When researching the best hardwood floor construction type, installation method and finishing system to find out the best ones that fit your needs, it’s important to ask a lot of questions. There is a lot more to know about hardwood than what may be apparent at first glance.

There are two main types of hardwood floor materials: Solid & Engineered Wood. There are pros and cons with each, so it’s important to know the limitations of each.

Solid Wood:

• Must be installed on or above grade, but not below.
• ¾” thick can be installed on a plywood subfloor, but not on concrete or radiant
• Not recommended in full bathrooms (though OK in ½ baths)
• Must be installed with nails or staples
• Comes prefinished, or unfinished which can be finished on site
• Can be refinished multiple times

Engineered Wood:

• Can be installed below grade, or above
• Can be installed on all types of subfloor surfaces
• Suitable for any room
• Some types can be installed floating or can be glued-down
• Comes in prefinished only
• May not be refinished more than once, depending on the thickness of the top layer. Laminates cannot be refinished.

Choosing hardwood floors for your home can improve the beauty and increase the value. Selecting the best type of product will help the overall performance.

Call Woodfellow Hardwood for a quote today.