Hardwood Floors vs. Engineered Hardwood: What’s Best for Boise Homes?
If you’re a Boise homeowner thinking about upgrading your floors, you’ve probably run into the big question: Should you choose traditional hardwood or engineered hardwood? Both options have their strengths, and the right choice depends on your home, your lifestyle, and your long-term goals.
At Staub Hardwood Restoration, we’ve worked on homes across Boise and the Treasure Valley, and here’s how the two flooring types compare.
What Are Hardwood Floors?
Hardwood floors are made from solid wood planks—oak, maple, hickory, and other timeless species. They’re known for their classic beauty and ability to last for generations.
Benefits of hardwood floors:
Can be sanded and refinished multiple times.
Adds long-term value to your home.
Natural variation in grain and tone creates a one-of-a-kind look.
Things to consider:
Higher upfront investment.
More sensitive to Boise’s seasonal changes in humidity.
Can dent or scratch in high-traffic areas without proper care.
What Is Engineered Hardwood?
Engineered hardwood has a layered construction: a plywood or high-density fiberboard core topped with a real hardwood veneer. It looks almost identical to solid hardwood but behaves differently.
Benefits of engineered hardwood:
More resistant to expansion and contraction, making it ideal for Boise’s hot summers and cold winters.
Often more budget-friendly than solid hardwood.
Easier to install, with options like floating floors.
Things to consider:
Depending on the thickness of the top layer, refinishing may only be possible once—or not at all.
Shorter overall lifespan compared to solid hardwood.
Hardwood Floors in Boise Homes
Hardwood floors are the gold standard for Boise homeowners planning to stay in their home long-term. They fit beautifully in neighborhoods like the North End, Harris Ranch, and Eagle, where timeless design and resale value are a priority.
The main challenge? Boise’s dry winters and occasional humidity shifts. Without proper acclimation and care, hardwood can expand, contract, or even crack. That said, with the right installation and refinishing schedule, hardwood remains a fantastic investment.
Engineered Hardwood in Boise Homes
Engineered hardwood is a smart option for Treasure Valley homeowners looking for durability at a lower cost. It performs well in basements, kitchens, and other areas where solid hardwood might struggle.
Because it’s less affected by seasonal swings in temperature and moisture, engineered hardwood often works better for families who don’t want to worry about frequent maintenance.
Cost Comparison
While hardwood flooring comes with a higher upfront price, it often pays off in the long run because it can be refinished multiple times instead of replaced. Engineered hardwood is easier on the wallet upfront but may require replacement sooner depending on wear and tear.
Which Flooring Is Right for You?
Choose hardwood floors if you’re planning to stay in your home for years, want maximum resale value, and love the idea of refinishing instead of replacing.
Choose engineered hardwood if you want a beautiful floor that can handle Boise’s climate swings with less maintenance and at a lower initial cost.
Ready to Transform Your Boise Floors?
Whether you’re leaning toward the timeless look of solid hardwood or the practical benefits of engineered hardwood, the team at Staub Hardwood Restoration can help you decide. We install, refinish, and restore hardwood floors across Boise, Eagle, and the entire Treasure Valley.
👉 Contact us today to schedule a consultation and see which option is the best fit for your home.