Hardwood & Engineered Wood Floors

Yes. Engineered hardwood is generally better suited than solid hardwood for areas that experience changes in moisture, temperature, or humidity. Its layered construction provides greater dimensional stability, reducing the risk of shrinking or warping. Mid America Flooring Solutions recommends engineered wood for situations such as basements and installations over concrete slabs.

Why engineered hardwood works well in these spaces:

• Greater stability: Engineered construction makes the flooring less susceptible to temperature and humidity changes.
• Concrete compatibility: Engineered hardwood can be installed over concrete subfloors where solid hardwood may not be advisable.
• Flexible installation: Depending on the product and subfloor, engineered wood may be floated, glued down, or nailed down.
• Natural appearance: A real hardwood veneer provides the appearance of wood while the engineered core improves stability.
• Moisture still matters: Engineered hardwood is more moisture-resistant than traditional solid hardwood, but spills should still be wiped up promptly and excessive water should be avoided.

The cost of hardwood or engineered wood flooring depends primarily on the flooring selected and the requirements of the installation. Important variables include wood species, plank width, finish, installation method, and whether solid or engineered hardwood is chosen. Subfloor conditions and other project-specific preparation can also affect the overall scope of installation.

Key cost factors include:

• Wood species: Different hardwood species can carry different material costs.
• Plank width: The dimensions and style of the selected flooring can influence pricing.
• Finish: Flooring finish choices can affect the material and project requirements.
• Flooring construction: Solid hardwood can have a higher upfront cost, while engineered hardwood is often a more budget-friendly alternative.
• Installation method: Nail-down, glue-down, and floating installations have different requirements.
• Subfloor condition: The subfloor needs to be clean, dry, level, and structurally suitable before installation. Necessary corrections can add work to the project.

Solid hardwood may cost more initially, but its ability to be refinished multiple times can provide long-term value. Engineered hardwood can offer a lower upfront cost while maintaining the appearance and durability buyers expect from wood flooring.

Neither option is universally better. Solid hardwood is an excellent choice when longevity and the ability to refinish the floor multiple times are priorities. Engineered hardwood is often better for concrete slabs, basements, and spaces affected by changing moisture or temperature because its layered construction provides greater dimensional stability.

Solid hardwood may be best for you if:

• You prioritize long-term refinishing potential.
• The room has suitable, stable environmental conditions.
• You want traditional solid-wood construction.

Engineered hardwood may be best for you if:

• Your home has a concrete slab.
• The room experiences greater humidity or temperature variation.
• You need more flexibility in installation methods.
• You want hardwood aesthetics with a potentially more budget-friendly material.

Professional hardwood installation begins by preparing and evaluating the subfloor, followed by manufacturer-recommended acclimation and moisture checks. The installer then plans the layout, allows room for natural wood movement, and installs the flooring using the appropriate method. Mid America Flooring Solutions uses different installation techniques depending on whether solid or engineered hardwood is selected.

For solid hardwood, the process generally includes:

1. Inspect the subfloor. The installation team checks that the surface is clean, dry, level, and stable.
2. Acclimate the flooring. Manufacturer recommendations are followed, typically involving several days of acclimation plus moisture and humidity checks.
3. Plan the layout. The homeowner can review and approve the layout based on the desired appearance.
4. Allow for expansion. An expansion gap is left around the room perimeter so the wood can move naturally.
5. Install the planks. Tongue-and-groove hardwood is positioned with staggered seams and secured appropriately.
6. Complete finishing work. Finishing touches help protect the floor and complete its appearance.

Engineered hardwood offers additional installation options:

• Floating: Click-lock planks can be joined without fastening them directly to the subfloor.
• Glue-down: Adhesive secures the flooring to the subfloor and can be suitable for concrete.
• Nail-down: Planks are mechanically secured through the tongue, similar to solid hardwood installation.

The appropriate method depends on the flooring product, manufacturer requirements, and existing subfloor.

No. Engineered hardwood should not be considered completely waterproof simply because it handles moisture better than solid hardwood. Its layered construction makes engineered wood more resistant to moisture-related movement, shrinking, and warping, but it is still a wood flooring product. Spills should be cleaned promptly, and excessive water should be avoided during cleaning.

What "more moisture-resistant" actually means:

• Engineered hardwood provides greater dimensional stability than traditional solid hardwood.
• It can be appropriate for some locations where solid hardwood is not recommended, including basements and installations over concrete.
• Moisture resistance does not mean the flooring can tolerate unlimited water exposure.
• Standing water and excessive moisture can still potentially damage wood flooring.
• Routine cleaning should avoid excessive water.

Homeowners who require flooring specifically designed for frequent water exposure should discuss other flooring categories with their flooring professional rather than assuming engineered hardwood is waterproof.

Mid America Flooring Solutions provides professional hardwood and engineered wood flooring installation throughout St. Peters and the greater St. Louis, Missouri area. As a hardwood flooring installer servicing O'Fallon and nearby communities, we help homeowners select and professionally install flooring that fits their home and project needs.

Our Service Areas Include:

• St. Peters
• St. Charles
• St. Louis
• Wentzville
• Chesterfield
• Dardenne Prairie
• Creve Coeur
• Cottleville
• St. Paul
• Lake St. Louis
• Troy

Our Wood Flooring Services Include:

• Solid hardwood flooring installation
• Engineered wood flooring installation
• Flooring selection assistance
• Professional installation based on product and manufacturer specifications

Service availability and installation requirements may vary depending on the flooring product, subfloor conditions, property conditions, and scope of the project.