What is the cost difference between engineered hardwood and solid hardwood for a kitchen floor in New Brunswick, and which holds up better to moisture?

Engineered hardwood typically costs $3-6 per square foot installed in New Brunswick, while solid hardwood runs $4-8 per square foot, but neither is the best choice for kitchen flooring due to moisture concerns.

The price difference between these two options is relatively small — you'll save about $1-2 per square foot with engineered hardwood. For a typical 150 square foot kitchen, that translates to $150-300 in savings. However, the bigger consideration for New Brunswick homeowners is how each performs in our Maritime climate.

Engineered hardwood handles moisture better than solid hardwood because its layered construction (thin hardwood veneer over plywood core) is more dimensionally stable. Solid hardwood expands and contracts significantly with New Brunswick's humidity swings — from 70-80% humidity in summer to 15-25% during our dry, heated winters. This causes cupping, gapping, and warping, especially near sinks and dishwashers where water exposure is inevitable.

Neither option is ideal for NB kitchen floors. Even engineered hardwood can suffer water damage from dishwasher leaks, sink splashing, or the high humidity we experience during summer months. The wood finish can cloud, the planks can swell, and you'll face expensive repairs or replacement. Many New Brunswick homeowners who installed hardwood in their kitchens 10-15 years ago are now replacing it due to water damage.

Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) at $2,000-4,000 installed is the better choice for New Brunswick kitchen floors. It's completely waterproof, handles our climate extremes without expanding or contracting, feels warmer underfoot than tile during our cold winters, and looks remarkably like real hardwood. Quality LVP brands like Coretec, Shaw, or Mohawk offer realistic wood visuals that satisfy homeowners who want the hardwood look without the moisture vulnerability.

If you're set on real wood, save hardwood for your living areas and choose LVP for the kitchen. This gives you the warmth and beauty of wood where it performs best, while protecting your investment in the high-moisture kitchen environment. Most New Brunswick kitchen renovators now recommend this approach — it's become the standard in our climate.

When to hire a professional: Any flooring installation over uneven subfloors requires professional levelling. Also, if your kitchen renovation involves moving appliances or plumbing, coordinate flooring installation timing with your contractor to avoid damage during the renovation process.