Engineered hardwood for slab homes and condos
Engineered hardwood has a real wood top layer bonded to a layered plywood or composite core. You walk on actual oak, hickory or maple, but the cross-layered core keeps the plank from expanding and shrinking as much as solid wood when humidity changes.
That stability makes engineered wood the practical way to get a real wood floor over a concrete slab in Stuart, Palm City, Jensen Beach and the rest of Martin County.
Engineered vs. solid hardwood
- Over concrete: engineered can be glued directly to the slab or floated over it. Solid hardwood generally needs a plywood subfloor first.
- Humidity: engineered planks move less, which reduces gapping and cupping.
- Plank width: wide planks are more stable in engineered construction.
- Refinishing: solid wood can be sanded many times. Engineered can be sanded fewer times depending on the thickness of the wear layer, so ask about wear layer when comparing products.
If you have plywood subfloors and want the longest possible lifespan, solid hardwood may still be the better choice. We walk you through both in the showroom.
Installation methods
Glue-down bonds the planks to the slab with a flooring adhesive, often one that also acts as a moisture barrier. It feels solid underfoot and is common in single-family homes.
Floating installs the planks over an underlayment without fastening them to the slab. It is faster and is often used in condos where the association requires a specific sound-control underlayment.
Before either method, the slab should be checked for moisture and flatness. High spots are ground down and low spots filled so the floor does not flex or hollow out later.
Recent kitchen and flooring project in Stuart, FL
Engineered wood flooring questions
Is engineered hardwood real wood?
Yes. The top layer is solid hardwood. Only the core underneath is made of layered plywood or composite.
Is engineered hardwood waterproof?
No. It handles humidity better than solid wood, but standing water can still damage it. For bathrooms and laundry rooms we usually suggest luxury vinyl plank or tile.
Can engineered wood go in a condo?
Usually, if the association approves the product and underlayment. We can help you collect the specifications they ask for.
Other flooring services
Where we work
Our showroom is at 1786 NW Federal Hwy, Stuart, FL 34994, open Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. We install floors across Martin County, including Stuart, Palm City, Jensen Beach, Hobe Sound and Port Salerno, and in nearby Port St. Lucie, Jupiter, Juno Beach, Tequesta and Palm Beach Gardens. See the full service area.
Call (772) 600-4814 for a free estimate.
