Hardwood versus Engineered Wood
What's the Real Difference?
Hardwood flooring is timeless and refinished-friendly, while engineered wood offers greater moisture resistance and is better suited for Arizona’s dry heat.
Hardwood flooring is timeless and refinished-friendly, while engineered wood offers greater moisture resistance and is better suited for Arizona’s dry heat.
Hardwood flooring is timeless and refinished-friendly, while engineered wood offers greater moisture resistance and is better suited for Arizona’s dry heat.
Both hardwood and engineered wood floors deliver beautiful results, but what’s beneath the surface makes all the difference—especially in the Phoenix metro area.
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Solid hardwood is made from one continuous piece of natural wood, typically about 3/4 inch thick. It’s prized for its longevity, elegance, and ability to be sanded and refinished multiple times. Many homeowners choose it for its classic, upscale appearance that stands the test of time.
Key Features:
Made from 100% natural wood
Can be refinished 3–5+ times
Best installed above grade in dry, stable environments
Engineered wood features a real hardwood top layer over a plywood or high-density fiberboard (HDF) core. This construction makes it more stable and less likely to warp or expand in fluctuating climates—making it an ideal option for Arizona homes.
Key Features:
Real wood surface with layered construction beneath
Handles heat, moisture, and temperature swings better
Can be installed below grade and in moisture-prone areas
Buy now and pay overtime! We offer several different financing programs.
Arizona’s climate is known for its dry heat and wide daily temperature swings. That makes engineered wood the better long-term option for most Phoenix-area homes.
Why Engineered Wood Wins in Arizona:
Less prone to expansion and contraction
Performs well in dry climates and air-conditioned environments
Great for concrete slab foundations common in the Valley
Engineered wood can be refinished—but only if the top layer is thick enough (usually 2mm+). Solid hardwood has a thicker wear layer, so it can be refinished more often over decades.
| Feature | Solid Hardwood | Engineered Wood |
|---|---|---|
| Refinishing | 3–5+ times | 1–3 times (depends on top layer) |
| Moisture Resistance | Low | Moderate to High |
| Installation Areas | Above grade only | Above, on, or below grade |
| Ideal for Arizona? | With caution | Yes ✅ |
Our installation teams are licensed, insured, and screened regularly.
Flooring delivered
to your door.
Next day installation
is available.
We even help move
your furniture.
Engineered wood offers more flexibility—it can be glued, floated, or stapled, and it’s perfect for concrete slabs found in many Phoenix homes.
Floor Daddy Pro Tip:
We offer free in-home consultations so you can see both hardwood and engineered samples side-by-side, right where they’ll be installed.
We bring large flooring samples to your home for free!
It comes down to your lifestyle, location, and long-term goals:
Want a high-end, refinishing-ready floor? Go with solid hardwood.
Need durability and better climate performance? Choose engineered wood.
At Floor Daddy, we help customers across Tempe, Glendale, Peoria, and beyond compare real samples and get expert recommendations—all with no pressure.
Whether you’re in a historic bungalow in Downtown Phoenix or a new build in Gilbert, we bring flooring samples directly to your door.
At Floor Daddy, we’ve helped homeowners in Tempe, Glendale, Scottsdale, and Chandler pick floors that stay beautiful season after season.
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“We had Floor Daddy install engineered wood in our Scottsdale home—it’s gorgeous and holding up perfectly through summer!” — Emily R., Verified Customer
Yes—homes with hardwood or high-quality engineered wood flooring typically sell faster and for more money. According to the National Association of Realtors, 54% of homebuyers are willing to pay more for wood floors.
Neutral colors like light oak, beige, and natural hickory are top choices. These tones appeal to the widest range of buyers and suit modern, transitional, and traditional styles.
Most engineered wood floors can be refinished once, depending on the thickness of the veneer layer. Always check the product specs or ask your installer.
Yes—wide plank styles are very desirable. They make rooms look more spacious and modern, which can be a big advantage when staging your home for sale.
Most projects take 2–5 days, depending on the size and complexity. Floor Daddy offers efficient scheduling for homeowners preparing to sell.