Solid hardwood
Full-thickness wood milled from a single piece and installed over a wood subfloor.
Solid vs Engineered Hardwood for Atlanta Homes
Both are real wood. The difference is construction, and it decides which one belongs in your house.
In Atlanta, slab foundations, crawlspace humidity and a taste for wide planks tend to drive the decision.
Engineered hardwood
A real wood top layer bonded to a plywood or composite core, stable over slab and in wider planks.
Side by side
| What matters | Solid hardwood | Engineered hardwood |
|---|---|---|
| Substrate | Requires a suitable wood subfloor and is not recommended over concrete. | Works over concrete slab, plywood and some existing floors, depending on the assembly. |
| Humidity response | Moves more with seasonal humidity, so interior humidity control matters. | The cross-ply core resists movement, which helps through Georgia summers. |
| Wide planks | Wide solid planks move more and need careful acclimation. | Wide engineered planks are more dimensionally stable and common in modern styles. |
| Refinishing | Can be sanded several times over its life. | Depends on top-layer thickness; some can be refinished once or twice, others cannot. |
| Below grade | Not appropriate for basements. | Permitted in some below-grade applications with manufacturer approval. |
| Cost | Material varies by species, and installation needs a wood subfloor. | Often similar or higher for premium lines, but can save on substrate preparation. |
Choose Solid hardwood when
- You have a wood subfloor and want decades of refinishing life.
- The home's character calls for full-thickness wood.
- You can keep interior humidity reasonably stable.
Choose Engineered hardwood when
- The house is on slab or the room is below grade.
- You want wide planks or a specific modern finish.
- Finished floor height matters, since engineered assemblies are often thinner.
What we check before recommending either
- Moisture testing of the slab or subfloor.
- Top-layer thickness, which sets future refinishing potential.
- Finished floor height against doors, thresholds and trim.
Common questions
Is engineered hardwood real wood?
Yes. The surface is a real wood layer; only the core is engineered. Quality depends largely on the thickness of that top layer.
Which is better over a slab in Atlanta?
Engineered, using the manufacturer's approved adhesive or floating assembly with verified slab moisture.
More flooring comparisons
Not sure which floor fits your house?
Tell us the property, the rooms and how you use them. Final Floors will discuss what the conditions actually support.