A buying guide for hardwood flooring
There are plenty of reasons to want hardwood floors in your home. Style is the most obvious reason; they add charm, warmth, and elegance. They are classic, never go out of style and last for decades. Whether the solid or engineered version, they'll add value to your property. Choosing the right wood floors depends on many factors, including durability, needs, and budget.
Solid and engineered hardwood floors
There's solid, which we all know, and engineered hardwood flooring, which is taking the industry by storm. That is because it appeals to people who want both beauty and practicality. Unlike solid, which is one thickness throughout the plank, engineered is layered. At the top is a species that gives it undertones, knots, grains, swirls, and all the beauty we've come to expect.
Underneath are three or more layers of genuine wood, combined with a little resin and then placed in a crosswise position. It's more stable and won't shrink or contract to adjust to the humidity. It's less prone to warping and can be installed in some higher-than-normal moisture areas, such as below-grade areas in the home. Both solid and engineered rely on thickness to determine how many times they can be sanded.
Underneath are three or more layers of genuine wood, combined with a little resin and then placed in a crosswise position. It's more stable and won't shrink or contract to adjust to the humidity. It's less prone to warping and can be installed in some higher-than-normal moisture areas, such as below-grade areas in the home. Both solid and engineered rely on thickness to determine how many times they can be sanded.
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Prefinished hardwood vs. on-site
Prefinished means the planks come with stain and sealant already applied. When a floor is prefinished, it won't expose people to fumes, are more durable, and even make the design coordination process easier. Prefinished floors are treated with aluminum-oxide crystals, a very tough substance. That enables them to withstand heavy foot traffic and other kinds of wear.
Since the consumer already has samples, they know exactly what they are getting and can design around them. On the other hand, when it's on-site, there's a greater choice of stains so you can better control the color, grain, and even the sheen. Prefinished has standard grains, such as oak.
Since the consumer already has samples, they know exactly what they are getting and can design around them. On the other hand, when it's on-site, there's a greater choice of stains so you can better control the color, grain, and even the sheen. Prefinished has standard grains, such as oak.
Hardwood species style
Currently, the most popular choices are hickory, oak (both red and white), maple, cherry, and walnut, but you aren't limited to only those. There are hundreds from which to choose, but you'll need to consider extra strength needs, as well as whether or not you want something subtle or more dramatic. That not only means choosing between a domestic and exotic species but also deciding if you like an abundance of grains and knots or something quieter.
Our experts will help you sort it all out to get the best hardwood floors for you. You can also be sure of high-quality, craftsman-like installation. Call Carpet Mart and More Flooring Center to set up an appointment for our fully stocked mobile showroom to come to you. Or you can visit our gallery in Aurora, CO. Be sure to get your free wood floor quote. We serve customers in Aurora, CO, Denver, CO, Highlands Ranch, CO, Littleton, CO, Centennial, CO, Englewood, CO and Greenwood Village, CO.
Our experts will help you sort it all out to get the best hardwood floors for you. You can also be sure of high-quality, craftsman-like installation. Call Carpet Mart and More Flooring Center to set up an appointment for our fully stocked mobile showroom to come to you. Or you can visit our gallery in Aurora, CO. Be sure to get your free wood floor quote. We serve customers in Aurora, CO, Denver, CO, Highlands Ranch, CO, Littleton, CO, Centennial, CO, Englewood, CO and Greenwood Village, CO.
