Solid & Engineered Hardwood
Traditional, modern, or rustic, hardwood complements any style or setting and brings a classic richness unmatched by any other type of flooring.
When you think of hardwood, solid is what typically comes to mind. Solid hardwood, as the name suggests, is one solid plank all the way through. Engineered hardwood is also real hardwood. Unlike vinyl or laminate – which use a simulated hardwood look – engineered wood is built with a wood face followed by multiple wood layers often stacked in a cross-ply configuration.
When choosing a hardwood, there are many things to consider:
- Style – Hardwood species is the largest factor in grain pattern, natural color variation, and photosensitivity. Generalizations can be made to describe the characteristics of each species, but expect your hardwood to exhibit variations. Knots, color streaks, and texturing (if scraped or wire-brushed) will vary from board to board. These variations are not considered defects and may not be visible in a small sample. Larger samples and photographs are helpful for representing larger areas but you should never trust a photo when looking at stain color or gloss level.
- Width & Stability – All hardwoods will expand and contract with humidity changes. This can be minimized with proper humidity control, but wide-plank, solid hardwood is especially susceptible. For this reason, we recommend engineered hardwood for wide-plank styles.
- Profile – You should always consider factors like adjoining floor heights, door jams, and appliance openings when buying a floor. Solid wood is commonly 3⁄4" thick and engineered averages 3⁄8" – 9⁄16".
- Installation – Solid hardwood typically requires nail down installation. Most engineered hardwoods can be nailed, glued, or floated. Engineered floors can also be installed below grade, depending on moisture levels, and many are radiant heat approved.
- Durability – Factory finishes are much more durable than those applied onsite, however no finish is warrantied against scratches.
For gouges and dents, the harder the floor, the more dent resistant it will be. Solid hardwood is ranked on the Janka hardness scale but shouldn’t factor too heavily in your flooring decision. Red Oak is quite soft in comparison to other woods yet it’s one of the most common hardwoods sold.
A few simple tips for avoiding scratches and dents:
- Do not drag furniture or appliances across your floor. Use felt pads under chairs.
- Use walk-off mats at exterior doorways or take your shoes off at the door.
- Keep your pet's nails trimmed.
- Remember to dust your floor.
Styles that help hide inevitable scratches and dents:
- Natural or light-medium colors with lower gloss finishes.
- Heavier grain patterns such as oak or hickory.
- Hand scraped or wire-brushed textures.
- Maintenance – One of the advantages to hardwood is it can last for generations if properly maintained. Routine dry dusting and "mopping" with the correct cleaner is very important. The Bona product line for wood floors is highly recommended by manufacturers and can be purchased in our showroom. Avoid stream mops, vinegar, wet mopping, and soapy or oily cleaners. These can damage your floor.
Over time, you may also need to consider refinishing. The frequency by which this needs to be done depends on the traffic and abuse the floor must endure. Solid hardwoods can be refinished multiple times and most engineered floors can be refinished at least once depending on the thickness of the face layer. Applying a fresh clear-coat can help fill in surface scratches, or you can do a full sand and refinish using a new stain color of your choice.
- Finishing Details – A new floor wouldn’t be complete without the proper trim. Base, quarter round, and transition molding requirements should always be addressed prior to purchase. Coordinating wood floor vents can also be ordered if desired.
