If you are looking to make a change to your flooring, you may want to consider buying a hardwood floor. Hardwood floors are amazing, and many people love them, because they are versatile, and they can pair with nearly any decor. Your house might be green and contemporary, farmhouse or primitive, or industrial-factory style, but hardwood floors will match any of them. Hardwood floors are great for people with a lot of allergies, and they are easy to clean. There are two types of hardwood floors: traditional hardwood or engineered hardwood. Which one is right for you? Here are some tips for choosing which floor is best for you.
What’s the Difference?
Traditional hardwood floors consist of a plank of solid wood. The hardwood planks can be made of several different kinds of wood, but traditionally, they are made from pine. Engineered hardwood floors are made of a combination of plywood on the bottom, several thin layers of hardwood, and a layer of hardwood on the top.
The Pros and Cons
First, you need to think about your lifestyle. If you have dogs or kids–traditional hardwood may not be the best solution for your flooring needs. Traditional hardwood is also not a good idea if you are looking at flooring options for a kitchen, bathroom, mudroom or laundry room, because all of those rooms may have a lot of moisture. However, traditional hardwood can last for decades, because it is easy to sand down and refinish. Also, traditional hardwood is more expensive, but it retains its value beautifully.
Engineered hardwood is more durable, and is perfect for dogs, kids, and areas where moisture might be a problem. It is easier to install than hardwood, and it is less expensive. However, engineered hardwood usually cannot be sanded and refinished. Also, engineered hardwood is not as durable as traditional hardwood flooring.
If you need help making a choice between traditional hardwood and engineered hardwood, we can help. When you’re ready to buy a hardwood floor, we hope you’ll give us a call at 800-689-9006 or you can email us at sales@flooring.org.
