Naturally unique & beautiful
Hardwood flooring has been used in homes for centuries, and it’s as popular today as it ever was. Stylish and versatile, hardwood flooring is naturally beautiful. Each plank is unique, with individual grains and knots. Your flooring will be a work of art! And, with the proper care, the character and charm of hardwood will last for many decades.
Solid vs. engineered wood
Solid hardwood is the real deal. Each plank is made of one solid piece of wood from the finest domestic & exotic hardwoods, stained & finished with a protective coating. Solid hardwood can be refinished multiple times throughout its lifecycle to restore its original beauty. However, it is susceptible to water damage, so it’s not a good fit for kitchens, bathrooms, basements, or mudrooms. It’s also pricier up front, although it will last much longer with proper care.
Engineered hardwood, on the other hand, is constructed using several layers of wood adhered together. On the surface, engineered hardwood is indistinguishable from solid hardwood once installed. Its unique layered construction helps it contract and expand in response to changes in humidity, which means you can install engineered wood over concrete and in basements. It can’t be refinished more than once or twice, however.
What’s in a grade?
You can sort hardwood species even further by measuring the wood’s natural hardness, referred to as the grading. There are two broad grading categories. Hardwoods, such as oak and maple, are better able to stand up to heavy traffic, are naturally darker, and are pricier up front. Softwoods, such as pine and spruce, are lighter, more affordable up front, and are more flexible. However, softwoods are also more susceptible to scratches and dings.
