Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors provide an ideal backdrop for almost any decorating style, and are renowned for their warmth and elegance. When maintained properly, wood floors can last more than 25 years and their beauty often increases with age. There are two main types of wood flooring: solid hardwood and engineered hardwood. Both are made from real wood, but are manufactured differently.

Solid Hardwood
Solid hardwood is milled from solid lumber and works well in almost any room. These hardwood floor planks are made to be anywhere from 18 to 20 mm thick, with a tongue and groove to fit together for installation. Depending on the species of wood, certain floors will be harder than others. The harder the floor, the less susceptible it is to dings and scratches. The floor can be sanded and refinished several times to restore and maintain its natural beauty, with the total number of times being determined by the depth of the tongue from the top of the plank.

Solid hardwood will swell in moist conditions and contract as the area dries. The change of shape can alter the appearance of the floor and cause problems. This flooring is generally not recommended in below-grade locations like bathrooms or basements due to the potential for damage from ground moisture.

Installation of this wood is a complex process, and for the best appearance must be done with great care. This is the most expensive option for those shopping for wood floors and prices will vary depending on the species of wood (wood floors come in Maple, Pecan, Beech, Cherry, Oak, Pine, Birch, Walnut, Hickory and more) and the cost of the raw form.

Solid hardwood floors are one of the staples within the flooring industry and have been around for centuries because of their natural beauty and durability. An excellent way to add visual appeal, solid wood floors are a timeless investment that can produce a lifetime of beauty and add value to the home.

Engineered Hardwood
Engineered hardwood flooring combines a thin-but-tough real hardwood surface with underlying multiple layers of plywood or fireboard. Its laminated layers make it remarkably strong and more resistant to moisture. As a result, it can be used in below, on, or above grade locations, basements. Engineered hardwood floors can be sanded and refinished for a longer life span.

This hardwood is made using three to four layers of wood glued together to produce a 14 mm thick plank. A real wood surface about 4 mm in thickness is applied to the top to allow it to be sanded and refinished a certain number of times to remove signs of damage, wear, and tear.

Engineered hardwood construction produces a more stable product. The greater stability means it is less prone to changes from temperature and humidity conditions in the room. This type of flooring is more attractive than a laminate floor and less expensive than solid hardwood floors. Engineered hardwood floors also come in a variety of styles to match any decor.

If you’re looking for easy-to-maintain flooring that adds value and charm to your home, hardwood – solid or engineered – is an excellent choice.