To ensure that the investment in brand new hardwood floors to last a lifetime, it is essential to know the distinctions in between solid and engineered hardwood flooring. Various factors ought to be considered to in choosing the best option for every different situation. Homeowners feels good about selecting their hardwood flooring when they learn some basics first.
Solid Hardwood Flooring
Solid hardwood flooring is milled from a single chunk of lumber, which is available either unfinished and prefinished. Unpolished hardwood flooring is sanded, polished, and coated onsite after set up. This process provides to custom stain colors to match a home’s décor, or simply to produce a unique appearance. The disadvantage in unfinished flooring is the fact that there is usually a considerable mess from sanding the flooring along with fumes from the stain and urethane coatings. Top quality contractors have equipment that can reduce the dirt and dust from sanding process. They can also offer cheap VOC stains and water-based urethane coatings to lessen the fumes connected with oil-based products. This finishing process can be accomplished several the future to regain the beauty and appeal of the floor as it wears over time. Solid hardwood flooring is advisable to be installed over a wood subflooring material because it is normally nailed or stapled to the subsurface. Constantly mount the solid wood flooring above grade as it is highly vulnerable to moisture and may warp in damp areas.
Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Engineered hardwood flooring is a mixture of multiple layers of wood veneers and a synthetic material which are laminated together to structure each plank of flooring. This artificial material functions as the bottom layer and is commonly impervious to moisture. This resistance to moisture from below makes this a great option for concrete subfloors and rooms that are below grade. All engineered flooring comes prefinished from the manufacturing facility. The benefit to prefinished engineered wood flooring is that the factory is frequently able to cover or coat the finish as many as 7 times or more. This results in an extremely durable and long-lasting surface that will endure a great deal of traffic. Yet, the top layers of engineered flooring are created from natural wood which enables it to be scratched or damaged easily by water. Engineered hardwood flooring happens to be much thinner than solid hardwood flooring and it is frequently glued to the subsurface though it can also be nailed or stapled. The thin nature of engineered flooring lessens or eliminates the option of refinishing the floors when they wear over time.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is made of artificial materials and includes no natural wood products. For that reason, laminate flooring is absolutely resistant to moisture. The finish of laminate flooring is plastic-like and very durable. Laminate flooring comes in a wide range of colors and finishes that copy wood flooring, tile, and stone. Laminate flooring is generally called a “floating floor,” as it does not need the use of glue or nails to adhere it to the subsurface. This is the right choice for areas that see an extremely high traffic volume or are prone to scratching or gouging for other reasons, such as pets.
Understanding the right questions to ask will guarantee that homeowners choose the flooring material that will last a lifetime. Hiring an experienced flooring installer is advisable to attain the best results.
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