Hardwood flooring offers timeless beauty
Hardwood flooring has always stood out as a hallmark of class and elegance, creating warmth and a timeless appeal in any space. But with so many options and terms thrown around, what does it all mean? Let's delve deeper into the world of hardwood flooring and unravel its beauty.
Solid wood vs. engineered wood flooring
Solid hardwood flooring, as the name implies, is made from a single, solid piece of wood. This type of flooring is known for its durability and longevity, provided it's maintained properly. Here are some characteristics:
- Thickness: Typically ranges from ¾" to 5/16".
- Durability: Can be refinished multiple times over its lifetime.
- Environmental sensitivity: Solid wood floors are more prone to expansion and contraction with changes in temperature and humidity. Hence, it's not ideal for basements or directly over concrete slabs.
Engineered wood flooring is composed of numerous layers, with a top layer of genuine hardwood and underlying layers made of plywood or high-density fiberboard. Some of its features include:
- Thickness: Varies, but commonly ranges from 3/8" to ½".
- Durability: It can be refinished, but not as often as solid wood due to its thinner top layer.
- Versatility: Less susceptible to environmental changes, making it suitable for basements and over radiant heating systems.