What engineered hardwood is
Each board has a top layer of real hardwood, the part you see and walk on, bonded to layers of plywood or wood fiber underneath. That layered core is what makes it stable: it moves less than solid wood when humidity rises and falls. Most engineered hardwood arrives prefinished, already stained and sealed at the factory, so there's no sanding or finishing in your home.
Why choose engineered
Engineered or site-finished solid?
| Engineered (prefinished) | Site-finished solid | |
|---|---|---|
| Over a concrete slab | Glued or floated directly | Yes, over a built-up subfloor (vapor barrier, plywood, felt) |
| Time in your home | Shorter | Longer: sanding and finish cure |
| Color | Choose from the line's finishes | Custom stain mixed on your floor |
| Surface | Small beveled edges between boards | Flush, sealed as one surface |
| Refinishing later | Depends on wear-layer thickness | Many times over its life |
Want a custom stain color, or solid wood you can refinish for generations? See site-finished hardwood floor installation.
Installation methods
- Glue-down: bonded directly to the slab. Solid underfoot, the most common method over concrete.
- Floating: boards lock together over an underlayment without being fastened down. Quicker, and good over existing floors in some cases.
- Nail-down: over a wood subfloor, like solid hardwood.
We'll recommend the method after checking your subfloor and moisture.
Brands and options
We have access to hundreds of brands, with different looks and price points. One product our clients frequently select is Mohawk TecWood, for its true-to-life hardwood visuals in wide, long planks and a tough factory finish that stands up to everyday wear.
Wide planks, long lengths, oak, hickory and more, in finishes you can see at the showroom or in your home. Browse some lines on our engineered hardwood product pages.
How an installation works
- 1In-home estimate. We measure, test the slab or subfloor for moisture and flatness, and bring samples. Or visit the showroom at 209 N Tennessee St, Suite E, by appointment.
- 2Choose and order. You pick the line, width and finish, and get a written estimate.
- 3Prep. Old flooring comes out, and the slab or subfloor is leveled and prepared.
- 4Install. Glue-down, floating or nail-down, with transitions, trim and stairs finished to match.
- 5Walkthrough. We walk the floor with you before we call it done.
What goes into the price
Every home is different, so we price after an in-home visit. What moves the number:
- The product line, wear-layer thickness and plank size
- Installation method (glue-down, floating or nail-down)
- How much leveling the slab or subfloor needs, and any moisture barrier
- Removing and hauling away the old floor
- Stairs, transitions and trim
You get a written estimate with the scope spelled out, so you know exactly what you're paying for.
Recent engineered projects
Reviews
“Our new floors are beautiful! My wife and I had a really excellent experience with David and Sarah. We had a water leak in our house that required us to replace all our engineered floors and they genuinely cared about a quality outcome for us. We really struggled to decide on the flooring because we liked our previous floors, but where we landed couldn't have been better!”
“…removing carpet from stairs and bonus room, replacing with hardwood… The color is a perfect match to existing engineered hardwood downstairs, and we are super pleased!”
Frequently asked questions
Is engineered hardwood real wood?
Yes. The top layer is real hardwood; only the core underneath is layered. It looks and feels like hardwood because it is.
Can engineered hardwood go over a concrete slab?
Yes. That's one of the main reasons to choose it. It's glued directly to the slab or floated over it after we check the slab for moisture and flatness.
Can engineered hardwood be refinished?
Often, yes. It depends on how thick the real-wood top layer is. Thicker wear layers can be sanded and refinished; we'll tell you what to expect from the product you choose.
Is engineered hardwood waterproof?
No. It handles humidity better than solid wood, but standing water can still damage it. For bathrooms and laundry rooms, see LVP and laminate installation or tile installation.
How long does an engineered installation take?
From start to finish, a project can take anywhere from 2 to 3 days up to 2 weeks, depending on the size of the job and the preparation it needs.
How much does engineered hardwood installation cost?
It depends on the product, the installation method and the condition of your slab or subfloor. We give a written estimate after a free in-home visit, so the price reflects your home, not an average.