Simple answer, a well made engineered floor is best for any situation when shopping for new flooring. People mistakenly believe a solid floor can be sanded lots of times because it is so thick. The truth is, it can only be sanded down to just above the tongue and groove where the cleats are. That said, there are plenty of better quality engineered floors, both finished and unfinished that can be sanded as many times as a solid. There are engineered floors that are 3/4" thick, which is the same thickness as a solid floor. There are lots if better quality 1/2" and 5/8" floors with veneers that can be sanded at least 3 times. If you are getting strips of wood, like 2 1/4" or 3" widths, go ahead and get a solid when installing above grade. Less mass means less shrinking and expansion with changes in relative humidity. For 5" and larger, engineered is a must here in the Southeast. Also, I recommend a better quality pre-finished floor. Think about it; which is more durable the paint on your car, which is a factory finish, or the paint on your walls, which was applied on site? Floor finishes are the same. The factory finish is much more durable on good flooring. A premium quality, pre-finished, engineered floor can be refinished, but won't need to be unless you decide to change the color. It is permanent flooring, unlike the cheaper flooring sold at outlets, clearance centers, liquidators or big box stores. You get what you pay for. Shop at showrooms of authorized flooring dealers to find the best flooring.
Pick Engineered for Stability
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Hardwood flooring - go with engineered
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