What Type of Hardwood Flooring Should I Choose
For many people, nothing beats the look of hardwood floors. They’re warm and inviting, easy to keep clean, and gorgeous. Are you considering adding hardwood floors to your home? Keep in mind there are several different types of hardwood flooring. Let’s take a look at some of the main ones here.
Solid Hardwood Flooring
Solid hardwood is probably what most people think of as hardwood flooring. These are floors that are made from real hardwood. There are a whole host of functional and aesthetic options beginning with the species of wood you choose and ending with the color of the stain or finish you decide to apply.
Popular species include:
- Oak
- Brazilian Cherry
- Maple
- Hickory
- Bamboo (technically it’s grass but is considered wood flooring)
Real hardwood floors can be prone to moisture problems. They can also scratch easily if unprotected furniture feet are dragged across the floor or someone walks on it in high heels. However, proper installation and care cut down on these problems significantly.
Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Engineered hardwood looks very much the same as solid hardwood. This floor is created by using a piece of plywood with a thin veneer of your chosen wood species on top. This method is wonderful for those on a budget. The result is a floor that looks basically the same as a solid hardwood floor but is easier on the wallet. It can also be installed as a floating floor, meaning you can enjoy hardwood flooring in places that you normally can’t install real wood.
Reclaimed Hardwood Flooring
Looking for an eco-conscious option? Why not put some planks to good use that would otherwise be thrown away? Reclaimed hardwood comes from demolished buildings such as barns, offices, and factories. However, don’t think that this wood is in any way inferior. After having survived one use already, reclaimed wood is generally some of the strongest wood you can find. And once it has been refinished, no one will ever know your floors didn’t come straight from the forest.
Pre-Finished Hardwood Flooring
With hardwood flooring, you can decide to have the planks pre-finished at the factory before they arrive at your house or have it done on-site. If you are trying to match existing floors, finishing on-site is often the best option. However, having them pre-finished can cut down on installation time and avoid the odors and VOCs from the finishing products in your home. They are also ready and can be walked on immediately after installation.
Choosing the Right Hardwood Flooring for Your Home
Every type of hardwood flooring has its own pluses and minuses. The biggest thing about it is to ensure that you hire experienced flooring experts to perform the installation. The best types of hardwood flooring won’t do you any good if they are not installed correctly.
An improperly installed floor can start buckling and warping soon after installation, creating a headache that you didn’t ask for. So, start with the best flooring company in Atlanta. Contact us here at Atlanta Floor One for your free quote today!