Looking for new flooring for your home?
You will find various types of hardwood flooring from which you can choose. The two most common types are solid wood floors and engineered wood flooring. Most of us think that a wood floor is a wood floor, but there is quite a bit of difference between the various types.
Solid Hardwood
Solid hardwood is very appealing cosmetically because it provides a new level of character to your home. Hardwood floors by themselves are very beautiful, especially when you take into account the various styles, textures, and sizes that are available. Whether you have a modern or contemporary home, you can find a style of hardwood that will work for you.
Solid hardwood is very durable, as the planks are each made from a single piece of wood, and in some cases, these floors can last 100 years or more if well cared for. They are also scratch-resistant and tough with foot traffic as well. If you use a good top-coat sealant and stick to a refinishing schedule, you will find that the lifespan of your floor will be extended even more.
Solid hardwood floors will add value to your home. The return on investment is one of the top options in the flooring industry. Hardwood floors work well in contemporary and traditional homes alike, with options to fit any design look. Planks are available in widths greater than 6” and widths as narrow as 2¼” are available with the finish you choose.
Engineered Hardwood
Engineered hardwood is more versatile and can be installed over concrete and other flooring types. Additionally, only the top layer of the hardwood is actually solid wood, making it resistant to humidity and other environmental issues. It is also designed with a tongue and groove profile in the same way a solid floor is made.
You can find engineered hardwood flooring in various thicknesses, and depending on the thickness you choose, your flooring will have greater durability. You can find engineered hardwood made from the same types of wood of solid hardwood. Five-eighths inch and three-quarter inch are the two most common engineered flooring thicknesses.
The Differences Between the Two
Both solid and engineered hardwood are durable, have a long lifespan, and look similar. The biggest difference is the way that each type of flooring reacts to moisture and humidity. Solid hardwood tends to be more affected by humidity. Engineered woods are more resistant to humidity. If you live in a dry area, you should consider solid hardwood, especially if you plan to install wood over concrete. If you live in a very humid region, you may want to consider engineered wood flooring.
Wide-Plank Flooring Providers
Oak and Broad are providers of wide plank flooring, and we have both solid hardwood and engineered hardwood flooring. If you aren’t sure which type of flooring is best, contact us today and let us help you. There are some factors and options from which to choose, so give us a call today or fill out our contact form, and we’ll be in touch.