 years with proper care. Solid wood can last 100 years or more if maintained correctly.

Can engineered wood be used in a kitchen?

With caution. Engineered wood is more moisture-resistant than solid wood but is not waterproof. In a kitchen, spills must be cleaned up promptly and the floor should be properly sealed. For most kitchens, we recommend LVT as a more practical alternative.

What species of wood is most popular for flooring?

Oak is by far the most popular species for both solid and engineered wood flooring. It's hard, durable, takes stain well and has a classic grain pattern that suits most interior styles. Walnut is popular for its darker, richer colour. Ash has a lighter, more contemporary look.

How do I care for wood flooring?

Sweep or vacuum regularly (use a soft brush attachment). Clean with a damp (not wet) mop and a wood floor cleaner — never use excess water. Wipe up spills immediately. Use felt pads under furniture legs. Avoid stiletto heels and dragging heavy furniture.

Product Comparison 8 min read

Real vs Engineered Wood Flooring: Which Should You Choose?

Both look identical once laid. Both feel like real wood underfoot. But solid and engineered wood flooring behave very differently in real homes — and choosing the wrong one for your situation can be an expensive mistake.

By the Multi-Save Carpets team · Updated 2025 · Based in Bristol since 1955

What is Solid Wood Flooring?

Solid wood flooring is exactly what it sounds like — planks milled from a single piece of timber, typically 18–22mm thick. Oak is by far the most popular species, followed by walnut, ash and maple.

Solid wood can be sanded and refinished multiple times over its lifetime — a well-maintained solid oak floor can last 100 years or more. It's the ultimate long-term investment in your home.

The significant limitation is moisture sensitivity. Solid wood expands and contracts with changes in humidity and temperature. This makes it unsuitable for kitchens, bathrooms, rooms with underfloor heating, or any room with significant humidity variation.

What is Engineered Wood Flooring?

Engineered wood has a real wood veneer on top (typically 2–6mm thick) bonded to multiple layers of plywood or HDF underneath. The layered construction makes it dimensionally stable — it doesn't expand and contract as much as solid wood.

This stability makes engineered wood suitable for a much wider range of applications: rooms with underfloor heating, ground floor rooms with slight moisture risk, and even some basement installations.

The trade-off is that engineered wood can only be sanded a limited number of times (depending on the thickness of the veneer). A 6mm veneer can be sanded 2–3 times; a 2mm veneer cannot be sanded at all.

Underfloor Heating Compatibility

This is often the deciding factor. Solid wood and underfloor heating are generally incompatible — the temperature fluctuations cause the wood to expand and contract excessively, leading to gaps, cupping and cracking.

Engineered wood is much more compatible with UFH, but you need to check the specific product's maximum temperature specification. Most engineered wood products are compatible with floor temperatures up to 27°C.

Where Can Each Be Installed?

Solid wood: Living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms on upper floors. Not suitable for kitchens, bathrooms, ground floor rooms with moisture risk, or rooms with UFH.

Engineered wood: All of the above, plus ground floor rooms, rooms with UFH (check specifications), and rooms with moderate humidity. Not suitable for wet rooms or areas with standing water risk.

Cost Comparison

Both products are available across a wide price range. Budget engineered wood starts around £20/m², while budget solid wood starts around £25/m². Premium versions of both can exceed £80/m².

Installation costs are similar for both products. Solid wood typically requires nailing or gluing to the subfloor; engineered wood can be floated, glued or nailed depending on the product.

Which Should You Choose?

For most Bristol homes, engineered wood is the better choice. It's more versatile, more stable, compatible with underfloor heating, and the top layer looks identical to solid wood once laid.

Choose solid wood if: you want the ultimate longevity (100 years+), you're installing in a room with no moisture risk and no UFH, and you want the ability to sand and refinish the floor multiple times over decades.