subject: Hardwood Flooring - Getting Acquainted [print this page] "Most homeowners opt for hardwood flooring because of the natural elegance and durability that it has. This kind of wood is elegant and classy no matter where you choose to put it.
There are two types of hardwood flooring available today. There are solid hardwood flooring and engineered ones. Solid hardwood, when used on floors, comes in different dimensions and styles and each of them is a plank made of natural solid wood, milled from a single piece of timber. Engineered wood flooring on the other hand, is made out of two or more layers of wood in the form of a plank. Engineered wood is the most common type of wood flooring used globally and is currently quickly catching up in market share.
Today, most of homeowners favor hardwood as flooring because the money that they will be spending will be worth it. Hardwood flooring not only is practical but these types have a great variety of wood materials in different patterns, designs, styles and finishes that one can choose from. Plus, these types are eco-friendly and hypo-allergic as well.
Hardwood flooring expands when it gets in contact with moisture for a long period of time and will eventually rot. Because of this, many homeowners disapprove of hardwood as flooring for bathrooms and kitchens. But this could be solved by picking out the right hardwood type and maintaining it properly and putting protective finish as well.
To ensure maximum durability of your hardwood floors, don't use oily soaps in cleaning it. Use cleaning products and follow the instructions given by the manufacturers. Proper vacuuming, sweeping and damp mopping are the things that need to be done so that it can preserve its beautiful appearance.
Like tile floors, excessive grit and foot traffic will affect the appearance of your hardwood flooring, so choose durable hardwood for area with heavy foot traffic but unlike carpet or rugs, a properly finished hardwood floor does not accumulate hidden soil or odorous compounds.
Because of technological advancements, hardwood flooring have become better than ever. Your hardwood flooring can remain in good shape with only a little routine maintenance.
