Hardwood flooring can never be wrong; it can add more beauty and decor to your properties. However, there are different things you have to look into before selecting the kind of hardwood flooring you need.
There are several types of hardwood flooring, each with advantages and disadvantages. There are also multiple factors you need to consider before picking the right flooring. This article will help explore the different types of hardwood flooring, the varieties available in the market, the pros and cons of the different products, the kind of woods used, and much more.
What is Wood Flooring?
Wood flooring is a permanent floor made of natural or synthetic material and provides the aesthetic appearance of wood. These types come in different styles, colors, and varieties.
Solid or Engineered?
There are two main types of hardwood flooring – solid and engineered. Solid hardwood is made up of solid wood and is refinished many times. It is the most expensive hardwood but is long-lasting. However, it is susceptible to changes in humidity, so it is not recommended for the ground floor or basements of your home or property.
Engineered wood floors have an underlayment made of something other than wood. It is made of some synthetic materials like concrete. Compared to solid wood, it is cheaper and is not easily susceptible to moisture and humidity. However, it is also not completely water-resistant.
Prefinished or Unfinished?
The next difference we should examine is the options of unfinished hardwood flooring and prefinished hardwood flooring. Prefinished flooring is already sanded and sealed. So when you opt for them, you can install them immediately, and it is quickly ready to be used.
On the other hand, unfinished flooring is the kind that will be sealed and made ready after starting with the installation. It is especially beneficial because it can penetrate and seal the gaps, seams, and other cracks between boards. This also stops water or moisture content from seeping quickly.
Kind of woods used
The hardwood flooring is categorized based on the wood type used and is called species. There are different types of species like Oak flooring, cherry flooring, bamboo flooring, and a few others, including ash, maple, mahogany, walnut, and others.
Oak accounts for most of the hardwood flooring and attracts more consumers, but other types of woods have been used as well. This list includes Brazilian Cherry, Bamboo, Wenge, Cork, Sydney Blue Gum, and much more.
Factors influencing your choice of wood flooring
Two factors that need to be considered and could help you analyze the different types of hardwood flooring.
Hardness:
Going for hardwood is better as it decides the durability of the wood flooring. In addition, floors and rooms with more foot traffic and heavy furniture need harder wood.
Moisture resistance:
Solid wood flooring is susceptible to natural changes like heat and moisture. Engineered wood is better when it comes to humidity and moisture resistance.
