Hardwood Floor Installation

When you decide to install wood floors, the number of choices and options can make the task overwhelming. Our technicians can provide you with a complete understanding of the different types of wood, making the decision process more manageable.

When choosing a type of hardwood, two essential items should be considered. The first item is to decide which level of the home the flooring will be placed. If the room is below ground, it is probably best to use engineered wood. Engineered wood does not typically expand and contract with moisture making it the best-suited wood for below ground.

Another consideration before choosing the type of wood is the amount of traffic the flooring will see. Some types of wood are soft and will scratch or dent without much effort. A harder wood would be a better choice for those with pets with nails or stiletto heels wearers. You will probably want to use a harder wood for areas of your house that are busy.

Hardwood is available in three different types of wood. The first type is what is referred to as solid wood. A solid wood floor is typically one solid piece of wood. They come in a variety of widths and are made from trees such as white oak, Brazilian cherry, hickory, and maple.

Solid wood is vulnerable to temperature changes and humidity. This fact means they are better suited for rooms above grade with wooden subfloors for support. These floors must also be nailed or stapled to the subfloor. The most significant benefit for this type of wood floor is they can be refinished or recoated multiple times.

Another type of wood is engineered wood. The planks of an engineered wood consist of several hardwood piles laminated together. These planks can be glued or stapled down. They also can be used as a floating floor. However, if it is used as a floating floor, you must have a subfloor, which is wood, concrete, or any other type of existing floor.

A cross-ply construction makes this type of wood. This construction helps to reduce the expansion and contraction of the planks. This resistance to humidity and temperature change makes this wood the perfect choice for any level in your home.

Engineered wood comes in plank or long strip format. It also has a variety of thicknesses, colors, and width to choose. Our experts can help guide you when selecting these options based on the room you will be installing the wood.

The last type of wood is called exotic wood species. These species of wood are not found in North America. You have a choice of the best exotic hardwoods from around the world. These types of wood floors are unique in that they can offer visually striking appearances that the other types of wood cannot.

The appearance of these woods is distinctively different than an engineered or North American hardwood. However, the exotic wood species has one major drawback for some customers. They are photosensitive, which means that the color of the wood may change over time.

If you need more information about any of these types of hardwood, please call us today. Our experts are willing and able to provide you with a wealth of information about each model. They will also help you choose the best fit for your particular situation.