Hardwood Floors are one of the most sought after upgrades for homeowners today. Hardwood floors can add beauty and value to any home. There is a huge variety of different types of hardwood floors available on the market but the very first choice to make when shopping for a hardwood floor, is the choice between Engineered Hardwood or Solid Hardwood. Each has its own set of strengths and weaknesses.
Q. What is solid hardwood flooring?
A. Solid hardwood flooring is always made from one single piece of hardwood. While the great majority of solid hardwood flooring is 3/4″ thick, the thinner solids, such as 1/2″ thick and 5//16″ thick hardwood flooring are growing in popularity. Solid hardwood is recommended for installation over plywood, OSB or other wooden sub-floors. Solid wood flooring is usually not recommended for installation over concrete slabs or areas beneath the surface such as a basement floor. Solid wood floors come in a variety of different woods and finishes. Some of it comes unfinished which gives you the option to choose your own custom color and gloss level, although sanding and finishing a hardwood floor can prove difficult for the do-it-yourself-er. Another option is to buy prefinished solid hardwood flooring that comes completely finished from the factory with several coats of extremely durable finish. Solid hardwood flooring that is prefinished just needs to be nailed or stapled down, and you’re ready to enjoy it right away!
