Solid vs Engineered Wood Flooring in Metro Detroit

Discover why homeowners across Metro Detroit trust Al Havner & Sons Hardwood Flooring for expert guidance on choosing between solid and engineered wood floors in Michigan’s challenging climate.

Solid vs. Engineered Wood Floors: Finding the Best Fit for Metro Detroit Homes

When planning a flooring upgrade in Metro Detroit—whether you live near Corktown, Eastern Market, Belle Isle, Greektown, or Palmer Park—understanding the differences between solid hardwood and engineered hardwood is critical. At Al Havner & Sons Hardwood Flooring, a 5th-Generation Family Business and winner of 2 National Wood Flooring Association “Floor of the Year” contests, we combine Michigan-Specialized Expertise with an award-winning team to help you choose a floor that endures the Humid Summers of Royal Oak, the sub-zero winter chills of Troy, and the temperature swings near the Detroit Riverfront.

From the North American International Auto Show in Downtown Detroit to the Woodward Dream Cruise celebrations in Ferndale, Metro Detroit’s neighborhoods demand flooring solutions that stand up to foot traffic, humidity, and seasonal moisture. Let’s explore how solid and engineered wood floors compare in terms of durability, installation, maintenance, and cost—so you can make an informed decision for your home in Ann Arbor, Southfield, or Grosse Pointe.

Durability & Climate Adaptability

• Solid Hardwood Floors: Crafted from a single piece of wood, solid floors can be sanded and refinished multiple times. Ideal for upscale interiors in Midtown Detroit or Indian Village, these floors develop a patina over the years. However, extreme humidity near the Detroit Riverfront or heavy snowmelt in Dearborn Heights can cause expansion and contraction. Our solid hardwood flooring solutions include moisture barriers and precise acclimation techniques to minimize these effects.
• Engineered Hardwood Floors: Featuring a multi-ply hardwood veneer atop plywood or HDF layers, engineered floors offer enhanced stability against Michigan’s seasonal humidity shifts. Perfect for basement installations in Royal Oak or over radiant heating systems in Livonia, they resist warping even during the Detroit Winter Blast Festival when indoor heat spikes. We recommend our engineered hardwood options for homeowners seeking longevity with reduced maintenance, backed by our Customer Satisfaction Guarantee.

Both types benefit from our On-Site Custom Finishing—we sand and stain every plank post-installation for a seamless look. Whether you choose flat-sawn oak for your Downtown Detroit loft or rift-sawn maple for your Ann Arbor retreat, our Veteran-Trained Team ensures flawless results that endure Valley Mines Park foot traffic and summer humidity near Chene Park.

Aesthetic & Installation Considerations

• Visual Appeal: Solid wood offers deeper grain variation, creating a timeless character in historic homes around Corktown and Lafayette Park. Engineered wood, however, comes in a wider range of prefinished colors and plank widths, allowing quick installation in busy households in Grosse Pointe Woods and Troy.
• Installation Speed & Disruption: Prefinished engineered planks from our Types of Hardwood Floors gallery can be installed and ready for foot traffic within 24 hours, great for families attending Eastern Market’s monthly farmers market. Solid unfinished floors require on-site sanding and finishing—ideal if you prefer a custom stain matched to Detroit’s riverfront sunsets, but allow additional drying time.
• Cost to Install: While solid hardwood often carries a higher material cost, its long-term refinishing potential can deliver a lower lifetime investment. Engineered wood generally has lower upfront costs and faster labor, making it an economical choice for large basement projects in Southfield or bedroom renewals in Bloomfield Hills.
• Maintenance & Refinishing: Solid floors can be screened and recoated every few years, ensuring decades of service—even through the slush and salt of winter near the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle. For engineered floors, our refinishing services are available when the top veneer allows, or we offer screen and coat treatments to refresh the finish without full sanding.

Regardless of your choice, Al Havner & Sons Hardwood Flooring offers Emergency & On-Call Services throughout Metro Detroit. If you need urgent repairs after a winter freeze or a sudden moisture incident in Birmingham or Rochester Hills, call us for Emergency repair in Dearborn Heights—we’re available on weekends to address water damage, deep scratches, or loose boards.

Ready to explore flooring solutions for your Metro Detroit home? From Corktown’s historic charm to the modern condos along the Detroit Riverwalk, our team delivers tailored recommendations and flawless installations. Contact us today for a free estimate and discover why we’re the preferred choice for homeowners in Royal Oak, Ann Arbor, Troy, Southfield, and beyond.