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Types of Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors come in a variety of types but before deciding which best fits your needs you need to determine where your hardwood floor will be installed, how much traffic will it sustain, how much you want to spend and any decorative details desired. Below are descriptions of the types of hardwood floors available today.

Solid Flooring: Any wood flooring that is all wood from top to bottom is considered solid flooring. This type offers the most flexibility in customization by allowing for any wood species, stain and finish. This type is well suited for ground floors and above.

Engineered Flooring: If you have areas that take a heavy beating or may be susceptible to water, such as kitchens, bathrooms or basements, engineered flooring may be the best choice. Engineered flooring consists of layers of factory pressed wood and comes in 3ply and 5ply. Since the grains run in several directions the wood is far more stable and durable, though the selection will be less than with solid flooring.

Acrylic Impregnated Flooring: In this type acrylic is injected into the wood itself providing extra durability perfect for commercial uses such as malls and restaurants but may be used in households with extreme traffic.

Once you’ve determined which type above fits your needs you can then begin picking out species (oak, maple, etc.) colors, grades and cuts. Hardwood floors are long-lasting, easy maintenance and offer such a range of choices that they are a terrific flooring option for today’s busy households.