Somerset offers two types of flooring construction: solid and engineered.

Somerset solid hardwood flooring is a single piece of solid wood that is crafted into a strip or plank
flooring through an advanced milling and finishing process.

Somerset's engineered hardwood flooring has a solid top layer, or face, supported by
six additional layers that are cross-grained and laminated together to form a
1/2" thick piece of plank flooring. This cross graining provides greater
dimensional stability, minimizing the expansion and contraction that natural wood
exhibits when exposed to varying moisture levels and temperatures.

Both are excellent choices to install on or above grade (ground level), depending
on the type of subfloor you have. If you choose to put hardwood flooring below
grade, in a basement, for example, you will need to install engineered flooring.

The main considerations for choosing solid or engineered flooring have to do
with where and how the flooring will be installed.

Thickness: 3/4" Installation: Nail or staple on or above grade (ground level) only over wood subfloors. (solid boards, plywood, or OSB)

Thickness: 1/2", 7-ply, 3mm thick sliced face Installation: Glue, staple, or nail down on, above or below grade (ground level) over wood, vinyl and even concrete subfloors (including basements). Note: Because the top layer of Somerset's engineered flooring is "sliced," you get the same appearance of a solid wood floor with the dimensional stability of engineered, cross-layered construction.

Many people believe that solid flooring is a better value because it's 3/4" thick. Keep in mind, however, that the usable part of the flooring is only that wood that's above the tongue and groove. Somerset's engineered flooring features a 3mm thick solid top layer that can be professionally sanded and refinished. Either is an excellent, natural choice that will add to the value of your home and will give you a lifetime of enjoyment.