One of the most common questions I get from Charlotte homeowners is: "Should I go with engineered or solid hardwood?"
The honest answer is that both can work beautifully - but for Charlotte's climate specifically, one often makes more sense than the other. Let me break down the real differences so you can make the right choice for your home.
What's Actually Different?
First, let's clear up what these terms mean, because there's a lot of confusion out there.
Solid hardwood is exactly what it sounds like - each plank is milled from a single piece of wood, typically 3/4 inch thick. It's what your grandparents probably had. When you sand and refinish it, you're working with the same wood all the way through.
Engineered hardwood has a real hardwood top layer (called the wear layer) bonded to multiple layers of plywood or high-density fiberboard underneath. The top layer is typically 2-6mm thick depending on the product quality.
That layered construction is the key difference, and it's why engineered hardwood often performs better in our climate.
Why Engineered Handles Charlotte's Humidity Better
Remember how I talked about wood expanding and contracting with humidity changes? Here's where that matters.
Solid hardwood expands and contracts across its entire thickness. When a 3/4 inch solid plank absorbs moisture in a humid Charlotte summer, the whole board swells. When winter's dry heat kicks in, the whole board shrinks.
Engineered hardwood's cross-ply construction (layers running in alternating directions) counteracts this movement. The layers essentially hold each other in check. The result? Engineered floors move significantly less than solid floors under the same conditions.
For Charlotte homes - especially those with crawl spaces, concrete slabs, or inconsistent climate control - this stability is a major advantage.
Where Solid Hardwood Still Wins
That said, solid hardwood has real benefits:
Refinishing potential: You can sand and refinish solid hardwood many times over its lifetime - typically 7-10 times for a 3/4 inch floor. High-quality engineered can be refinished 2-4 times depending on wear layer thickness, but budget engineered (with thin wear layers) may only allow one light sanding or none at all.
Longevity: A well-maintained solid hardwood floor can last over 100 years. That's why you see original hardwood in historic Charlotte homes like those in Dilworth and Myers Park. Engineered hardwood's lifespan depends heavily on wear layer thickness, but even the best typically max out around 50-75 years.
Authenticity: For some homeowners, the idea of solid wood underfoot just feels right. There's something satisfying about knowing it's real wood through and through.
Value perception: In higher-end homes, solid hardwood is often seen as the premium choice. If you're building a custom home in Ballantyne or South Park, solid hardwood makes a statement.
The Cost Question
Let's talk money, because this is often the deciding factor.
Material costs are surprisingly similar. Mid-grade solid hardwood runs $4-8 per square foot. Mid-grade engineered hardwood runs $3-10 per square foot. Premium options in either category can exceed $15 per square foot.
Installation costs favor engineered slightly. Many engineered products can be floated (clicked together without nailing or gluing), which speeds installation. Solid hardwood almost always needs to be nailed down, and installation over concrete requires additional subfloor preparation.
Long-term costs favor solid hardwood if you plan to refinish multiple times. Each refinishing job costs less than replacement. But if you're unlikely to refinish more than once or twice, engineered's lower upfront cost may win.
Where Each Works Best in Charlotte Homes
Based on what I've seen working on floors throughout the Charlotte area, here's my general guidance:
Engineered is often the better choice for:
- Homes with concrete slab foundations (common in newer Charlotte construction)
- Basements and below-grade installations
- Homes with inconsistent climate control
- Over radiant heat systems
- Condos and townhomes where you can't control building-wide humidity
- Kitchens and areas near exterior doors
- Homeowners who want easier installation (DIY-friendly)
Solid hardwood may be worth it for:
- Homes with crawl space foundations and good moisture control
- Rooms with consistent climate control
- Historic homes where authenticity matters
- Homeowners who plan to stay long-term and refinish multiple times
- High-end custom homes where perceived value matters
Questions to Ask Before You Decide
Before making your choice, get clear answers on:
- What's your foundation type? Concrete slab usually means engineered. Crawl space can go either way with proper moisture control.
- How's your home's humidity control? If you struggle to maintain consistent indoor humidity, engineered is more forgiving.
- What's the wear layer thickness? For engineered, insist on at least 4mm if you want refinishing options. Anything less is essentially a one-and-done floor.
- How long do you plan to stay? If this is your forever home, solid's refinishing potential matters more. If you might move in 10 years, engineered's stability might serve you better.
- What's your budget - really? Include installation costs, not just materials. Get actual quotes for both options.
The Bottom Line
There's no universally "better" option - just the better option for your specific situation. In Charlotte's climate, I lean toward recommending engineered hardwood for most homeowners, especially those with slab foundations or humidity concerns. But solid hardwood remains an excellent choice when conditions are right.
If you're still not sure which direction to go, we're happy to look at your specific situation. We can assess your subfloor, talk through your priorities, and give you an honest recommendation. Sometimes that means steering you toward engineered when you came in wanting solid - or vice versa. We'd rather you get the right floor than just any floor.
Ready to Talk Floors?
Whether you're leaning toward engineered or solid - or you have no idea where to start - we can help. Schedule a free consultation, and we'll walk through your options based on your home, your lifestyle, and your budget. No pressure, just good information to help you decide.