I've seen both types after heat treatments, and honestly, engineered flooring usually holds up a bit better. Solid hardwood tends to expand and contract more noticeably, hence those pesky gaps. Engineered boards have layers that help stabilize them under temperature swings... but they're not bulletproof either. Had one client whose engineered floor still showed minor separation after a particularly aggressive heat treatment. Maybe it's more about the quality of installation and materials rather than just engineered vs solid?
Interesting point about installation quality—makes me wonder if that's the real key here. I've seen beautifully installed solid hardwood floors handle temperature swings surprisingly well, while some engineered floors still struggled. Maybe it's less about engineered vs solid and more about how carefully they're installed and acclimated? Either way, your experience definitely highlights that there's no one-size-fits-all solution... every project seems to have its own quirks and surprises.
"Maybe it's less about engineered vs solid and more about how carefully they're installed and acclimated?"
You're onto something here, but I'd argue the material still matters quite a bit. I've had projects where even a meticulous install couldn't save certain engineered products from warping after a humid summer. Solid hardwood, properly acclimated, has consistently given me fewer headaches. Installation quality is crucial, no doubt—but don't underestimate how much the right material choice can simplify things down the road.
You're definitely making sense here. I've seen engineered floors hold up beautifully when the install and acclimation were spot-on, but I've also had a few nightmare scenarios—like one project where humidity swings turned a carefully installed engineered floor into a rollercoaster ride. Solid hardwood has been more forgiving in my experience, but yeah... installation details can make or break either option.
Interesting points, but I've actually found engineered flooring to be more forgiving overall, especially in homes with fluctuating humidity. Had a project last year where solid hardwood cupped badly despite careful acclimation—ended up being a costly fix. Switched to engineered on the next build, and it's held steady so far. Maybe it depends more on the specific product quality rather than just installation details...? Just my two cents.
