Today, more than ever, hardwood flooring is very popular with homeowners. Did you know that there are different materials and types of wood used when installing hardwood floors? And the materials used to make the hardwood flooring vary in pricing as well. Here’s what you need to know…
Solid Hardwood Flooring
The solid wood comes in either finished or unfinished. When you purchase the finished wood, it is ready to install when you buy it. Unfinished flooring is sanded but left in its natural state so consumers can choose the finish, if they choose to. Solid wood is the most expensive type of hardwood flooring. Solid wood floors also come in different thicknesses and types.
The three most popular types include:
- Plank Flooring
Plank floors varying widths but the thickness typically range between 1/2 to 3/4 inches.
- Strip Flooring
Strip floors comes in different thickness but unlike plank flooring it has a set width.
- Parquet Flooring
Parquet hardwoods have become very popular due to its unique geometrical pattern of the wood slats which are placed using adhesive or some type of fastener.
Acrylic-Impregnated Floors
The acrylic-impregnated is more common in commercial settings since it is highly resistant to scratches as well as moisture. This type of flooring uses wood along with the finish and a special sealant that is infused through the entire thickness. Unlike other types of hardwoods that only have the top layer finished, these floors are finished all the way through.
Engineered Wood Floors
The next type of floors is engineered and they are quite popular because they are less expensive than solid wood floors but the top layer of these floors is made of real wood. The process includes plastic laminate veneer layers that the hardwood is adhered to. This allows the home to have the look and feel of real hardwood that is more budget friendly.
Another aspect of hardwood floors is the type of wood that is used. The harder the wood, the more durable and longer lasting.
White Oak
White oak is common to use and tends to be light brown but may have a bit of grey cast to it and it tends to have a rugged grain. It is a hard wood and durable.
Red Oak
Red oak is naturally a reddish brown color and makes a house look very warm and tends to be a favorite option in many parts of the world, but unlike white oak, it has a smoother grain. Red oak is harder than white oak and therefore more durable.
Birch Wood
Birch is another type of wood that is dark brown with red or can also be a light yellow. Beech wood is a red-brown color and not as hard as white or red oak but still durable.
Pine Wood
Pine naturally has a lot of knots along with swirls, it’s normally used to give a more rustic look. It is yellowish brown and about as hard as red oak, so it is very durable. Pine is often used in cabins since it repels insects naturally.
Finally, no matter what type of hardwood flooring you choose for your home, knowing the different types and the various woods used will help you make an educated purchase.
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