Genuine hardwood is a beautiful addition to any home and a great investment as it generally increases the value of a property. If you’re interested in hardwood flooring, it’s important to understand that not all hardwood products are made the same. There are two main types of hardwood flooring: solid and engineered. Each of these has different advantages and are appropriate for specific areas and needs. The local experts at Franklin Tile Carpet One Floor & Home can guide you through the unique features of each type and help you find the best wood flooring for your home.
Of the two types of hardwood flooring, solid hardwood is much better known. Each plank is made from one continuous piece of wood and can have varying lengths and thicknesses. Solid hardwood floors have the advantage of being classic, beautiful, and long-lasting. They can be sanded and refinished multiple times, and essentially last the life of the house if properly cared for. However, solid wood is also prone to warping when exposed to humidity and temperature changes, and not recommended for bathrooms, kitchens, entryways, and other high-moisture spaces. It can also be tricky to maintain over time in humid climates. This is with the exception of reclaimed hardwood, which is salvaged from old barns, ships, and buildings. Since it’s generally very seasoned, reclaimed wood isn’t impacted by humidity and moisture the same way brand new wood is.
Rather than a single continuous piece, engineered hardwood planks are made using layers that are laminated together. It includes a decorative layer of genuine wood, and then lower sections of composite wood underneath. The main benefit of engineered hardwood is that it doesn’t shrink and expand with moisture and humidity thanks to its structure. Installing engineered hardwood can be done both below and above grade, and you can put it in moisture-prone places like the kitchen. The downside of engineered wood is that you may not be able to sand and refinish it as many times as solid hardwood, so it might not last as long. However, the best engineered hardwood products have thicker veneer layers and can be sanded multiple times. In this case, they can last just as long as solid hardwood flooring.
If you’re interested in learning more about solid and engineered hardwood, contact us today, or visit our showroom in Franklin, MA. We have the best selection in the area, and we’ll walk you through the different wood flooring types so you can make the right choice for your next installation project.
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