Hardwood flooring is the best choice to enhance the aesthetic appeal of a home. After years of installation, it is easy to repair and make it look like new. As well, it is a valuable addition of money to a home. Multiple hardwood materials are available in the market. Always choose according to your home needs and area conditions. Atlantic Hardwood Flooring is the best company regarding hardwood flooring services. Keep on reading to learn more about hardwood floors, types, factors to consider, and more in this guide.
What is Hardwood Flooring?
Hardwood flooring is the process of installing a single, continuous piece of wood from top to bottom. It provides aesthetics and longevity to the floor. If this type of floor is cared for properly, it can last for decades. It can be made of solid wood or engineered wood.
| According to the National Wood Flooring Association USA, 52% of homes in the USA have hardwood floors. |
Types of Hardwood Floors — In-Depth Guide for You
Have you ever wondered what the types of hardwood floors are? What kind of materials are used for hardwood floors? If you don’t have any information, no problem. Grab a seat and get assistance from here.
The following are some of the best hardwood flooring options for you regarding material type:
Solid vs. Engineered Wood Flooring
Solid Hardwood Flooring
Solid hardwood is used for flooring. In this type, a solid piece of wood from top to bottom is used. It is available in the market in prefinished and unfinished forms. Solid wood can be restored multiple times by refinishing it.
The main drawback of solid flooring is that it is not resistant to moisture. As well, it is easily scratchable.
Solid Hardwood Flooring Cost: Solid flooring can cost $8 to $12 per square foot, with material costs of $3 to $8 per square foot.
Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Engineered hardwood flooring is the most durable hardwood floor. They are made of real wood, glued to several layers to enhance their efficiency and longevity. It is the best option for water-resistant flooring.
Wide-plank hardwood floors are also made of engineered hardwood. According to the latest hardwood flooring trends, wide plank hardwood floors are the most trending ones.
| Expert Advice Engineered hardwood floors are the best and most eco-friendly hardwood flooring option for areas with more fluctuation in temperature and humidity indexes. Reason Engineered hardwood floors are resistant to humidity and temperature. They don’t shrink or expand with them. |
Engineered hardwood flooring cost: The installation cost of engineered flooring can fall between $7.5 and $12.5 per square foot, with material cost included.
Hickory Hardwood Flooring
Hickory is the hardest wood available for flooring. So, hickory floors are considered the most durable hardwood floors. It is available in unique patterns and colors, which enhance the aesthetics of the floors.
| Interesting Fact: Hickory wood has an 1820 Janka hardness rating, which makes it the most durable hardwood flooring material. |
Hickory Hardwood Floor Installation Cost: These floors can cost between $6 and $14, with material cost.
Dark vs. Light Hardwood Flooring
Lightwood Flooring
Lightwood flooring adds a spacious and airy appeal to your floor. White oak and maple are the best lightwoods available in the market for flooring.
Pros:
- Best for larger and open space feel
- Easier to stain or color
- Create more relaxation
- More versatile for smaller spaces
Cons:
- More susceptible to scratches
- Shows minor damage easily
- Not as durable as compared to dark wood
Darkwood Flooring
Darkwood floors are more resistant to scratches and provide a warm feel. There are fewer chances of damage in darkwood flooring.
Pros:
- Create a sense of warmth and sophistication
- More durable to damage and scratches
- Minimal chances of fade
- Longer lifespan
Cons:
- Not accurate for small places
- Can create a feeling of a small place
- Can show dust easily
Factors to Consider Before Hardwood Flooring
There are some factors that you should consider before hardwood floor installation. These factors can affect the hardwood floor and can be a headache for you.
| Wood Species Always ensure to choose the right wood species regarding their durability, lifespan, and cost. | Moisture Resistance Moisture can be problematic for hardwood floors. Choose the wood with moisture-resistant qualities. | Room Location Solid hardwood flooring is not recommended for basements due to high moisture. | Durability Hardwood flooring is more durable to scratches and dents. So, it is more durable. |
Conclusion
To sum up, hardwood flooring installation is the best option to enhance the aesthetic appeal of a home. If you want more durability and longevity, you can choose engineered hardwood. Solid flooring is not a good option for basements and places with high moisture. So, always choose the wood that is best for your floor’s longevity and durability.
FAQs
What is hardwood flooring?
This type of flooring is the installation of hardwood on the floors to give them aesthetic appeal and increase the value of the home.
What is the most eco-friendly hardwood flooring material?
Engineered hardwood flooring is the most eco-friendly hardwood material. It is highly resistant to moisture.
Which hardwood material has the highest durability?
Hickory wood provides the highest durability with 1820 ratings by the Janka Hardness Rating.
Why is hardwood floor refinishing important?
Hardwood floor refinishing is important to give a fresh, appealing look to the floor by removing old stain and applying a new one.
What is the average lifespan of hardwood flooring?
Hardwood floors can last between 30 and 100 years if they are maintained well. The material used for flooring also matters a lot.
