Both are real hardwood, but engineered outperforms solid in Florida's conditions in most scenarios
| Feature | Engineered Hardwood | Solid Hardwood |
|---|---|---|
| Real Wood? | Yes (real veneer top) | Yes (100% solid) |
| Florida Humidity Resistance | Excellent | Fair (with precautions) |
| Over Concrete Slab | Yes | No |
| Can Be Refinished | 1-3 times | 5-7 times |
| Installation Methods | Float, glue, or nail-down | Nail-down only |
| Acclimation Time | 48-72 hours | 5-7 days |
| Cost (Installed) | $7-$18 per sq ft | $8-$20 per sq ft |
Our recommendation for Orlando: Engineered hardwood for first floors, over concrete, and in high-humidity areas. Solid hardwood for upper floors with wood subfloors where maximum refinishing longevity is desired.
From material selection to final installation, 3 Floor Guys handles every aspect of your engineered hardwood project
Float, glue-down, or nail-down installation depending on your subfloor type. All species and plank widths from 3" strip to 7" wide plank.
White oak is the most popular engineered hardwood choice in Orlando — beautiful grain, takes stain exceptionally well, and handles Florida's humidity like a champion.
Breathe new life into worn engineered floors. We measure veneer thickness first to confirm refinishability, then sand, stain, and apply fresh finish.
Florida's slab construction requires glue-down or floating installation. We moisture-test all concrete slabs and install proper vapor barriers to protect your floors.
Wide plank engineered hardwood (5" to 8"+) creates a stunning, spacious look. We specialize in wide plank installation with proper acclimation and expansion management.
Not sure which brand, species, or thickness to choose? We advise based on your specific room, subfloor type, budget, and lifestyle — no upselling, just honest guidance.
Orlando's average relative humidity sits around 74% year-round — one of the highest in the continental US. Solid hardwood, which is a single piece of wood from top to bottom, can expand and contract significantly with these humidity changes, leading to cupping, gapping, and structural damage over time.
Engineered hardwood's cross-ply construction fights this movement. The alternating grain directions of the core layers counteract each other, dramatically reducing the dimensional change that causes solid hardwood problems in Florida.
The other major Florida advantage: engineered hardwood can be installed directly over concrete slabs, which make up the vast majority of Central Florida's ground-floor construction. Solid hardwood cannot — it must be nailed into a wood subfloor or sleeper system.
Cross-ply core resists Florida's high humidity
Perfect for Florida's slab-on-grade homes
Genuine hardwood veneer — looks identical to solid
Can be sanded and refinished 1-3 times
Serving all of Orlando and Central Florida — Winter Park, Maitland, Lake Mary, Altamonte Springs, Casselberry, Longwood, Oviedo, and more. Free in-home consultations with no obligation.
For most Florida applications, yes. Engineered hardwood is more dimensionally stable and handles humidity fluctuations far better than solid hardwood. It can also be installed over the concrete slabs common in Florida construction, while solid hardwood generally cannot.
Engineered hardwood consists of a real hardwood veneer (typically 1/16" to 1/8" thick) bonded to multiple layers of plywood or HDF core. This cross-grain construction makes it far more resistant to expansion and contraction from moisture and temperature changes than solid hardwood.
Yes, 1-3 times depending on veneer thickness. Thin veneer (1/16") can typically be lightly sanded once. Thicker veneer (1/8" or 6mm) can be refinished 2-3 times. We measure veneer thickness during our free consultation to advise you properly.
Most rooms take 1-2 days. A full home (1,000-2,000 sq ft) typically takes 3-5 days including subfloor prep. Unlike solid hardwood, engineered hardwood requires less acclimation time — usually 48-72 hours versus 5-7 days for solid.
Engineered hardwood material costs $4-$12 per square foot depending on species, thickness, and finish. Installation runs $3-$6 per square foot. A 1,000 sq ft home typically costs $7,000-$18,000 fully installed. We provide free, detailed written estimates.
Explore more of our professional flooring services
Complete hardwood flooring installation in Orlando and nearby areas.
Professional hardwood floor installation, refinishing, and restoration in Orlando.
Luxury vinyl plank installation throughout Central Florida.