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Installing Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring is one of the most desirable and luxurious types of flooring. It has been installed in homes and commercial environments for centuries. It emits warmth and sophistication, and people cannot get enough of it. This timeless style of flooring adds monetary value to any home or business and is always a perk for future home buyers or investors.

There are many unique and distinctive types of Hardwoods available. Some of the most common are: Ash, Oak, Cherry, Maple, and the list goes on. They are all equally appealing to the eye, boasting different grades and durability.

If you are interested in having Hardwood flooring installed, but unsure what is most suitable for your home or place of business, we recommend choosing an esteemed local company who will assist in advising and answering any questions you may have, as well as, providing you with a Free In-Home Estimate.

Types Of Wood Floors

Solid Hardwood

Exactly as it sounds; it is a solid piece of wood throughout. While there are quite a few different types of Hardwoods, each type has its distinctive markings, grain, texture, and color, and can be beautifully crafted into flooring. Each solid Hardwood piece measures 3/4 of an inch thick.

Benefits of Installing Hardwood Flooring:

  • Timeless and Elegant
  • Adds monetary value to a home or business
  • Appealing to potential investors or home buyers
  • Comes in unfinished and pre-finished forms
  • Versatile; adapts to any home decor
  • Properly maintained and cared for it can last 100+ years

Drawbacks to Installing Hardwood Flooring:

  • Expensive compared to other types of flooring options
  • Loud when walking on it
  • NOT pet-friendly at all; dents and scratches easy, and slippery for pets that are highly active
  • Does not tolerate moisture well
  • Liquid spills must be cleaned immediately to avoid penetrating the boards. Seepage of fluids can eventually cause warping and damage
  • Frequent pet accidents can stain the wood; this is due to the acidity of pet urine
  • Requires constant cleaning
  • expands and contracts with humidity
  • Not suitable for high traffic areas

Engineered Wood Floors

Engineered Wood flooring is made of real wood, but not like "solid" hardwood. It is made using a variety of wood or wood composite veneers. This type of wood is more resistant to heat and moisture than solid hardwood. Pieces of Engineered wood measure between 3/8 - 5/8 of an inch thick, and can be installed over some existing flooring.

Benefits of Installing Engineered Wood Floors:

  • Will not swell or contract when humidity fluctuates
  • Easier to install compared to solid hardwood flooring
  • Costs less than solid hardwood
  • Tolerates moisture better than solid hardwood
  • Can last a long time given the grade and quality of its finish

Drawbacks to Installing Engineered Wood Floors:

  • Difficult to repair when damaged. Replacement flooring, even if it comes from the same manufacturer, might not match existing flooring.
  • Low tolerance to refinishing. Depending on the type installed, refinishing might be possible once or twice before the entire floor has to be replaced. Typically, Engineered wood floors are not made to be sanded and refinished.
  • Liquid spills and pet accidents must be cleaned up immediately, preventing them from leaking through and distorting the floor
  • More expensive than other flooring options on the market aside from solid hardwood flooring.

Hardwood Flooring for Business

Hardwood flooring is very exquisite and breathtaking, and like any other luxury, highly desirable. However, how beneficial or practical is it when it comes to installing it for commercial use? It is ideal for offices or venues that receive low foot traffic. An example of where this flooring might be most functional would be a high-end portrait studio or prestigious law office.

With all the different types of flooring available on the market, there are some that replicate the look of hardwood flooring down to its grain and texture. These options often are more economical and practical. Laminate and Vinyl Flooring are known to have the capability to look identical to Hardwood flooring, or Stone flooring for that matter, and the costs are a fraction of Hardwood.

A reputable flooring company can help with all your flooring installation questions and needs. Make sure to seek out a local company offering a Free On-Site Estimate.