Should You Install Engineered Wood Flooring in the Kitchen? Weigh the Pros and Cons
With its combination of durability, affordability, and style, engineered wood has become a goto flooring choice for many homeowners undertaking kitchen renovations. But is engineered wood right for your kitchen? Let's look at the pros and cons to help you decide.
Engineered wood flooring fuses plies of plywood or high-density fiberboard with a top layer of solid hardwood. This construction resists moisture better than solid wood alone and costs less. But unlike laminate flooring, that top veneer of real wood provides natural beauty. Keep reading as we explore if engineered wood belongs in your kitchen.

Getting to Know Engineered Wood Floors
Before weighing the pros and cons, it helps to understand what engineered wood flooring is exactly.
What is Engineered Wood Flooring?
Engineered wood consists of multiple layers of plywood pressed together in alternating grain directions with a top veneer of solid hardwood. This cross-plywood core prevents the planks from swelling and shrinking. The thick hardwood layer can be sanded and refinished like a solid wood floor.
Compared to solid hardwood, engineered wood is more dimensionally stable. It resists moisture damage while retaining the beauty of natural wood on the surface. Prefinished engineered wood planks install quickly as a "floating" floor over plywood.
How is it Different than Laminate?
While laminate flooring may mimic wood looks, it lacks a real wood layer on top. The laminate surface is a printed plastic laminate fused to fiberboard or plywood. It cannot be refinished by sanding.
Engineered wood offers the advantage of a genuine hardwood veneer that gains character over time. Its plywood core also manages moisture better than laminate's fiberboard base.
The Pros of Engineered Wood for Kitchens
What are the advantages that make engineered wood flooring well-suited for kitchen installations? Here are some of the top benefits.
Durability to Withstand Heavy Use
With its multi-layer plywood base topped with thick-cut hardwood, engineered flooring stands up well to heavy foot traffic, dining chair scoots, and other kitchen wear and tear.
The stable plywood core resists dents and impact damage from dropped pots, pans, and appliances better than solid wood. Engineered wood holds its own in busy kitchens.
Resistance to Moisture and Spills
Kitchens inevitably involve some spills. Engineered wood's moisture-blocking plywood layers and protective wood veneer hold up to the splashes and accidents of everyday kitchen life.
The finish prevents moisture from penetrating the wood. And the cross-ply build resists swelling and warping that solid hardwood is prone to when wet.
Cost Savings over Solid Hardwood
Engineered wood floors provide cost savings of 20% to 30% over traditional solid hardwoods. You achieve significant budget relief without sacrificing the warmth and character of real wood.
Since less hardwood goes into production, engineered planks offer an affordable solution. You stretch your flooring dollars while enjoying natural wood looks.
Ease of Installation
Prefinished engineered wood installs without a lot of specialized tools or labor. The planks click together simply as a "floating floor" over plywood.
Unlike solid 3/4" hardwood, engineered boards don't require nailing into the subfloor. The plywood base provides strength and stability without direct fastening.
That means DIYers can often tackle installation as a weekend project. And professional installation is quicker than nailed-down hardwood.
The Cons of Engineered Wood for Kitchens
Engineered wood does come with a few drawbacks to weigh before deciding it’s right for your kitchen.
Limited Ability to Refinish
While the top layer can be lightly sanded and refinished, engineered wood does not offer the virtually endless refinish capability of solid hardwood. The thin veneer makes repeated refinishing tricky.
Budget two or three potential refinishings over the floor's lifetime. But engineered wood cannot be renewed year after year like a 3/4" oak or maple floor.
More Susceptible to Dents
The layered plywood core provides excellent dent resistance. But solid hardwood's thicker planks remain the most dent-proof option, especially against heavy impacts.
Falling cast iron pans and appliances can damage engineered wood over time. The plywood layers lack the density to withstand major impacts as well as 100% hardwood.
Not Solid Wood Through and Through
Engineered wood only has a thin layer of real oak, maple, or other species on top. For wood purists who want solid planks milled from a single piece of timber, this matters.
Engineered construction arguably makes it less "authentic." But its layered stability and lower cost offset any hurts to wood prestige.
Tips for Deciding on Engineered Wood
When weighing engineered wood for your kitchen, consider factors like budget, ease of installation, and how the floor fits your lifestyle.
- Weigh engineered wood's lower cost against solid hardwood's enduring longevity.
- Consider whether you're comfortable tackling a floating floor install or want professional fitting.
- Think about your family's living patterns and if budget is a concern.
- Decide if slightly less dent resistance is a dealbreaker.
Understanding your needs helps determine if engineered wood's pros outweigh any cons that give you pause.
Engineered hardwood undoubtedly has trade-offs versus solid wood. But its strength, moisture protection, and cost savings make it among the best options for active kitchens.
For homeowners who want real wood looks backed by plywood stability at budget prices, engineered floors represent a fine choice. Weigh your own needs, but for most kitchens, engineered wood merits strong consideration.