What is the difference between a solid hardwood, an engineered hardwood, and a laminate floor?
A. A hardwood floor covering is typically made of 100% natural wood throughout the flooring material. Real hardwood flooring tends to have more unique striations in the wood than laminate or engineered hardwood. It is relatively easy to refinish multiple times because there is no non-wood material inside the product which cannot be sanded. Installation is typically a “tongue and groove” type. Engineered hardwood is generally made up of a combination of hardwood, plywood, High Density Fiber (HDF), and a veneer which is laid upon the top showing the design. Engineered hardwood has been constructed to deal with fluctuations in moisture and temperature better than most regular hardwood floors. This type of flooring may be refinished once, but generally no more than that because it allows for a minimal amount of sanding. Laminate floor coverings are generally composed of HDF. Its design is displayed by a photographic piece laid on top of the HDF which is intended to reflect the natural look