Your Hardwood Flooring Options
It’s time to shop for new flooring, and you’ve settled on hardwood floors. You’ve likely thought about the wood species you’d like to use and have measured how much flooring you’ll need to cover your space. However, your choices don’t stop there. As you shop, you’ll also need to decide what type of hardwood floors you’ll use.
Hardwood floors have come a long way in the past few decades. Homeowners can now choose from dozens of different wood species and materials when shopping for hardwood flooring. Different flooring and installation styles are also offered on today’s market. Before you head out to shop, take time to familiarize yourself with these popular hardwood flooring types so that you know exactly what you should look for in S&G Carpet and More’s bustling showrooms.
Solid Hardwood Floors
The traditional choice in wood flooring, solid hardwood floors are constructed from single pieces of milled lumber. These floors tend to be between 3/4 and 5/16 inches thick. Because they are constructed from single pieces of lumber, they can be sanded down and refinished many times.
Engineered Hardwood Floors
Unlike traditional, solid hardwood floors, these floors are made up of multiple layers, or veneers, of wood. This layered construction adds extra durability to the flooring and can help prevent seasonal shrinking and expanding associated with solid hardwood floors. Because they are made up of multiple layers of wood, these types of floors cannot be sanded down as many times as solid hardwood floors.
Wide Hardwood Floors
True to their name, wide hardwood floors feature individual pieces that measure at least 5 inches in width. Also known as wide-plank flooring, this type of hardwood has become increasingly popular thanks to its aesthetic value. Wide-plank floors are available in an array of species and colors.
Scraped Hardwood Floors
For homeowners who want to choose hardwood floors because of their natural appearance, scraped floors are a great choice. Scraped hardwood floors are carefully contoured by hand to show off the natural imperfections of every plank of wood. They are available in dozens of species and colors and are available in engineered and solid hardwood styles.
Distressed Hardwood Floors
If you want your floors to have that lived-in look, distressed hardwood flooring may be the best choice for your home. These floors have been specially stained and treated to create a distressed appearance without undermining the durability or quality of the flooring. They are available in many different species.
Floating Hardwood Floors
If you’re looking for a do-it-yourself hardwood option, floating floors should be at the top of your list. Each plank is fitted together without the help of nails, glue or expensive tools. Flooring is then laid directly over the subfloor. Floating hardwood floors are a particularly good choice in moisture-prone areas as they can be installed over a moisture barrier.
Glued-Down Hardwood Floors
As their name suggests, these types of floors are composed of solid planks that are applied over a layer of glue. Glued-down hardwood floors provide for excellent durability, but they can be difficult for some homeowners to install. Opt for glued-down floors in areas that aren’t prone to moisture for the best results.
