Hardwood Flooring Buying Guide: Engineered vs Solid, Species & Finishes
Real wood floors add warmth and value that nothing else quite matches. In Southern California, though, slab foundations and dry air change which hardwood makes sense. Here's how to choose.
Engineered or solid hardwood?
Solid hardwood is one piece of wood. It can be sanded many times, but it moves more with humidity and is normally nailed down over a wood subfloor.
Engineered hardwood has a real wood top layer bonded to a stable layered core. It moves less, can be glued down or floated over concrete slab, and is the right choice for most homes in the San Fernando Valley.
On engineered floors, a thicker top wood layer means the floor can be refinished more times.
Species and look
White oak is the most popular choice right now. It is hard, takes stain evenly, and shows a calm, natural grain.
Hickory is one of the hardest domestic woods, with bold color variation. It's great for active homes and rustic looks.
Maple is hard and smooth with a subtle grain, for a clean, modern look.
Wire-brushed and hand-scraped textures hide scratches and dents better than smooth, glossy boards.
Plank width and finish
Wide planks (7 inches and up) make rooms feel bigger and are the current trend. Matte and low-gloss finishes hide scratches and dust better than high gloss.
Factory finishes (prefinished floors) are cured in the plant and are usually tougher than a finish applied on site.
Living with wood floors
Wood is not waterproof. Wipe spills right away, use felt pads under furniture, and keep indoor humidity steady. For kitchens with heavy water use or for bathrooms, waterproof vinyl plank or laminate may be a better fit.
Frequently asked questions
Can hardwood go over a concrete slab?
Engineered hardwood can, either glued down or floated with the right moisture barrier. Solid hardwood normally needs a wood subfloor.
Is engineered hardwood real wood?
Yes. The surface you walk on is real hardwood. Only the core underneath is built in layers for stability.
Which hardwood is best with dogs?
A hard species like hickory or white oak with a wire-brushed texture and a matte finish. It hides scratches far better than smooth, glossy wood.
Do you install hardwood?
Yes. We supply and install hardwood across Los Angeles from our Sylmar showroom. Call (818) 203-1168 or request a free quote.
See it in person
Browse our Hardwood collection online, or visit our showroom at 12610 Glenoaks Blvd #8, Sylmar, CA 91342. We're a licensed flooring contractor serving Sylmar, Santa Clarita, Northridge, Burbank and all of Los Angeles. Call (818) 203-1168 or request a free quote.
More guides: Vinyl Plank (LVP) buying guide, Carpet buying guide, Laminate buying guide.