subject: The Correct Type of Hardwood Floors for Your Home [print this page] The Correct Type of Hardwood Floors for Your Home
Choosing wood floors as your flooring doesn't end there, In fact there are three type of the material and choosing the best one that will suit your budget, your lifestyle and needs is as important as choosing wood over the other options available in the market.
Each material has its own advantage and disadvantage, identifying what will be the best for you can be crucial. But you don't need to worry here are the summary of each classification to help you decide the best flooring material that you've ever dreamed of.
Solid
As the name implies solid wood or commonly termed as hardwood floor are made from solid lumber and are cut and milled to form the planks. It is also commonly finished with different coatings for protection. Hardwood has many benefits, it is known for its durability and natural beauty. The material can last for generations to come and maintenance is not that hard. Regular cleaning and occasional buffing will make your floor good as new every time. With the finishes, the material is somehow resistant to scratches and can be sanded down and refinished over and over again to give it a new life.
However, given the natural characteristics of lumber, it is prone to expand and contract causing serious problems. This is brought about by acclimation. The material adapts to the environment and the climate causing it to react resulting to damages. Kitchens and rooms were water and moisture is most likely are a hindrance to this type.
Engineered
Engineered flooring is the so called "high tech" material. It is composed of several layers of various kinds and species of limber eliminating each drawback of the specie and capitalizing on each advantage. Engineered wood floors can also be installed to almost any surface and does not require a sub floor putting solid one behind. However, it is not the perfect type. The lifespan of this type is a dragonfly compared to the solid material and is more prone to scratches and damages.
Laminates
Well generally speaking it can't classify as wood since it only mimics its appearance and it really made out of laminated plastic. However, it is becoming a popular option nowadays as wood like flooring. It is cheaper than the two types above and is easier to install and to maintain. The finishes of laminate flooring also makes it resistant to scratches however, the material is slippery and is not known to last longer than any of the two above. In cases of serious damage to a section of floor it is not mendable and you have to replace that section.
