Choosing a Solid Hardwood Floor

Rob Buenaventura

Are you having trouble choosing between a solid hardwood floor and an engineered hardwood floor? There are benefits to both flooring types, although certain conditions do not allow for the installation of all floor types. If you prefer the look and feel of a solid hardwood floor than you must be sure that you have the proper conditions for a successful installation.

When you are looking at floor types, you will notice that a solid hardwood floor is cut from a solid piece of wood which is typically ¾” in thickness. Engineered flooring is manufactured from layers of wood that are glued together and fused by heat. Solid wood flooring is an excellent choice because you can sand it and refinish it for generations without worry. With engineered flooring you may only be able to refinish it once or twice which drastically reduces the lifetime of the product.

When you install a solid hardwood floor you will notice that there are cracks left between boards. The spaces between the boards are there because of the humidity in each home. Solid wood flooring contracts and expands depending on the humidity levels in the house. Usually a molding or baseboard will disguise this gap. Because of this contraction and expansion, solid wood cannot be installed below grade, and engineered hardwood flooring must be used.

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