If you’re considering hardwood flooring for your Houston home, you’re probably seeing two options everywhere: engineered hardwood and solid hardwood. And you’ve probably heard conflicting advice about which is better.
The truth is, both have their place — but in Houston’s humid climate, the right choice depends on where the floor is going, your budget, and how long you plan to stay in the home.
At Group Tile Services, we’ve installed thousands of square feet of hardwood flooring across Houston — from Memorial estates to Katy starter homes. Here’s what Houston homeowners need to know.
What Is Solid Hardwood Flooring?
Authentic, natural wood feel and sound
.Can be sanded and refinished 4–6 times over its lifespan
High resale value — buyers love solid hardwood
Available in a wide range of species: oak, maple, hickory, walnut, cherry
Cons:
Higher cost than engineered
Expands and contracts with humidity changes — a major issue in Houston
Not recommended for below-grade installations (basements)
Cannot be installed directly over concrete without a plywood subfloor
Professional Care Makes a Difference
Hardwood floors are an investment in your home’s beauty and value. With proper care, they can last 50 years or more. Without it, you’ll be replacing or refinishing far sooner than necessary.
Understanding the Difference
Solid hardwood is exactly what it sounds like — planks milled from a single piece of wood, typically 3/4 inch thick. It’s the traditional choice and can be sanded and refinished multiple times over its lifespan.
Engineered hardwood consists of a real wood veneer (the top layer you see and walk on) bonded to multiple layers of plywood or high-density fiberboard beneath. The cross-layered construction makes it more dimensionally stable than solid wood.