Hardwood floors add a bright, natural beauty to any room. It is extremely durable and always in style. With proper maintenance and care, it can last a lifetime. The difficult part can be choosing which type will best suit the needs of a particular space. There are many different options, as well as many price ranges to fit almost any budget. Local experts can help provide sound advice before you invest, including which type of flooring is best suited for certain types of rooms. Take a look at some important things to consider before you buy.
Basic Floors Overview
There are two basic categories of flooring: factory-engineered and solid. Engineered masonry consists of multiple layers or composite veneers of different types of wood or composites. Veneers are layered in opposite directions to increase stability and resist the expansion and contraction that comes with fluctuations in temperature and humidity. This type is well suited for bases and rooms with less stable environments. Depending on the thickness of the top layer, it can be sanded and restored, but not more than two or three times.
What are factory finished floors?
Hardwood floors can be purchased and installed factory-finished or unfinished. Finished products are usually the easiest way to go, as they will be complete and ready to walk immediately after installation. Depending on where it is installed, unfinished wood can be beneficial. It comes without stain or topcoat, making it ideal for blending with existing flooring or for a specific custom color. After installation, it will be sanded, stained, and finished with multiple coats of varnish that will protect it and give it a radiant shine. An unfinished product will require some time to dry after installation and cannot be walked on until the recommended time.
What is solid wood flooring?
Solid floors are just as the name implies. It is made of a solid layer and can range in thickness up to 3/4″ and as thin as 5/16″. This is the highest quality available as it can be restored multiple times, allowing it to last almost indefinitely. There are many different species and grains to choose from; Among them are cherry, oak, maple and exotics, such as bamboo and Brazilian cherry.
Different floors offer different levels of hardness. Choosing the right species will depend on a few things. The first consideration should be the amount of traffic the floor will support. Pet nails, toys, and heavy foot traffic will require a tougher variety. It is important to choose one that is readily available or, in the case of exotics, that the trees are responsibly and sustainably harvested. Some exotic species are extremely rare or endangered, making a more traditional species the better option. Ask a professional for advice on this before deciding which types to choose.