Due to some limitations of solid wood flooring, technology has led to the development of engineered hardwood flooring. In basement areas or locations with persistent temperature changes, engineered hardwood flooring is the option because of solid wood’s tendency to cup and expand. Solid wood can contract and expand with extreme temperatures or humidity which can cause gaps to appear between planks.

Engineered hardwood flooring is more resilient than solid wood because only the top portion is hardwood. The base is made of other types of wood or a substrate such as fiberboard for stability and durability. It is likewise easier to install on any surface. Unlike solid wood, engineered hardwood flooring can be installed over concrete and below ground level. Because of its resiliency and stability, some engineered hardwood floors are slightly more expensive than solid wood floors.

However, those with a top layer thinner than 1/10” cannot be refinished like solid wood. Thinner top layers can only be recoated by urethane.