Before installing hardwood flooring into your new or renovated home, it is important to be knowledgeable about the different types that are accessible to you. The most common types (maple, oak, cherry, walnut, and hickory) are probably what you think of when discussing hardwood. However, before selecting the wood that will run throughout your room, you should become familiar with all the hardwood flooring options. Keep reading to learn about the types of hardwood flooring to find the perfect fit for you!
Solid Hardwood
Solid hardwood flooring boards are milled from a single piece of wood that can be refinished many times, therefore, it has the potential to last for decades. Solid hardwood planks can be anywhere from 18 to 20 millimeters thick which are thicker than other styled wood-like engineered, this makes it more durable. Since it requires nailing, solid hardwood is designed for installation over a wood subfloor. Solid hardwood is discouraged for below-grade installations like a basement, considering the increased moisture and humidity will likely cause the hardwood to warp. The best area of the home to install solid hardwood would be any main living area since it can withstand heavy traffic.
Engineered Hardwood
Engineered hardwood flooring is made of multiple thin layers of compressed wood, resin, and polymers, and then topped with a 4-millimeter layer of real hardwood. This top layer allows the hardwood to be sanded and refinished a minimal number of times to remove signs of wear and tear. Engineered hardwood can be installed over a host of different flooring, including wood, tile, or linoleum. As long as the existing floor is level, engineered hardwood can even be installed over concrete. Resistance to moisture may vary, but it is less likely than solid hardwood to swell or contract. This makes engineered hardwood ideal for kitchens because of its ability to withstand moisture and has the ability to be salvaged if light flooding occurs.
Unfinished Hardwood
Unfinished hardwood allows for more customization than other types of hardwood flooring. It is also the smoothest hardwood flooring option because it is installed then sanded. These floors are finished in phases: installation, sanding, staining, finishing—which makes them more time-consuming to install. Although time-consuming, installing unfinished hardwood, you have the power to chose the stain and how it pairs with the rest of your home. Unfinished hardwood also brings out the natural look of the wood. However, the act of sanding an entire floor can entail mess and potentially toxic fumes, which can be perceived as a major drawback. Although this may be a drawback if you are currently living in the home, however, if the house is not occupied, unfinished hardwood may be ideal, especially for resale.
Pre-finished Hardwood
Pre-finished hardwood flooring is a great option for homeowners who need a quick installation or is converting a non-climate controlled environment into a living space, like a basement or bathroom. Pre-finished hardwood cannot be customized as freely as other types of hardwood flooring, however, it is available in a variety of colors. This type of hardwood is very durable because it is pre-treated with powerful chemical sealers prior to installation. This creates a long-lasting hardwood floor that can be durable for years to come.
Hardwood Floor Installation With Ash Wood Floors in Passaic County New Jersey
Ash Wood Floors is committed to our customer service standards. We have a hardworking team that measures our success based on customer satisfaction. With our expert experience in hardwood floor services such as inlays, distribution, lamination, installation, hardwood floor sanding, staining, refinishing, restoration and repairs we are confident in any task we take on. Because of our notable experience, Ash Wood Floors has become a household name around Northern New Jersey and the Passaic County area for almost 20 years. Contact us today to request a free consultation and learn more about how we can deliver the finest hardwood flooring for you!
