Not all hardwood floors are created equal. Learn why engineered wood flooring is ideal for homes in Alabama and Florida. Explore wear layers, species, and how to choose durable, beautiful wood floors for your lifestyle and climate. The team at American Flooring, Cabinets & Granite (serving the entire Gulf Coast area with stores in Pensacola, Foley, and Mobile) is here to help you make the best choice of flooring for your home or workspace.
Not All Wood Floors Are Created Equal
American FCG
A Smarter Guide for Homeowners in Alabama and Florida
Wood flooring is one of the most sought-after upgrades in modern home design—but what many homeowners don’t realize is that not all wood floors are created equal. Between engineered vs. solid hardwood, wear layer thickness, and wood species durability, your choice can dramatically affect how your floors perform, especially in hot, humid, and coastal climates like Alabama and Florida.
If you’re renovating or building along the Gulf Coast, this guide will help you understand why engineered hardwood is the superior choice for Southern homes, and what to look for when choosing a high-quality hardwood floor that will last for years.
Engineered Hardwood vs. Solid Hardwood: What’s the Difference?
At a glance, engineered and solid hardwood may look the same—but their performance and construction are quite different.
Solid Hardwood Flooring
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Milled from a single piece of wood.
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Typically ¾” thick.
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Can be sanded and refinished multiple times.
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Sensitive to humidity and temperature fluctuations.
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Limited installation options (not recommended for basements or over concrete).
Engineered Hardwood Flooring
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Constructed with a real hardwood veneer on top of layered plywood or lumber core.
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Available in a range of wear layer thicknesses.
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More dimensionally stable.
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Suitable for installation over concrete, radiant heat, and in below-grade spaces.
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Less prone to warping, cupping, or gapping in humid environments.
Why Engineered Hardwood Performs Better in the Southeast
From Gulf Shores to Gainesville, the Southern climate can wreak havoc on solid wood floors. Here’s why engineered hardwood is the smarter investment in high-humidity regions:
1. Moisture Resistance
Engineered hardwood is built to withstand moisture fluctuations without the dramatic expansion and contraction that solid wood experiences. This makes it ideal for:
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Beachfront homes
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Condos on slab foundations
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Houses with basements or crawlspaces
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Areas with high seasonal humidity (hello, Mobile summers!)
2. Flexible Installation
Solid hardwood requires specific subfloor conditions, but engineered hardwood can be floated, glued, or nailed down, even directly over concrete or radiant heat systems. This makes it more versatile and cost-effective to install, especially in modern builds.
3. Dimensional Stability
The multi-layer core construction resists movement from changes in humidity. That means no warping or buckling—a common problem with solid wood during rainy seasons or near coastal air.
Understanding the Wear Layer: What It Is and Why It Matters
The wear layer is the top layer of real hardwood on engineered floors. Its thickness plays a huge role in how long your floors will last and whether they can be refinished.
Engineered Hardwood Wear Layer Guide:
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< 1mm: Budget flooring; cannot be refinished; short lifespan.
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1–2mm: Suitable for moderate wear; may allow for light buffing.
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3–4mm+: Premium quality; can be sanded/refinished once or twice, comparable to solid hardwood performance.
Investing in a thicker wear layer means longer lifespan, better scratch resistance, and improved resale value.
Choosing the Right Wood Species for Durability and Style Your flooring’s performance isn’t just about the core—it’s also about the species of wood on the surface. Here’s a breakdown of popular options:
Hickory- Very hard, Rustic Grain-High-traffic homes, families, beach life
Oak- (White & Red) Strong, Classic, Timeless style, Excellent stain absorption
Maple- Dense, Smooth-Modern, Clean interiors (but may show wear faster)
Walnut- Softer, Rich Color-Luxury spaces, bedrooms, offices
Acacia- Hard, Exotic Patterns-Bold statement floors with excellent hardness
Engineered Hardwood is Real Hardwood
Let’s bust a myth: engineered hardwood is not fake or laminate. The top layer is 100% genuine hardwood, with all the natural grain, warmth, and beauty you'd expect from solid wood.
So, why choose it?
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It performs better in challenging environments.
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It reduces maintenance stress.
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It offers the same aesthetic appeal with more installation flexibility.
What to Look for When Choosing Engineered Hardwood
Before you buy, be sure to compare:
✅ Wear Layer Thickness
✅ Species of Wood
✅ Core Construction (Plywood vs. Fiberboard)
✅ Finish Type (UV-Cured, Aluminum Oxide, etc.)
✅ Installation Method (Nail, Glue, Float)
✅ Warranty Coverage
The Best Choice for Southern Homes: Engineered Hardwood
Whether you’re in Foley, Pensacola or Mobile, you need floors that are as beautiful as they are functional. Engineered hardwood flooring is built for the unique challenges of Southern living, offering:
✔️ Moisture resistance
✔️ Easy installation over concrete
✔️ Long-lasting performance
✔️ Real wood aesthetics
✔️ Better value over time
Frequently Asked Questions About Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Q: Is engineered hardwood considered real wood flooring?
A: Yes! Engineered hardwood is 100% real wood. The top layer is genuine hardwood (like oak, hickory, or maple), while the base is constructed of layered plywood or lumber for enhanced durability and moisture resistance. It looks, feels, and performs like solid hardwood—with added benefits.
Q: How does engineered hardwood handle humidity compared to solid hardwood?
A: Engineered hardwood is far more stable in humid climates—making it ideal for homes in Alabama and Florida. Unlike solid wood, it’s less prone to expansion, warping, and cupping, thanks to its layered construction that resists moisture movement.
Q: Can engineered hardwood be refinished?
A: Yes, depending on the thickness of the wear layer. High-quality engineered hardwood with a 3mm+ wear layer can usually be refinished once or twice, extending its lifespan and keeping your floors looking new for years.
Q: What’s the difference in lifespan between engineered and solid hardwood?
A: Solid hardwood can last 50+ years with regular refinishing, but engineered hardwood with a thick wear layer can also last 25–40 years or more. The key is choosing a high-quality engineered product and caring for it properly.
Q: Can engineered wood flooring be installed over concrete or in basements?
A: Absolutely. Engineered hardwood is designed for flexible installation—it can be glued down, floated, or nailed. It performs exceptionally well over concrete slabs, radiant heat systems, and in below-grade spaces, where solid wood is not recommended.
Q: Does engineered hardwood look different from solid hardwood?
A: Not at all. The top layer of engineered hardwood is real wood, so visually it’s identical to solid hardwood. Most people can't tell the difference once it's installed.
Q: What wood species are best for engineered hardwood in high-traffic homes?
A: For durability and style in active households, we recommend:
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Hickory – Extremely hard and impact-resistant
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White Oak – Strong, classic, and stain-friendly
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Maple – Sleek and dense for a contemporary look
Q: Is engineered hardwood more affordable than solid hardwood?
A: In many cases, yes. Engineered hardwood can be less expensive to purchase and install—especially in homes with slab foundations. Plus, it’s often available in wider planks and premium finishes for a custom look without the custom price.
Q: Where can I shop engineered hardwood near me in Alabama or Florida?
A: American Flooring, Cabinets & Granite proudly serves customers across Foley, Mobile, and Pensacola with a wide in-stock selection of engineered hardwood flooring in popular finishes and species. Visit our showroom or request a free design consultation.