With good reason, hardwood has long been the staple and most desired flooring for many homeowners. This is because it adds value to the home like no other flooring and elevates the room’s aesthetic. With many common hardwood flooring options, it can be hard to decide which is right for your home. Take a look at Portland Floor’s considerations below.
Finished Hardwood vs. Unfinished Hardwood
When you’re installing a new hardwood floor, you can choose between unfinished and finished wood. Unfinished wood could allow you to apply a custom stain to the floor before finishing it. Finished wood is sealed in the factory and ready for installation immediately. You might decide on unfinished wood for your kitchen because you can install the floor, stain it, and finish it while it’s pieced together, allowing for the sealant or finish can seep into the cracks of the floor for better protection from moisture and damage.
Engineered Hardwood vs. Solid Hardwood
Another variation of hardwood you could choose to install in your home is engineered or solid hardwood flooring. The difference between the two is that the solid wood is completely natural and authentic, while the engineered version is only a veneer of real wood glued to other layers of materials, such as plywood. Solid wood can be sanded and refinished numerous times throughout its lifespan but is more susceptible to damage and changes in humidity. Engineered wood offers more stability and most likely cannot be refinished.
Different Kinds of Hardwood
Besides the floor being finished or natural, there are many other wood species to choose from. Some of the most common hardwood flooring options are oak, cherry, or maple because they are readily available and durable. Luxury woods include walnut, mahogany, and bamboo, all of which will come to a higher price point. If affordability is a concern for you, consider reclaiming old hardwood flooring—it could even give the space you install the floor more personality. Each species and type of hardwood will react differently to varying environments; take this into consideration before choosing the suitable option for your home.
Regardless of the type of hardwood, every option can significantly impact the look and feel of your home in various ways. You can never go wrong with hardwood floors when there are many species to choose from. Which type will you install in your home?