There are many different kinds of hardwood floors. Which is right for you?
If you’re building a new home or hiring a contractor to update your floors, you’re probably torn between installing solid hardwood flooring or engineered hardwood. Although each is considered hardwood flooring, the makeup of each flooring type is remarkably different. It’s a tough decision to make, so we decided to provide a post to help you know more about solid hardwood flooring and engineered hardwood flooring.
Solid Hardwood Flooring
The planks for solid wood are milled from a single piece of hardwood and covered with a thin protective layer. Because of the thickness of the solid wood planks, you will be able to sand and refinish a solid hardwood floor many times. But keep in mind that the planks will expand and contract relative to the amount of humidity in your home. To make sure expansion and contracting doesn’t happen too rapidly, the humidity in your home needs to stay between 45% and 65% all year. Solid hardwood flooring is available in a wide variety of species like oak, maple, and black walnut.
Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Engineered hardwood planks have multiple layers bonded together under extreme heat and pressure. Engineered hardwood is not as affected by humidity because of the way it is processed. This makes engineered hardwood very popular in kitchens and in bathrooms where the humidity levels are often elevated.
Solid Hardwood Flooring vs. Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Deciding between the two boils down to where you are going to install the flooring and what type of design you are looking for. Any areas where there is excessive moisture, you will want to install engineered hardwood. Some people just prefer the idea that they are using natural wood, but engineered wood can offer just as much aesthetic appeal. Each flooring option will add value to your home, as long as the hardwood is installed correctly and maintained.
John K Eareckson & Co. – An Exceptional Flooring Contractor
At John K. Eareckson & Co., we pride ourselves on providing the best quality and craftsmanship in the Baltimore-Washington area, from custom hardwood installation and repairs to refinishing. So if you’re in the market for new hardwood flooring, pick up the phone and give us a call today! If you have any questions about New Hardwood Floors, please contact John K. Eareckson & Co. by calling 410-788-4200 or visit today for a free quote regarding any of your hardwood flooring needs. You can also follow us on Facebook, Google+, and Twitter!