Hardwood Flooring for Your Home

Solid vs. Engineered Hardwood

One of the first decisions you'll encounter when shopping for hardwood is whether to choose solid or engineered flooring.

Solid hardwood is made from a single piece of natural wood. Its construction allows many solid hardwood floors to be sanded and refinished multiple times over their lifespan, depending on the product and installation.

Solid hardwood is a classic choice for homeowners who want the traditional characteristics of a natural wood floor.

Engineered hardwood features a real wood surface over a layered core. This construction provides greater dimensional stability than solid hardwood and can make engineered flooring suitable for a wider range of installation conditions.

Neither option is automatically right for every home. The room, subfloor, moisture conditions, and installation requirements should all be considered when making your choice.

Hardwood flooring comes in many different species, colors, and visual styles. Wood species can affect the floor's natural color, grain pattern, character, and hardness.

You can also customize the look by choosing different:

• Wood tones
• Plank widths
• Surface textures
• Grain patterns
• Finish appearances
• Levels of natural variation

Think about how the flooring will coordinate with your cabinets, furniture, walls, countertops, and other materials before making your final selection.

A beautiful floor should also make sense for the way your household lives.

Consider how much activity the room receives and whether the flooring will regularly be exposed to children, pets, guests, or heavy foot traffic.

It can also help to consider:

• How much maintenance you're comfortable performing
• Whether you prefer a more uniform or naturally varied appearance
• How much sunlight the room receives
• Whether you want the potential to refinish the floor in the future
• How the flooring will transition into adjacent rooms

Taking these factors into account can help you narrow down your choices before you begin comparing specific products.

Proper installation is an important part of any hardwood flooring project.

The appropriate installation method depends on the type of hardwood, the subfloor, and the conditions of the room. Depending on the product, hardwood may be installed using methods such as nail-down, staple-down, or glue-down installation.

Subfloor preparation is also important. A properly prepared installation surface can help the flooring perform as intended and contribute to a better finished appearance.

Always follow the installation requirements provided by the flooring manufacturer.

Regular maintenance can help preserve the appearance of your hardwood flooring.

Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dirt and grit that can contribute to surface wear. Clean your flooring according to the manufacturer's recommendations and wipe up spills promptly.

Moisture and humidity should also be considered. Because wood naturally responds to changes in moisture, maintaining a reasonably stable indoor environment can help minimize excessive movement.

Avoid using excessive water or cleaning products that aren't recommended for your specific flooring.

Look at Samples in Your Home
Lighting can change the way wood flooring looks. Compare samples in the actual room where the flooring will be installed and view them at different times of day.

Consider the Whole Room
Don't choose your flooring in isolation. Look at how the wood tone and finish work with your cabinets, furniture, walls, trim, and other surfaces.

Think About Traffic
Consider how the room will be used and choose a flooring product with characteristics that fit your household.

Plan for the Long Term
Hardwood can remain part of your home for many years. Choose a style you enjoy rather than focusing only on short-term design trends.

Ask About Installation

Different hardwood products have different installation requirements. Understanding those requirements before purchasing can help you avoid surprises later.

Is Hardwood Flooring Right for You?

Hardwood may be a good choice if you want the natural appearance of real wood, a versatile design, and long-term appeal.

However, every household has different needs. If you're comparing hardwood with laminate, luxury vinyl, carpet, or another flooring option, consider factors such as moisture exposure, durability, maintenance, appearance, and budget.

Comparing samples and discussing your project with a flooring professional can make the decision easier.

Featured Hardwood