Should You Choose Hardwood Flooring?
Hardwood flooring is the gold standard: timeless beauty, incredible durability, and significant home value increase. But it costs $5-12 per square foot, can't handle water, and requires careful maintenance. Learn whether solid or engineered hardwood is right for your home.
Quick Summary
Material cost
$5-12/sq ft
Lifespan
50-100+ years
Best for
Living areas, bedrooms
Solid vs Engineered Hardwood
Solid Hardwood
Real wood throughout, typically 3/4 inch thick. Nailed directly to wood subfloor. The traditional choice.
Pros
- ✓Can be refinished 5-7 times
- ✓Lasts 50-100+ years
- ✓Maximum resale value
- ✓Authentic, solid feel
- ✓Easy to repair sections
Cons
- ✗Can't go in basements
- ✗Can't install over concrete
- ✗Expands/contracts with humidity
- ✗More expensive ($6-12/sq ft)
- ✗Professional install recommended
Engineered Hardwood
Real wood veneer (1/8 to 1/4 inch) over plywood core. Total thickness 3/8 to 1/2 inch. Can be glued, nailed, or floated.
Pros
- ✓More stable than solid
- ✓Can go over concrete
- ✓Good for basements
- ✓Easier DIY install
- ✓Less expensive ($5-10/sq ft)
Cons
- ✗Can only refinish 1-2 times
- ✗Thinner wear layer
- ✗Shorter lifespan (20-40 years)
- ✗Slightly lower resale value
- ✗Not as authentic feel
Cost Breakdown
Material Costs by Species
Installation costs: Professional hardwood installation adds $5-8 per square foot. DIY is possible for engineered wood but not recommended for solid hardwood unless you have experience.
Maintenance & Care
Daily Care
- • Sweep or vacuum daily with soft brush attachment
- • Wipe spills immediately - water damage is permanent
- • Use felt pads under all furniture legs
- • Avoid high heels and sharp objects on surface
Weekly Cleaning
- • Damp mop with hardwood-specific cleaner (not water!)
- • Wring mop until barely damp - excess water damages wood
- • Never use steam mops or excessive water
Long-term Care
- • Refinish solid hardwood every 10-15 years (costs $3-5/sq ft)
- • Keep humidity between 35-55% to prevent warping
- • Use area rugs in high-traffic zones
- • Trim pet nails to prevent scratches
Is Hardwood Right for Your Home?
Choose Hardwood If:
- • You're staying in this home 10+ years
- • You want maximum resale value
- • You love the authentic wood look and feel
- • Main living areas (not wet areas)
- • You can maintain 35-55% humidity
- • Budget allows $8-20/sq ft installed
Avoid Hardwood If:
- • Installing in kitchens, bathrooms, or basements
- • You have large dogs with sharp nails
- • Budget is tight (consider LVP instead)
- • You need 100% waterproof flooring
- • This is a rental property or flip
- • You prefer low-maintenance options
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between solid and engineered hardwood?
Solid hardwood is real wood throughout, 3/4 inch thick, nailed to subfloor. Can be refinished 5-7 times. Engineered hardwood has a real wood veneer (top layer) over plywood core. More stable in humidity, can go over concrete, can be refinished 1-2 times. Both look identical once installed and last decades.
How long does hardwood flooring last?
Solid hardwood lasts 50-100+ years with proper care and refinishing every 10-15 years. Engineered hardwood lasts 20-40 years. The thicker the wear layer on engineered wood, the longer it lasts. Both are considered permanent flooring and increase home value.
Is hardwood worth the extra cost compared to vinyl?
Hardwood costs $5-12/sq ft vs $2-6 for LVP, but adds significant resale value. Hardwood can be refinished to look new again, while vinyl must be replaced. For primary residences you'll keep 10+ years, hardwood is worth it. For rentals or short-term homes, LVP offers better value.
Ready for the Next Step?
Compare hardwood with luxury vinyl plank (LVP), a waterproof alternative that looks like wood but costs less and requires minimal maintenance.