Solid Hardwood
There is no doubt the heart and history of hardwood flooring is in solid wood. However, whether or not solid hardwood is the right choice for your home is dependent on several factors, including space, environment, and subfloor. For example, solid hardwood is an excellent choice for growing families and those with pets due to its ability to be sanded and restored, but since it cannot be installed on concrete subfloors, it is not optimal for basements, sunken living spaces, and other below grade rooms.
There are benefits to both solid and engineered wood floors, and the key to making the right choice is to let the facts and unique circumstances of each project determine your decision.
What Is Solid Hardwood Flooring?
Solid hardwood flooring is milled from a single 3/4" thick slab of hardwood. It expands and contracts with changes in humidity and installation requires compensation for these inevitable movements. Because solid hardwood floors can be sanded and refinished many times, they are correctly regarded as a strong investment in your home to be enjoyed and appreciated for generations.
The Benefits of Solid Hardwood Flooring:
-
Available in both prefinished and unfinished options, solid hardwood flooring allows you to choose between a multitude of plank widths, lengths, and stains, including custom staining to make your floors truly unique.
-
If selecting prefinished, installation is often an easy and fast process.
-
Solid hardwood flooring can add to the structural strength of your floors due to its thickness.
-
Available in an almost endless variety of wood species and styles, solid wood flooring offers a myriad of finished looks. Narrowing your search to support the needs of your home and household, solid hardwood is still certain to maintain a wide selection to choose from for your desired result.
-
Because it can be sanded, refinished and restored multiple times, solid hardwood floors are an excellent investment to your home.
-
As a long lasting investment, structural enhancer, and desirable style element, solid hardwood flooring can increase the value of your home.
Other Considerations:
-
Solid wood flooring consists of single slabs of wood, making it more likely to shrink, expand, and warp.
-
Since it cannot be installed on concrete subfloors, it is not optimal for basements, sunken living spaces, and other below grade rooms.