Looking to add a touch of timeless elegance to your home and increase your property value? Hardwood flooring demands attention and holds an undeniably classic style that is sure to enhance your home. If you’re contemplating making the investment of hardwood floors, before are a few fast facts you’ll want to keep in mind.
There Are Two Different Kinds
Despite being sold under the “hardwood umbrella” there are two distinct types of planks available on the market: solid and engineered.
Solid (or Traditional) Hardwood is made of a single piece of wood, and is thick enough to allow for multiple resandings over the years. Solid hardwood is durable, but can be vulnerable to scratches and shrinking and expanding due to humidity exposure.
Engineered Hardwood is crafted from several layers of high-quality plywood that are melded together and then coated with a hardwood veneer. Slightly less thick than traditional hardwood and therefore only able to be sanded a few times, engineered hardwood is less susceptible to humidity fluctuations and can be placed in areas where traditional hardwood cannot such as over concrete or radiant heating.
Which To Choose?
As with any kind of flooring, both traditional and engineered hardwood have unique benefits. While traditional hardwood may be a little more expensive upfront, the ability to be sanded multiple times gives extra longevity and the thickness of the boards certainly makes them sturdy. Contrastingly, engineered hardwood is a little more flexible in its placement and can afford the same style in rooms that you may not be able to place traditional planks.
At Ashley Fine Floors, we carry the leading brands for both traditional and hardwood flooring. Visit our store or chat with our experts now to learn more about which type of planking is best suited for your space!