Solid Wood Flooring vs. Engineered Wood Flooring: Which is Right for You?

Choosing the right type of wooden flooring is an important decision that affects both the look and durability of your home. Solid wood and engineered wood each have their own strengths, and the best choice depends on your environment — especially here in Portugal, where climate and coastal humidity can influence how a floor performs over time.

Board Construction: Tongue and Groove

Both solid and engineered boards are typically made with a tongue and groove (T&G) profile. This system ensures a snug fit, enhancing stability and reducing the chance of movement or gaps. Whether you choose solid or engineered, the thickness of real wood above the T&G is key. We recommend a wear layer of at least 4mm — ideally 6mm — to allow for multiple sandings and refinishes over its life.

Solid Wood Flooring

Solid wood flooring is milled from a single piece of timber. It’s the traditional choice — warm, authentic, and deeply rooted in architectural heritage.

Advantages:

• Unmatched natural beauty and depth of grain
• Durable and long-lasting — can be refinished many times
• Ideal for dry, stable interiors without underfloor heating

Disadvantages:

• Vulnerable to humidity and temperature changes
• Not recommended for coastal or damp environments (like parts of Algarve)
• Higher cost and more complex installation

Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered flooring combines a real wood surface with a stable, multi-layer plywood core. It's ideal for the variable conditions found in Portuguese homes, including underfloor heating and seaside humidity.

Advantages:

• Resistant to expansion, contraction, and warping
• Perfect for Algarve’s humid climate and temperature shifts
• Suitable for installation over underfloor heating

Disadvantages:

• Not all engineered floors are equal — avoid low-grade options with thin wear layers
• Some may have shorter board lengths or visible joins if not carefully selected

Conclusion: What’s Right for You?

If you’re building or renovating in Portugal, engineered wood is usually the more practical choice — especially near the coast. Its moisture resistance and flexibility make it ideal for homes with underfloor heating or older buildings with less consistent insulation.

Solid wood, however, remains a beautiful and robust option for dry, stable interiors or where aesthetic authenticity is paramount.

Whichever you choose, focus on quality: a thick wear layer, long board lengths, well-machined joints, and sustainable sourcing all ensure a floor that will last beautifully.