Solid and engineered wood can be used in many different applications and have a variety of benefits. From hardwood flooring, solid furniture, to storage pieces, the applications for wood are truly endless. Choosing between engineered wood and solid wood depends on where it is being used, the surrounding climate, and how much maintenance you want to have to keep it aesthetically pleasing. This blog will share different aspects of each wood type and how it can be used in a home, business, or other setting.
Design Flexibility
Using solid wood for tables, chairs, dressers, flooring, and construction will allow you to have higher design flexibility because it can be easily cut, stained, painted, or carved to your preferences. Engineered wood can be stained or painted, but it often doesn’t hold the pigment as well as solid wood. Solid wood ranges in durability and hardness, making it common in many applications. The objects that can be made from wood are truly endless, especially when you choose the right wood type.
Price
One of the biggest differences between solid and engineered wood is the price per square foot. The price can also depend on whether it is being used for flooring or if you are buying raw lumber. For flooring, engineered hardwood can range from $5 to $15 per square foot. Solid food without a finish can range from $5 to $28 per square foot. Solid wood will typically have a higher price point because of its higher durability. Wood types or colors that are in high demand may have a higher cost per square foot.
Expected Lifespan
Solid natural wood can last through weather and environmental factors, so it has a longer lifespan than engineered or composite options. Proper cutting and staining of the wood can also impact its lifespan, as well as how it is maintained over time. Flooring made of engineered wood can last up the 30 years, but solid wood floors can last for double that. Engineered wood used for furniture can last for 40 years, while solid wood can last for 50 years or more.
Installation
The process for installing hardwood or engineered wood flooring can look different depending on where it is being placed in a home or business. Solid hardwood flooring will also have different installation methods than engineered wood because of the cuts and finishes. Solid wood is cut from a single piece of wood and can be sanded or refinished before or after installation. These flooring options often need a type of heavy-duty glue, flooring nails, or an additional moisture barrier.
Engineered wood can often be installed with either glue or nails, not both, and comes in smaller pieces. Engineered wood often comes in interlocking pieces that make installation much quicker. If you have an uneven subfloor, engineered wood often won’t adhere well to the surface, making it difficult to install without leveling or a self-leveling product.
Common Applications For Engineered Wood
Using different types of wood across your home or business can help protect the space from damage and make life easier. This wood consists of a hardwood veneer bonded to multiple layers of fiberboard, making it good for basements or entryways that are prone to moisture.
Other applications for engineered wood include:
- Support beams
- Construction framing
- Flooring in humid areas
- Outdoor furniture
- Decking
- Wall paneling
- Exterior doors
Common Applications For Solid Wood
Using solid wood will help give your furniture or home a timeless look, but it isn’t the best for all applications. Solid wood is often much harder to keep clean and maintained, especially if you have kids or pets.
Some common applications for solid wood include:
- Tables, chairs, desks, and bookcases
- Cabinetry
- Beams or rafters
- Fencing
- Pergolas
- Ships
- Toys
- Musical instruments
- Picture frames
Mission Style Furniture From Sugar House Furniture
Sugar House Furniture offers many different types of furniture that can serve your home or business for years to come. Our team has been crafting solid wood furniture since 1985, helping people of all backgrounds have the style and finish of furniture that suits them.
Our team uses solid wood because of its durability, design flexibility, and visual appeal. Mission furniture is built to last for many years, even with ornate or decorative elements. We have a furniture solution to fit your needs and be passed down through generations. Visit our furniture store in Salt Lake City to see all of our pieces in person.
