What are the Different Types of Wood Floorings?
Wooden floors are a classic addition to any home. They help in adding elegance and warmth to your house. These floors are durable and have a high value in the real estate market. Hence, hardwood floors are a highly preferable flooring option for your home.
The market offers a wide range of wood floors, and they differ in numerous ways, such as type of wood, color, cut pattern, installation process, etc. Hence, choosing wooden floors for your home can be a tricky choice for homeowners.
Before you adorn your house with AZ wood flooring, you should be aware of the different types of wood floors.
Wood floors are available in two main categories; Solid wood and Engineered wood. Let us discuss these two categories in detail so that you can make an informed choice.
1) Solid wood
Solid wood consists of a single hardwood layer from top to bottom. The wooden planks are obtained from trees like oak, mahogany, walnut, pine, etc. The advantage of wooden floors is that they can be refinished multiple times.
Also, they offer longevity and strength. When maintained properly, the floors can even last 75 years to 100 years. Hence, Solid wood floors are a great investment as the beautiful and durable floors justify the price.
However, they can get scratched easily and may not be suitable for highly active households. If you have pets and kids at home, you need to be extra careful with these floors to prevent them from being damaged.
The installation of Solid wood floors requires the help of an expert. They are nailed or stapled to the subfloor. Precision is the key here, which comes from years of experience. Hence, if you plan to install the floor yourself, solid wood floors may not be a suitable option.
Also, solid hardwood floors are prone to warping. They can absorb moisture and humidity and expand after installation. Hence, you need to avoid using this flooring in high-moisture areas like the kitchen or bathroom.
Acclimation of the wooden planks is an essential step in the installation process. Make sure the professional for AZ wood flooring follows the process to acclimate wooden planks to prevent them from getting warped.
2) Engineered wood floor
Engineered hardwood floors consist of a layer of hardwood on top of composite material or plywood. The multiple layers add strength to the plank and make them durable.
Engineered wood floors are suitable for a DIY floor installation project. They are easier to install than a solid wood floor. They can have a click-lock pattern and can be installed as a floating floor. You can also glue them to the subfloor.
Wooden planks can absorb moisture and get warped or cracked. Engineered floors are less prone to warping, making them suitable for areas like the kitchen and bathroom.
However, it is important to note that the flooring option is not completely waterproof. Hence, you should refrain from using hardwood floors in your shower.
Engineered wood also offers a cost advantage over solid wood floors. Also, with a little effort, you can install the floor yourself and save some money.
However, they do not offer the same longevity as solid wood. With regular cleaning and maintenance efforts, the floors can last 20-30 years. Since the hardwood layer is only a few inches thick, you cannot refinish these planks more than twice or thrice. After that, you will need to replace your wooden floors.
These are the two types of wooden floors you can choose for AZ wood flooring. Now that you are aware of the two flooring alternatives and their pros and cons, you can pick a suitable option for your household.
Also, you can choose the type of wood, its color, appearance, and grain. The choice should be made keeping the interior décor of your house in mind. The wooden floors should blend seamlessly, and the house should look cohesive.