Fort Collins homeowners ask us daily: Is hardwood flooring or engineered wood the better fit for a floor remodel? The short answer: it depends on your subfloor, lifestyle, and long-term plans. As a local flooring contractor serving Northern Colorado since 1976, Northern Colorado Carpets helps you choose the right product—not just the prettiest plank—so you get durability, value, and a look you’ll love.
TL;DR:
- Construction & Stability
- Look & Feel
- Installation & Budget
- Durability & Maintenance
Construction & Stability: Solid Planks vs. Multi-Layer Cores
Hardwood flooring is a single species from top to bottom. It’s classic, refinishable, and adds long-term value. Engineered wood features a genuine hardwood wear layer over cross-laminated cores for enhanced stability. That layered build helps control seasonal movement—big for our dry winters and sudden humidity swings from Cheyenne to Denver. If your floor remodel includes wide planks or rooms over concrete, engineered wood can shine because it tolerates moisture better than solid hardwood flooring.
Thickness matters. Thicker wear layers on engineered wood allow future touch-ups similar to hardwood flooring. If you want uniform height transitions to tile or LVT / sheet vinyl, we’ll measure your subfloor and make sure your flooring contractor’s plan accounts for thresholds and stairs. In basements and slab-on-grade spaces, engineered flooring reduces the risk of cupping compared to solid hardwood flooring.
Ready to compare samples side-by-side? Schedule an appointment with a Fort Collins flooring contractor for a tailored floor remodel assessment.
Look & Feel: Finishes, Plank Widths, and Design Options
Both options offer gorgeous finishes, from matte aluminum-oxide to wire-brushed textures that hide daily wear. With hardwood flooring, you’ll see endless species choices like oak, hickory, and maple, each taking stain differently. Engineered flooring lines expand design options—extra-wide planks, long lengths, and specialty looks—without sacrificing the real-wood surface. Thinking whole-home cohesion? We can coordinate hardwood flooring with tile flooring in entries and waterproof floors in baths.
Style trends favor 6–9″ widths and low-sheen finishes. Engineered wood makes these widths more stable; solid hardwood flooring can still work with proper acclimation and humidity control. Our 12,500-sq-ft Fort Collins showroom lets you see hardwood flooring next to laminate and environmentally-friendly flooring, so your flooring contractor’s design reads consistently from room to room. Bring cabinet and paint swatches—we’ll align undertones and grain patterns so your floor remodel feels intentional, not pieced together.
Installation & Budget: What Your Flooring Contractor Wants You to Know
Installation drives performance. Solid hardwood flooring is typically nailed/stapled down over wood subfloors, with site finishing or prefinished options. Engineered offers glue-down, nail-down, and click-lock formats—great for condos or projects with time constraints. Labor varies: glue-down takes longer than click systems; herringbone or borders add craftsmanship but demand a seasoned flooring contractor; don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with our expert team.
Budgeting? Entry-level engineered floors can be cost-effective, while premium engineered and select-grade hardwood flooring have similar costs. Add line items for removal, subfloor prep, trim, and transitions—our smart floor remodel planning avoids surprise costs. For homes from Estes Park to Greeley, we also consider altitude and HVAC baselines before we install hardwood flooring, which protects your warranty and investment.
Want an apples-to-apples quote on hardwood flooring vs. engineered? Contact us for a detailed estimate from a local flooring contractor who knows how to create the best floors within your budget.
Durability & Maintenance: Refinishing Potential and Moisture Tolerance
Solid hardwood flooring can be sanded and refinished multiple times, extending life for decades. Engineered varies: a thicker wear layer allows at least one professional resand; thinner layers are ideal for light screens and re-coats. Households with pets and kids often pick textured or matte hardwood flooring that hides scuffs. Engineered’s cross-ply core also helps resist seasonal gapping, a win for your floor remodel in Northern Colorado’s swingy climate.
Moisture is the dividing line. Kitchens and basements favor engineered floors over solid hardwood flooring—and some families blend surfaces: waterproof floors in baths, tile flooring in mudrooms, and hardwood flooring in living spaces for warmth. Routine care is simple: vacuum with a soft head, use manufacturer-approved cleaners, control humidity (30–50%), and add felt pads. Our flooring contractors can guide you through a maintenance schedule and recommend entry mats so your floor remodel stays beautiful for years.
Choosing Between Hardwood and Engineered Wood for Your Floor Remodel
If you want maximum refinishing flexibility and a timeless upgrade, solid hardwood flooring is hard to beat. If you need wide planks over concrete, faster installation, or better moisture tolerance, engineered flooring is a smart choice for floor remodels. Either way, partner with a Fort Collins flooring contractor who measures, tests moisture, and plans transitions. Northern Colorado Carpets has delivered expert installs since 1976—commercial and residential—from The Stanley Hotel to local homes. Visit our showroom or schedule your floor remodel consult to compare hardwood flooring and engineered options in person.
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