What Are the Pros and Cons of Different Types of Wood Flooring?
If you’re looking to update your home, new flooring is an excellent choice for almost any room. It’s also one of the most important decisions if you’re planning a new build.
Wood has long been one of the most popular flooring materials available. Other trends may come and go, but homeowners from every generation find that wood blends perfectly with traditional and contemporary designs alike.
When considering wood floors, your choices include either hardwood or engineered hardwood. The two primary options you’ll encounter are hardwood flooring and engineered hardwood flooring. Both have real advantages worth considering.
Want to see these flooring options in person? Visit Mid-City Lumber and see our wide selection of quality flooring with our experienced staff.
Understanding the Main Types of Wood Flooring
When comparing types of wood flooring, the key distinction comes down to construction. Hardwood flooring is made of solid planks, which may be unfinished or prefinished. Unfinished hardwood is stained and finished after hardwood flooring installation, while prefinished planks come already stained and top-coated. Engineered hardwood flooring consists of a plywood base overlaid with a prefinished hardwood veneer, giving you the look of real wood with added structural stability.
Understanding the differences between hardwood and engineered hardwood upfront will save you time, money and frustration down the road.
Hardwood Floors
The Advantages of Hardwood Flooring
One big advantage to wood floors is their versatility. Hardwood planks come in a variety of species and can be stained in an almost infinite array of finishes. So whether you prefer a shiny gloss or a subtle matte, there’s a look that’s right for your home. Wood fits right in with almost any decor and looks fabulous when overlaid with a stylish rug. If you decide to update the look of your space down the road, hardwood can be sanded and re-stained in a different shade.
Another reason many people opt for hardwood floors is their durability. Wood can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. It’s also less likely to harbor stains and odor than carpet. Regular vacuuming or dust mopping are usually sufficient to clear away dust and debris.
If you’re looking to put your home on the market, consider replacing old carpeting with new hardwood flooring. That’s because wood floors are a good option for boosting your property value. Their widespread appeal makes them a favorite with prospective buyers.
The Disadvantages of Hardwood Flooring
One important consideration to keep in mind is that hardwood is one of the more expensive flooring options. Take the time to compare offerings from different manufacturers to be sure you’re getting the best value. Another way to save is to choose hardwood for high-visibility spaces such as the living room and less expensive materials for lesser-used rooms. For best results, hardwood floors should be professionally installed.
Another potential challenge is that hardwood is vulnerable to scratches and water damage. Although it can last a lifetime with proper care, it will begin to show signs of normal wear and tear over time. To keep your floors looking their best, always clean spills promptly. Occasional refinishing may be needed to maintain a like-new appearance.
Finally, wood floors can be somewhat noisy when walking across them, depending on the shoes you’re wearing. One way to dampen the sound is to install an insulating layer underneath the floor. You can also place a rug on top of the floor to quiet things down a bit. And because wood floors are cool to the touch, a rug also provides extra comfort for those who enjoy going barefoot indoors!
Engineered Hardwood Flooring
The Advantages of Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Engineered hardwood consists of a thick plywood base covered by a thin hardwood veneer. It offers beauty and durability at a lower price point than traditional hardwood, making it one of the most popular types of wood flooring for budget-conscious homeowners.
When comparing hardwood and engineered hardwood, engineered wood also stands up to many types of damage when compared with hardwood. It is more scratch-resistant, which helps to retain its appearance over time. It’s also less likely to warp when exposed to humid conditions, which makes it a smart choice for basements, kitchens and other moisture-prone spaces.
Another advantage of engineered wood is that it’s easy to install. The boards are designed to click together, with no need for a hammer and nails to lock them in place. This makes them a great choice for DIY projects and faster hardwood flooring installation timelines overall.
The Disadvantages of Engineered Hardwood Flooring
One thing to consider is that some engineered wood planks are less amenable to refinishing than hardwood. Some engineered hardwood flooring planks have a thinner veneer layer that limits how many times they can be sanded and refinished. If you plan to change the look of your floors in the future, look for engineered products with a thicker wear layer or consider solid hardwood instead.
Hardwood and Engineered Hardwood: Which Is Right for You?
Choosing between hardwood and engineered hardwood comes down to your specific situation. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:
Choose hardwood flooring if:
- You want maximum longevity and the ability to refinish multiple times
- Your subfloor is wood and humidity levels in your home are stable
- You’re focused on boosting resale value
Choose engineered hardwood flooring if:
- You’re installing over concrete or in a below-grade space
- Your home experiences humidity fluctuations
- You want a faster or DIY-friendly hardwood flooring installation
- You want the look of real wood at a lower price point
Both are excellent types of wood flooring that add warmth, beauty and lasting value to any home.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Wood Floor?
With a timeless appeal that spans the decades, wood floors have remained an enduring favorite among homeowners. Whether you’re considering a new build or remodel, drop by Mid-City Lumber for quality flooring and other materials. We’ll make sure you find everything you need to complete your project on time and on budget!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the main types of wood flooring to choose from?
A: The two primary types of wood flooring are solid hardwood and engineered hardwood flooring. Solid hardwood is made from single pieces of wood and can be refinished many times. Engineered hardwood flooring features a real wood veneer over a plywood core, offering greater stability in humid environments and easier installation.
Q: Is hardwood flooring installation something I can do myself?
A: Solid hardwood flooring installation is generally best left to professionals, as it requires nailing or gluing planks to a wood subfloor with precision. Engineered hardwood flooring, on the other hand, often uses a click-lock system that makes it a more DIY-friendly option for homeowners comfortable with home improvement projects.
Q: What is the difference between hardwood and engineered hardwood?
A: The core difference between hardwood and engineered hardwood is construction. Solid hardwood flooring is made entirely from one species of wood, while engineered hardwood flooring pairs a real wood veneer with a multi-layer plywood core. This makes engineered hardwood flooring more resistant to moisture and dimensional changes caused by humidity.
Q: Which types of wood flooring are best for high-traffic areas?
A: For high-traffic areas, look for hardwood flooring species with high Janka hardness ratings such as hickory, hard maple or white oak. Engineered hardwood flooring with a thick wear layer is also a durable option, particularly in areas where moisture is a concern.
Q: Does hardwood flooring add value to a home?
A: Yes. Hardwood flooring is consistently recognized as one of the best home improvements for resale value. Its broad appeal with buyers, longevity and classic appearance make hardwood flooring installation a smart investment for homeowners planning to sell.
