Solid Hardwood

Where as solid hardwood floors are typically 3/4 inch thick planks cut directly from a tree, engineered hardwood floors are composed of three to five layers of wood glued together using cross-grain lamination. Additional layers mean additional stability so more is better. There are a couple of different reasons why you would want to purchase an engineered hardwood floor:

Solid Hardwood

Installation Locations

Aesthetics
Solid wood floors have a characteristic look and texture. Depending on the species you want, solid wood floors are able to preserve the natural stains, surface and other character marks of each wood variety. Solid wood floors also come in different widths, helping you achieve a more formal look (narrow boards) or a comfortable, country feel (wider boards).

Durability and Longevity
Often seen in colonial homes across the country, solid wood floors are known to be part of a family’s legacy, lasting well over 100 years. Its durability and longevity supersedes those of other flooring types because of its thicker wear layer. Solid wood floors can be sanded, refinished or recoated several times, making it appear new again every time. As an added value, its thickness also contributes to the overall structural strength of a home.

Safety
Solid wood floors are recommended for families with allergic concerns as dust mites and other organisms do not live on solid woods. It also absorbs impact better, making it a good installation for bedrooms and children’s areas.

Value
Easy to maintain and generally less expensive than engineered flooring, solid wood floors also add significantly to the overall value of your homes. Just ask any agent, a good solid wood floor is a good investment that could increase the price of any home.

IMPORTANT:
Solid wood floors expand and contract with temperature variation and moisture. Therefore, they should only be installed in climate-controlled homes and in rooms on, or above, ground level. If there is a high degree temperature variation or humidity present, the floor is likely to experience cupping, warping or gaping.