The Wisconsin Hardwood Guide: Engineered vs. Solid Hardwood Flooring for the Badger State
In a state where the temperature can swing 40 degrees in a single day, your flooring needs to be as resilient as a Packers fan in December.
At Macco’s Floor Covering Center, we are often asked: “Can I really have hardwood in Wisconsin?” The answer is a resounding yes—but the type of hardwood you choose makes all the difference.
The Science of “The Wisconsin Shiver”
Wood is a natural, porous material that acts like a sponge. In our humid Janesville and Sheboygan summers, wood absorbs moisture and expands. In the bone-dry, radiator-heated winters of Schofield and Marinette, it releases that moisture and shrinks.
Solid Hardwood: This is a single, thick plank of wood. Because it’s one solid piece, it is more prone to “cupping” (edges rising) or “gapping” (spaces opening between boards) during our extreme seasonal shifts.
Engineered Hardwood: This is the 2026 gold standard for Wisconsin. It’s built in layers with a real wood “wear layer” on top and a stable, cross-ply core beneath. This construction resists the urge to expand and contract.
Subfloors: The Secret Wisconsin Challenge
One often overlooked factor in Appleton and Green Bay homes is the subfloor. Many newer Wisconsin builds are on concrete slabs, which naturally hold more moisture than traditional wood joists. Solid hardwood and concrete are a recipe for disaster, as the wood will warp as it pulls moisture from the slab.
Engineered hardwood, however, is designed to be “floated” or glued down over concrete, making it the only viable real-wood option for basements or slab-on-grade homes.
The “Forever Floor” Investment
While engineered wood is the king of stability, we still see many homeowners in Sturgeon Bay opting for solid wood for their “forever homes.” Why? Because solid wood can be sanded and refinished multiple times over a century.
If you live in an older, character-filled home with a traditional crawl space or basement, solid hardwood offers a generational ROI that is hard to beat. At Macco’s, we evaluate your home’s specific “micro-climate” to ensure your choice matches your architecture.
Get Timeless Beauty, Wisconsin Tough with Macco’s Floor Covering in Green Bay, WI
Choosing between solid and engineered hardwood depends on your subfloor, your location, and your lifestyle. At Macco’s, we help you weigh these factors to ensure your investment lasts as long as your home.
Visit Macco’s Floor Covering Center in Green Bay, Sheboygan, Marinette, Appleton, Schofield, Sturgeon Bay, or Janesville today. Call now to schedule a professional moisture test for your subfloor!