For most Nashville residences, engineered hardwood is the more practical choice. It handles Tennessee’s varying humidity levels better than solid hardwood and can be installed on any level of your property. This option offers timeless beauty and can be refinished multiple times — making it a smart long-term investment.
If you’re planning new floors for your property, one question comes up almost every time — engineered vs. solid flooring — which one is the right choice? Both look stunning. But they perform very differently in Middle Tennessee where humidity changes throughout the year.
At C&S Flooring, we’ve helped homeowners across the Greater Nashville area choose the right floors for over 25 years. Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is Solid Hardwood?
This option is milled from a single, solid piece of timber. It remains the gold standard for timeless beauty and long-lasting durability.
We install solid hardwood in a wide range of species including:
- Oak — classic, durable, with distinct grain patterns
- Maple — smooth and light-colored for a clean look
- Hickory — extremely durable with dramatic grain variations
- Cherry — rich, warm tones that deepen over time
- Walnut — dark, luxurious, with straight grain patterns
- Ash, exotic species, and more
This type can be refinished multiple times, making it a smart long-term investment for your property.
What Is Engineered Hardwood?
This option offers the authentic look of natural flooring with enhanced stability and versatility.
Its layered construction makes it more resistant to moisture and temperature changes — ideal for Tennessee’s varying humidity levels. Unlike the solid type, engineered hardwood resists warping and can be installed on any level of your property, including basements.
We install this type using three methods:
- Floating installation
- Glue-down installation
- Nail-down installation
You can also choose from a wide range of species, finishes, and plank widths — including wide plank options from 5 to 12 inches.
How Does Tennessee’s Climate Affect Your Choice?
This is the most important factor for homeowners in this region.
Tennessee’s summers are hot and humid. Winters are dry and cool. This constant change in moisture levels puts stress on your floors — causing expansion, contraction, and over time, warping or cupping.
Engineered hardwood is the smarter choice for most properties in Brentwood, Franklin, and surrounding areas because it resists these moisture-related issues. It can also be safely installed in basements where the solid type is not recommended.
To understand how humidity affects your floors, read our detailed guide on best hardwood flooring for humidity Nashville.
Can Both Be Refinished?
Yes — but differently.
The solid type can be sanded and refinished multiple times, which means it can look brand new even after decades of use.
Engineered hardwood can also be refinished, but the number of times depends on the thickness of the top wear layer.
Our floor refinishing team can restore both types back to their original beauty whenever needed.
What About Custom Patterns and Wide Plank Options?
Both types can be installed in custom patterns. Our skilled craftsmen install:
- Herringbone
- Chevron
- Parquet
- Diagonal layouts
- Border designs
These patterns add character and luxury to entryways, dining rooms, and commercial spaces across Brentwood, Franklin, and surrounding communities.
Wide plank floors — available in widths from 5 to 12 inches — come in both types for a modern, upscale look.
Key Takeaways
- The solid type is timeless, durable, and can be refinished multiple times
- Engineered hardwood handles Tennessee’s humidity better and works on all levels including basements
- Both options come in custom patterns and wide plank styles
- C&S Flooring serves Brentwood, Franklin, Hendersonville, and Greater Middle Tennessee
- Not sure about hardwood? We also install luxury vinyl flooring Nashville TN as a durable, water-resistant alternative
- For a complete overview of all your options, explore our guide on hardwood flooring options Nashville TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is engineered hardwood real wood? Yes. It has a genuine wood surface — just a layered core underneath for added stability and moisture resistance.
Q: Can the solid type be installed in a basement? No. Solid hardwood is not recommended for basements. The engineered type can be installed on any level of your property.
Q: Which handles Tennessee’s humidity better? Engineered hardwood is ideal for Tennessee’s varying humidity levels as it resists warping and moisture damage better.
Q: Can I get custom patterns? Yes. C&S Flooring installs herringbone, chevron, parquet, and other custom patterns in both types.
Q: How do I know which option is right for my property? Our team offers a free in-home consultation to assess your space and recommend the best option for your needs and budget.
Which Floor Is Right for Your Nashville Residence?
Both types are excellent choices for Tennessee properties. The right pick depends on your room, lifestyle, and long-term goals. At C&S Flooring, we are a trusted flooring company with 25+ years of experience serving Brentwood, Franklin, Hendersonville, and communities across Middle Tennessee. Ready to upgrade your floors? Contact C&S Flooring today for a free consultation and let our experts help you find the perfect fit for your space.
