What Type of Hardwood Flooring Should You Choose?

If you're looking to upgrade your home's flooring, you may be wondering what type of hardwood to choose. You can choose from Solid, Engineered, or Reclaimed. Each of these styles has different advantages and disadvantages. Considering the type of lifestyle and traffic in your home will help you decide which type of flooring is the best choice for your home.

Prefinished

Prefinished hardwood flooring is available in different thicknesses. A thinner floor is more cost effective, but it will not last as long as thicker wood. Most prefinished hardwood flooring is 3/4-inch thick. The thickness also depends on the wood grade, which is a measure of the quality of the wood. A higher grade means better quality, but this will also increase the price. 

A prefinished hardwood floor has been finished at the factory or by a retailer. If you prefer a different look, unfinished wood can be stained to deepen its color and change its grain. For example, a white oak floor can be stained to resemble cherry wood or reddish oak. Alternatively, you can choose any color you want. 

The beauty of unfinished hardwood flooring is that you can choose from a wide variety of species. You can choose the stain color, sawn profile, and finish system that match the decor of your home. You can also choose the style and color of the edges.

Solid

There are a number of advantages to solid hardwood flooring, from its vast color palette to its low-maintenance nature. Pre-finished hardwood floors typically come with protective coatings to prevent stains and spills from damaging the flooring. When shopping for solid hardwood flooring, consider visiting a store that offers a wide selection of finishes and sizes. 

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a solid hardwood floor is the grade. Generally, higher grades are more expensive than lower grades. Different manufacturers use different terms for grading. The higher the grade, the less visible the imperfections will be. This is particularly important for high-traffic areas.

 Another consideration when choosing a floor is where the flooring will be installed. The biggest concern with solid hardwood floors is water damage. Although varnish or polyurethane finishes protect hardwood from water on its surface, the humidity underneath can cause cracks, gaps and buckling in the planks. Therefore, solid hardwood flooring should not be installed in areas where moisture is high.

Engineered

If you're planning to install new hardwood flooring, engineered hardwood is the way to go. It is more stable than solid hardwood and won't expand or contract due to changes in humidity or temperature. Plus, it's more water resistant. This means that you can use it in rooms where other flooring is not suitable. 

Engineered hardwood flooring is worth the investment. This type of wood floor is durable and is easy to maintain. It's an excellent choice for high-traffic areas because it holds up well against moisture and scratches. This type of flooring is also great for the kitchen, as it won't warp or sink.

 Engineered hardwood flooring is made from layers of wood with a veneer on top. The veneer is made of multiple layers and comes in different thicknesses. Some have real wood veneer, while others have fiberboard plies glued to the wood core in opposite directions. The construction detail has a large impact on the look and stability of the floor. For example, the Carlisle brand has an engineered wood veneer with a 90-degree grain running angle.

Reclaimed

Reclaimed hardwood flooring is a great option for homeowners who want a rustic look for their floors. Reclaimed wood is wood that has been harvested and processed from a previous application and is ready for a new purpose. It is a cost-effective way to create a beautiful, environmentally-friendly floor without sacrificing strength and style.

 Reclaimed wood is often sourced from old growth trees, which have more character than wood harvested from tree farms. In addition, reclaimed wood is more durable than virgin wood. In addition, it is great for homes with a green vibe, which is a trend that has been gaining in popularity lately.

 Reclaimed wood is one of the greenest flooring options available. Reclaimed wood is usually much higher quality than new wood, making it a great option for homeowners who are concerned with the environment. Reclaimed wood also reduces waste by reducing the need to cut new trees. Furthermore, reclaimed wood is more sustainable than petroleum-based flooring, which is harmful to the environment.