Hardwood Floors
We seem to be naturally attracted to hardwood in our homes, possibly because the rich woodgrains and warm wood-tone colors give us an instant connection to nature and the outside world. Hardwood floors can also make a bold, unique statement; no two species of wood look alike, and no two installations are ever going to look alike.
There are two types of hardwood floors: solid hardwood and engineered hardwood.
Solid hardwood – Planks of 100% wood
- Can be sanded and refinished over and over.
- Come in planks with a durable factory finish as well as unfinished, which are sanded, stained, and finished after they are installed.
- Available in a variety of species with different wood hardness that affects the floor’s resistance to scratches and indentations.
- Typically available in widths up to 4 inches.
Engineered hardwood – Thin hardwood layer bonded to a durable plywood base
- Can typically be sanded and refinished only once or twice.
- Usually sold as planks with a durable factory finish.
- Less likely to expand and contract than solid wood, making it a better choice to install in locations susceptible to moisture or over a concrete subfloor.
- Comes in forms with click-lock edges that can be installed as a floating floor or that can be glued to a concrete subfloor.
- Uses less hardwood than solid wood floors, making them more environmentally friendly.
- Available in widths up to 7 inches.
Advantages of Hardwood Floors
- Good for allergy suffers – a broom and a damp mop get rid of dust and other particles quickly and easily.
- Ideal for large open spaces – the nature of the grain breaks up the monotony and creates a backdrop that has interest and character.
- Good option for in-floor heating.
Choosing Hardwood Floors
When you are considering hardwood flooring for your new home or remodel, we will ask you a number of questions to help guide your decision. Based on your answers, we may tell you hardwood floors would be perfect, or we might recommend another type of flooring.
- How much traffic will the room or area receive?
- Does the room or area need to be kept quiet?
- Do you have pets?
- Do you have in-floor heat?
Do you think hardwood flooring might be a good option for a single room or your whole house?
We can help you choose the right type and style so you love it when we’re done.