Are engineered boards really better than solid oak boards? Yes, HIGH quality engineered is for stability not for cost savings. HIGH quality engineered is better than solid for floors In this photo, you'll see the engineered board (left) and solid oak board (right) side by side From the bottom, you can clearly see the differences between the two... However, were we to install these two boards on your floor, you actually wouldn't be able to spot the difference between the two from the top!