Wood is one of the oldest flooring materials in existence. Because of this, it is still used today.
What’s your preferred style – contemporary, classic, or eclectic? No matter what you prefer, a hardwood surface can complement any décor style. Even better, it can increase your home value.
Hardwood flooring is a renewable, natural, and durable product. It is offered in several grain patterns and colors, ensuring you can find something that meets your needs.
While wood flooring is a smart investment, it’s important to learn about the types of hardwood flooring that exist today. Keep reading to learn more!
Engineered vs. Solid Hardwood Flooring
You can find two main categories of hardwood flooring. These include engineered hardwood flooring and solid hardwood flooring.
Solid flooring means the flooring is made of thick planks of solid wood. Engineered flooring provides the look of real wood flooring. The difference is that it’s made using a thin layer of hardwood bonded to other layers to prevent shifting as the wood contracts and expands.
Finished or Unfinished Hardwood Flooring
You can also choose between finished and unfinished wood flooring, and both options can be found at top wood flooring retailers like ReallyCheapFloors.
Unfinished hardwood flooring is a smart option for you if you need a custom finish. The flooring is sent to you ready for staining, which means you can choose the color you want or choose the stain that matches the existing flooring.
Once your hardwood flooring is installed and stained, the flooring will be finished with several coats of a protectant.
If you want to add hardwood flooring in your kitchen, choosing unfinished flooring is smart because the finish will penetrate the seal and seams in between the boards. This can prevent water from seeping in between them.
You can also choose prefinished hardwood flooring, which comes from the factory sanded and sealed. This makes the entire installation process move along faster and more smoothly.
With finished flooring, you don’t have to worry about potentially harmful VOCs or odors caused by finishing the flooring on-site. Also, you can walk on the floor right away.
Selecting the Right Species of Wood
The highest quality hardwood flooring is made with species of wood that are readily available and (as the name implies) hard. Some of the most popular choices include cherry, maple, and oak.
Some other options that you can consider include mahogany, ash, walnut, and bamboo (this is actually a grass).
Exotic wood species like jarrah or teak cost more. No matter what species you choose, ensuring the wood is harvested in a sustainable manner is a must.
Getting to Know the Different Types of Hardwood Flooring
As you can see, there are several factors and different types of hardwood flooring to consider. Each option has both pros and cons, and in most cases, it comes down to what you want for your space.
Be sure to keep the information above in mind, which will help you make the right wood flooring decision for your home.
You can also find more helpful information and resources by reading the other blogs on our site.
