What is the difference between solid wood, engineered wood, and laminate floors?

Solid woods are one solid piece of wood with tongue and groove sides and come in a wide variety of traditional and exotic species. They are very sensitive to moisture and temperature changes and cannot be installed in basements or bathrooms. Engineered wood is usually slightly more expensive because it is manufactured with a core that reduces expansion and contraction from humidity and temperature changes. It can be used in basements but not bathrooms. Laminates are actually constructed of several layers of different materials that are pressed together under a very high pressure with an image laid on top that gives it the appearance of wood, ceramic tile, stone or even brick without using those products. The floor is made to be very durable and resistant to scratching but cannot be sanded and refinished like wood floors can. However, laminate flooring can be installed in basements and in most cases are the least expensive of the three choices.  more