When homeowners in Baltimore, Catonsville, and Ellicott City, MD start planning their new hardwood floors, one of the first questions we get is:
“Should I go with solid or engineered hardwood?”
Both options offer the natural beauty and durability that homeowners love—but each has its own strengths, especially when it comes to climate, budget, subfloor type, and long-term maintenance.
At Danzco Hardwood Flooring, we’ve been helping families throughout Columbia, Owings Mills, Pikesville, and surrounding areas choose the best flooring for their space for over 30 years. Let’s walk you through the key differences, so you can feel confident about your choice.
🪵 What Is Solid Hardwood?
Solid hardwood flooring is just what it sounds like—planks made from a single piece of wood from top to bottom. Common wood types include oak, maple, cherry, and pine.
✔ Pros of Solid Hardwood:
- Can be refinished multiple times, making it last 50+ years.
- Offers authentic texture and feel.
- Adds significant resale value to a home.
- Can be customized with any stain or finish.
✘ Cons:
- Prone to expansion and contraction with humidity.
- Not ideal for basements or moisture-prone areas.
- Usually requires a nail-down installation over plywood.
Solid hardwood is a great choice for upper-level floors and living areas in traditional Maryland homes—especially in places like Towson or Randallstown, where homes tend to have crawlspaces or wood subfloors.
🧱 What Is Engineered Hardwood?
Engineered hardwood has a thin layer of real hardwood on top of a core made from plywood or high-density fiberboard (HDF). This layered structure makes it more dimensionally stable.
✔ Pros of Engineered Hardwood:
- Resists moisture and humidity better than solid hardwood.
- Can be installed below grade, such as in finished basements.
- Available in click-lock or glue-down options for floating floors.
- Looks just like solid wood once installed.
✘ Cons:
- Limited refinishing (usually only once or twice).
- Lower overall lifespan (20–30 years on average).
- Some lower-quality products may delaminate or warp over time.
If you’re in Elkridge, Columbia, or another area with finished basements or concrete subfloors, engineered hardwood may be the smarter long-term choice.
🏠 Which Flooring Is Better for Maryland Homes?
Humidity Considerations
Maryland’s seasonal humidity changes are no joke. Engineered wood holds up better in high-moisture environments, especially during muggy summers or cold, dry winters.
If your home is newer and well-sealed, engineered may be safer. For older homes with proper crawlspace ventilation, solid hardwood can still be a great fit.
Subfloor & Installation
- Concrete slab? → Go engineered.
- Plywood subfloor? → You can choose either, but solid wood typically requires nailing down.
- Want to install over radiant heat? Engineered performs better.
Refinishing and Longevity
Solid hardwood can be refinished 4–6 times over its life. That’s a big advantage if you plan to stay in your home long-term or want the option to change floor color later.
Engineered wood may only allow 1–2 refinishes, depending on the thickness of the veneer.
Cost Comparison
Engineered hardwood is generally more affordable upfront and often cheaper to install—especially in tricky areas like basements or over concrete.
But when you look at lifespan and refinishing potential, solid wood can offer better long-term value if you’re willing to invest.
📍 Which One Is Right for You?
Choose Solid Hardwood If:
- You want long-term value and refinishing options.
- You’re installing in a main-level room with a wood subfloor.
- You like the idea of natural variations and rich feel.
Choose Engineered Hardwood If:
- You’re installing in a basement, condo, or slab foundation home.
- You need moisture resistance.
- You want a quick and easy install.
🧰 Why Work with Danzco?
Based in Catonsville, MD, we help homeowners across Baltimore, Ellicott City, Columbia, Owings Mills, Pikesville, and Towson choose flooring that works for their lifestyle—not just what looks good in the showroom.
We sample stains right on your floors, help you decide on sheen levels, and walk you through your options for both solid and engineered hardwood.
📞 Ready for a Free Estimate?
No two homes are the same—so let’s find the right floor for yours.
Call Danzco Hardwood Floors today at (410) 788-5919, or visit us at www.danzcohardwoodfloors.com to request a consultation.
We’ll help you choose what works best for your space, your family, and your future plans.