That said, once you’ve decided that hardwood is for you, there are still a few more choices to make.
Making the choice to add hardwood flooring to your Maryland home is one of the best choices you can make! Hardwood offers a massive range of benefits, including its long lifespan, beauty, and its influence on the value of your home. That said, once you’ve decided that hardwood is for you, there are still a few more choices to make. Knowing the differences between the options you have can help ensure that you make the right decision for you and your home.
Unfinished vs. Finished
The first thing to consider is whether you want to install a hardwood floor that is already finished or one that will still need some work after it’s been laid. Each option has its benefits and uses. Finished hardwood will come pre-treated with a stain and finish which allows it to be installed quickly with no odors from the process. Unfinished flooring, on the other hand, comes as a blank slate. Once the unfinished wood is installed, it will be stained and finished with several coats of sealant. While this takes longer and will leave a lingering odor, if you’re trying to match an exact color or putting flooring in a kitchen, it is the best option.
Engineered vs. Solid
Using layers of plywood topped with a thin veneer of real wood, engineered hardwood flooring is a great option for many situations. Because it is so stable and keeps its stability over time, engineered hardwood is great for areas like below-grade basements. That said, depending on the thickness of the veneer, you may only be able to sand and refinish it once or twice, making it less ideal for high traffic and heavy use areas. Solid wood, on the other hand, is often ¾ to ⅝ of an inch thick and can be refinished a number of times. For long use in a busy household, solid wood is a great choice, but it is prone to swelling in humidity, and shouldn’t be used in basements.
Types of Wood
Last but not least, it’s time to think about the type of wood you want to use for your floors. Different wood has different colors and patterns, and ultimately, what you choose will be a personal preference. Some factors to consider include where your wood is coming from. If you’d like to opt for sustainably harvested wood flooring, you’ll need to do some research, but there are far more options in that category than ever before!
Ready for a Beautiful Hardwood Floor? Trust John K Eareckson & Co.
When you work with John K Eareckson & Co., Flooring, we will ensure your hardwood floors undergo a stress-free acclimation process and that they sparkle for years to come; from a seamless and beautiful installation to years of maintenance, John K Eareckson & Co. Flooring has the expertise to care for your home’s hardwood floors. For a consultation and more information, visit us online or give us a call at 410-788-4200. You can also look for us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Flickr.