Discover hardwood styles from these great brands
Choosing a Hardwood Style
Hardwood floors are a beautiful, long-lasting choice for any room in your home. Colors range from quite light to intensely dark, with options across the spectrum in between. Natural variations in the grain of the wood can influence its personality, with more dramatic grains lending a rustic feeling, moderate grains looking more traditional, and minimal graining suggesting a sleeker contemporary look.
Solid VS Engineered Hardwood Floors
There are two main types of hardwood flooring. Solid hardwood planks each consist of a single thick piece of wood. Engineered wood is produced using several layers of wood, stacked & bonded together. Each type has its benefits depending on the following factors.
Location in the Home
Where will you new hardwood floor be installed. Engineered wood floors can be installed at any grade, meaning on, above or below ground floors. However, solid hardwood can only be installed on or above grade, meaning it won’t work well in finished basements or sunken living rooms.
Indoor Moisture Level
In addition to the grade level, you should consider the moisture level of the room. Generally, you shouldn’t install solid hardwood floors in spaces like bathrooms or basements where humidity tends to be higher. Engineered hardwood offers greater moisture resistance.
Subflooring
Solid & engineered wood flooring can both be installed over plywood, strand board, or other hardwood flooring. However, if you plan to install your new floor over a concrete subfloor, you must use an engineered wood product to ensure the structural integrity of your floor.
Refinishing
Because engineered hardwood is constructed from several thinner layers, you cannot refinish it more than once or twice at most. Solid hardwood floors, however, can be sanded & refinished over several generations of use.
Hardwood Inspiration
Browse the Floors Plus gallery of hardwood styles to see how our products might look installed in your own home & find the inspiration you need to start your own home renovation with new hardwood floors.
Hardwood Care & Maintenance
There are a few simple steps you can take to protect your hardwood floor & preserve its beauty. Learn the right cleaning techniques & preventative measures from our guide.
Hardwood Installation
The Floors Plus team is here to help you through every step of selecting your new hardwood floor. We offer professional on-site measurement, removal of your old flooring, and skilled installation. Learn what to expect from your hardwood installation here.
