How to choose hardwood flooring
It's not as simple as just picking out a species, but you also have to think about installation techniques, types of hardwood floors, thickness, and refinishing. The wonderful thing about wood floors is that they last for decades with proper care, and they don’t require much maintenance. Williams Floorcovering & Interiors has put together the following is a guide on choosing the right hardwood flooring for you.
First, determine the kind of wood flooring you want
Solid is one slab throughout the thickness. It is beautiful, versatile, and timeless. Wood can also be damaged by excess water, so be mindful to wipe spills immediately. It will also shrink and expand to adjust to the weather, but that is eliminated through an easy process called acclimation.
Engineered hardwood flooring is a layered product that appeals to those who want both beauty and practicality. On top is a slice of genuine wood, giving all the undertones, knots, raised grains, and swirls wood flooring is so famous for. Underneath are several layers of genuine wood with a little resin, placed crosswise. That gives the floor stability and a better ability to be used in a potentially moisture prone environment like a basement.
Bamboo technically isn't hardwood it is a woody grass that is as strong as a hardwood. It looks, feels, and has the same benefits as wood while appeals to the environmentally conscious as it is renewable and natural. It takes a tree 20 or more years to mature, while bamboo can be harvested in 6-7.
Engineered hardwood flooring is a layered product that appeals to those who want both beauty and practicality. On top is a slice of genuine wood, giving all the undertones, knots, raised grains, and swirls wood flooring is so famous for. Underneath are several layers of genuine wood with a little resin, placed crosswise. That gives the floor stability and a better ability to be used in a potentially moisture prone environment like a basement.
Bamboo technically isn't hardwood it is a woody grass that is as strong as a hardwood. It looks, feels, and has the same benefits as wood while appeals to the environmentally conscious as it is renewable and natural. It takes a tree 20 or more years to mature, while bamboo can be harvested in 6-7.
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Style and species
While there are many domestic and exotic species from which to choose, the most popular ones are white and red oak; maple; hickory; walnut and cherry. Some species have more knots and swirls than others. Light colors, such as white oak, blond, light hickory, and yellow birch are trending this year, as are wide planks. Wide planks are more traditional while narrow ones are contemporary and casual.
Installation?
Solid hardwood is tongue and groove, then nailed or glued. There are some subfloors, such as concrete, that aren't recommended. Engineered can be installed over most subfloors, offering the fast and easy floating floor technique. All subfloors should be clean, dry, and level. Whether solid or engineered hardwood flooring, these floors will add a rich, classic atmosphere to your home. See samples our showroom in Morehead City, North Carolina and get your free quote on wood floors. We serve customers in Morehead City, NC, Havelock, NC, Newport, NC, Beaufort, NC, Emerald Isle, NC and the surrounding areas.
