Both engineered and solid wood flooring give you the look and feel of real timber, but they are constructed differently — and that difference matters for where you can use them.
What is engineered wood?
Engineered wood has a real hardwood veneer (typically 2–6mm thick) bonded to multiple layers of plywood or HDF beneath. The layered core makes it far more dimensionally stable than solid wood.
What is solid wood?
Solid wood planks are cut from a single piece of timber all the way through. They can be sanded and refinished multiple times — some solid wood floors last 100 years or more.
Stability
Engineered wood wins. Wood expands and contracts with changes in humidity. Solid wood can move up to 3mm per metre width under seasonal changes. Engineered wood moves far less, making it suitable for wider boards and more challenging installations.
Underfloor heating
Engineered wood wins. Engineered wood is suitable for use over underfloor heating (check the maximum surface temperature — usually 27°C). Solid wood is generally not recommended over UFH because repeated heating and cooling causes excessive movement.
Longevity and refinishing
Solid wood wins long-term. A solid wood floor can be sanded and refinished 8–10 times. Engineered wood can usually be sanded 2–3 times depending on veneer thickness.
Cost
Quality engineered wood and solid wood are similarly priced per m². Engineered wood needs less acclimatisation time before fitting, which can reduce project time.
Which should you choose?
Choose engineered wood for ground floors, rooms with underfloor heating, or where stability is important. Choose solid wood for upper floors in dry environments where you want a floor maintained for decades. Your fitter can advise based on your subfloor and conditions.