Buying Guide

Wooden Flooring Buying Guide: Solid vs Engineered

How to choose between solid hardwood and engineered wood — species, finishes and what suits Delhi NCR homes.

By Ajay Arora · Founder, LA KREO 1 Nov 2026 7 min read

Premium wooden flooring in a modern Delhi NCR home

Wooden flooring is a significant investment that shapes how your home feels for decades. The first decision — solid hardwood or engineered wood — affects cost, longevity and suitability for your building type.

This guide explains the differences in plain language so you can choose confidently.

Solid Hardwood

Solid wood flooring is a single piece of hardwood throughout — typically 18-22mm thick. It can be sanded and refinished multiple times over decades, making it the longest-lasting option.

Lifespan

50+ years with proper care — can be refinished 5-7 times.
Best for

Ground floors, independent houses, heritage properties, rooms without underfloor heating.
Consideration

Expands and contracts with humidity — needs stable indoor climate, which air-conditioned Delhi NCR homes generally provide.

Engineered Wood

Engineered flooring has a real wood veneer (2-6mm) bonded to multiple plywood layers. The cross-layered construction makes it dimensionally stable — it handles humidity changes and underfloor heating far better than solid wood.

Lifespan

25-40 years — veneer can be refinished once or twice depending on thickness.
Best for

Apartments, high-rises, rooms with underfloor heating, areas with humidity fluctuations.
Consideration

Thicker veneers (4mm+) allow future refinishing; thin veneers (1-2mm) cannot be sanded.

Choosing the Right Species

Oak

The most popular — strong grain, excellent durability, wide price range.
Teak

Premium Indian hardwood — naturally water-resistant, rich golden-brown colour.
Walnut

Dark, elegant grain — premium pricing, dramatic look.
Maple

Pale, clean grain — very hard and scratch-resistant.
Bamboo (technically grass)

Harder than most hardwoods, sustainable, modern light appearance.

Finish Options

Matte / oiled

Natural look, shows wood character, needs periodic oiling.
Semi-gloss / lacquered

Protective coating, easier cleaning, contemporary sheen.
Hand-scraped / distressed

Antique texture — hides scratches well, rustic character.
Wire-brushed

Emphasizes grain texture, modern yet warm.

Installation & Aftercare

Professional installation is essential — subfloor preparation determines how flat and stable your floor stays. We handle levelling, laying, sanding and finishing as one service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better — solid or engineered wood?

Engineered wood suits most modern apartments and underfloor heating. Solid wood is better for ground floors and homes where you want maximum longevity and refinishing options.

Can wooden flooring be used with underfloor heating?

Yes — engineered wood with thickness under 15mm works well with underfloor heating. Solid wood is not recommended.

How do I maintain wooden floors?

Sweep daily, damp mop weekly with pH-neutral cleaner, use felt pads under furniture, and avoid excess water. Refinish every 5-10 years.

Written by

Ajay Arora — Founder, LA KREO

Ajay Arora is the founder of LA KREO, a Delhi NCR-based interior products company. With hands-on experience across blinds, flooring and wall solutions, he oversees product selection, fabrication and installation for residential and commercial clients.