The main difference is in how the flooring is constructed. Solid hardwood is made from one solid piece of wood throughout its entire thickness, while engineered hardwood features a real hardwood surface over a stable multi-layer core. Both offer the beauty of genuine hardwood, but engineered hardwood is often better suited for environments where humidity or moisture levels fluctuate. It can be installed in more areas of the home, including basements and over concrete subfloors. While both solid and engineered hardwood can be sanded and refinished, solid hardwood can typically be sanded and refinished more times over its lifetime, making it an excellent long-term flooring choice as well. 

Quality hardwood flooring can last for decades when properly installed and maintained. The lifespan depends on factors such as the quality of the flooring, installation methods, daily wear, and routine maintenance. Using protective pads under furniture, cleaning with manufacturer-approved products, and maintaining proper indoor humidity can help maximize the life of your hardwood floors.

Yes. Hardwood flooring can be an excellent choice for homes with pets when properly cared for. Many modern hardwood floors feature durable aluminum oxide finishes that help resist scratches and everyday wear from dogs and cats. Keeping your pet’s nails trimmed, cleaning up accidents promptly, and using rugs in high-traffic areas can help preserve the floor’s appearance. For especially active households, wider-plank engineered hardwood with textured finishes can help minimize the visibility of minor scratches over time.

Yes. One of the biggest advantages of engineered hardwood flooring is that it can often be installed directly over concrete subfloors using approved glue-down or floating installation methods. Before installation, the concrete must be clean, level, dry, and properly tested for moisture.  Always follow our installation guidelines and use recommended adhesives or underlayments to ensure the best long-term performance.

Engineered hardwood flooring is often an excellent choice for finished basements because it offers greater stability in environments where humidity levels may fluctuate. Solid hardwood is generally not recommended below grade because it is more susceptible to expansion and contraction from moisture changes. Before installing any hardwood flooring, the subfloor should be tested for moisture and our installation requirements should be followed. 

There is no single correct direction, but hardwood flooring is commonly installed parallel to the longest wall or in the direction of the main source of natural light to create a more open appearance. In many homes, installers also consider the structural direction of the floor joists and the overall layout of adjoining rooms. Ultimately, the best direction depends on the home’s design, room shape, and desired visual effect. Be sure to reference our installation instructions for more details.

It depends on the installation method. Aquabar “B”, HWD15, 15lb., or 30lb. roofing felt are acceptable underlayments for nail down applications. Eco- silencer is an acceptable underlayment for floating floor applications. A 6mil polyethylene film is required over concrete subfloors that are on or below grade. Glue-down hardwood flooring typically does not require a traditional underlayment, although we highly recommend that you choose an adhesive with moisture vapor barrier properties. The use of a moisture vapor barrier sealer is also highly recommended. Floating engineered hardwood installations require an approved underlayment that helps reduce sound, provides moisture protection, and improves overall performance. Always follow our installation instructions to determine the appropriate underlayment for your project.

For a detailed answer to your floor care questions, click here

Never use a steam cleaner on a hardwood floor. A steam mop pushes water down onto the floor which can cause the finish to bubble up as the water gets under the finish. It will damage the product and could void your warranty.

No. Vinegar is not recommended for cleaning hardwood flooring. Although vinegar is a common household cleaner, its acidity can gradually dull or damage certain hardwood floor finishes with repeated use. Instead, we recommend Bona Hardwood floor cleaner to safely clean and protect your investment. Find more Floor Care information and tips here.

The cost of engineered hardwood flooring varies depending on the wood species, plank width, construction, finish, and collection. While hardwood flooring typically costs more than some other flooring options, it offers long-term value through exceptional durability, timeless beauty, and the ability to increase a home’s appeal. Your local authorized Impressions Flooring dealer can provide product recommendations and pricing based on your project and budget.

Authorized Impressions Flooring dealers have the product knowledge and experience to help you choose the right flooring for your home or project. They can provide expert guidance on product selection, installation, maintenance, and warranty requirements. Purchasing through an authorized dealer also helps ensure you receive genuine Impressions Flooring products backed by the manufacturer’s warranty, along with professional support before and after your purchase.

All of our installation instructions are available to you here: Installation Guides.

Warranty coverage varies by collection, but many Impressions Flooring products include comprehensive residential warranties covering structural integrity and finish wear. Complete warranty details, including coverage terms, limitations, and maintenance requirements, can be found here.

Because there is a wide variety of installation glues available, we recommend that you contact the specific glue manufacturer involved to find out the safest way for removing the product from your floor.

It is important for you to protect your floors by using Felt Pads on all furniture items. We also recommend keeping welcome mats or rugs near entry ways to remove dirt from shoes that can scratch and damage your floors over time.

*Except Maple Natural

All of our products are TSCA Title VI Compliant. The TSCA Title VI is an EPA federal standard set to limit formaldehyde emissions in composite wood products. We require all of our manufacturers to adhere to all environmental, health, and safety requirements, including stringent standards on formaldehyde emissions. The regulation establishes emission standards at levels that protect the public health. Our products are also 100% Lacey Act certified. Third party certification agencies are used to verify that all raw materials used in the production of our wood products are of legal origin.