There are so many choices when it comes to wood floors. Which one is right for you? How do you know? And most important, from my perspective, which one will future buyers pay top dollar for?
First, here are your options:
Solid Hardwood is a piece of solid wood, top to bottom. Thickness varies but usually in the 3/4″ to 5/16″ range. It can be sanded and refinished many times.
Engineered Wood floors are real wood that is manufactured using multiple layers of wood veneers. Sometimes, they can be sanded and refinished but it all depends on the thickness of that top layer. The under layers can be the same wood or a different species from the top. Because of the composition of the layers, engineered floors are very stable and are more resistant to expanding and contracting.
Laminate is a multi-layer synthetic flooring product. The core layer is manufactured primarily from melamine resin and fiberboard material. The top layer is an imprinted textured image made to imitate real wood with a clear protective finish.
My opinion (Resale value):
In our local market, buyers expect to see hardwood, but they tend to care more about the style than whether it is engineered or solid. I do not recommend laminate. For resale, there is a definite negative stigma in regards to value. It is assumed laminate was installed to save money and buyers start to wonder, “what else did they do to save money? what corners were cut?” This may not be the case at all. It could be the owners had pets and thought laminate was the better option, but that will not change the negative perception.
Solid Hardwood vs. Engineered Wood
This comes down to style preference. You can easily find solid wood floors that cost more or less than engineered wood. It depends on the wood, finish, dimension, style, and brand name. Also, speak with your contractor in regards to installation as it varies based on the product.
Note to future buyers: When you read a property description saying “hardwood floors” note that this could be referring to solid or engineered. If the distinction is important to you, make sure you ask.
Written by: AJ Olson Whitfield
Source: https://www.woodfloors.org/top-ten.aspx
