Whether you’re revamping your living space or simply curious about hardwood flooring options, understanding the differences between solid and engineered hardwood is a great first place to start!

Each brings its own unique charms and benefits to the table – so grab a cozy drink, get comfortable, and let’s dive into the warm inviting realm of hardwood flooring together!!

Right off the bat, it’s important to note that where you live matters when it comes to discussing flooring material options. For us in Alberta, our northern climate with its dry and chilly winters, plays a significant role in these decisions.  We experience extreme weather fluctuations, with winter humidity levels often dropping to around 20% or even much lower, while summer can see levels rise to about 50% or more. These changes can greatly affect how wood behaves in our homes. So with that in mind, here we go!

The Lowdown on Solid Hardwood

Let’s dive into solid hardwood first. Each board is crafted from a single solid piece of hardwood, embodying that timeless appeal we all adore. It’s sturdy and brings warmth that can make any space feel inviting. However, the dry winter air can lead to issues. You know those little gaps that appear between your floorboards? That’s solid wood reacting to low humidity! While it may look beautiful in the summer, solid hardwood can be temperamental in our dry winters, especially when temperatures drop to -20°C or below. For this reason, we recommend avoiding solid hardwood for any planks wider than 3 ¼”  in Alberta. As wood is a natural material that expands and contracts in changing temperatures and humidity, the larger surface area makes them more susceptible to movement and gaps.

When it comes to installation, solid hardwood is typically installed using a nail-down method over a plywood subfloor. This traditional installation method requires nails to be driven through the boards into the subfloor, providing a secure fit. However, it’s essential to allow for proper acclimation of the wood to the room’s humidity and temperature before installation to minimize expansion and contraction issues.

Enter Engineered Hardwood

Now, let’s talk about engineered hardwood. This natural flooring option is a modern marvel!  Each board is made from several layers of wood, with valuable hardwood used only for the surface or ‘wear’ layer. The other layers may consist of plywood, common softwood, or high-density fiberboard (HDF). This multi-layer construction makes engineered flooring incredibly stable, especially in our fluctuating climates. Engineered floors are generally more stable than solid wood, allowing them to perform better in various conditions.

One of the best parts? Engineered floors are much more versatile than solid wood. They can be installed in practically any situation using various techniques, including floating, glue-down, or nail-down methods. Engineered hardwood can even be installed over radiant heat systems, which is a challenge for solid wood.

What I love most about engineered hardwood is that it blends natural beauty with practicality. It’s made from renewable resources, making it a sustainable choice for environmentally-conscious homeowners. The beauty of real wood is still right under our feet, and its construction makes it more reliable for our Alberta homes, where humidity can swing dramatically.

IN A NUTSHELL

As you navigate your hardwood flooring decision, remember that while solid hardwood is filled with tradition and charm, particularly in more stable climates, a 3 ¼” width is the maximum width we’d recommend for our Alberta climate.  If you love the look of a wider plank, engineered hardwood is a dependable option that meets the demands of our fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels.  In either case, it’s still important to have a humidifier in your home and to monitor your humidity levels for optimal performance and to maintain your manufacturer’s warranty.  

The best news – at Iron River Surfaces, we offer both solid and engineered hardwood options, along with refinishing services to keep your floors looking their best. It’s all about finding the right fit for your unique needs, your home, and your lifestyle!  

So here’s to warm feet, happy homes, and beautiful floors that withstand the test of time (and Alberta’s weather)!