Hardwood is one of the oldest and most desirable flooring materials available. Whether your style is classic or contemporary, a hardwood surface will enhance the aesthetic appeal of your living space and add value to your home. However, to make sure you get the most out of your investment, it’s important to choose the hardwood floor most suitable to your lifestyle needs. This requires exploring all the options on the market and taking a variety of factors into account, including construction, hardwood floor finish, and species of wood. Here are some of the biggest distinctions between the different types of hardwood floors. 

What Are the Differences Between Hardwood Flooring Options?

Solid vs. Engineered 

Solid hardwood flooring is made from solid wood pieces that have been manufactured into thick planks. Engineered hardwood flooring consists of a plywood base and another layer of wood glued to the top. Solid floors can be refinished several times but do not hold up well in damp environments. Engineered floors can be installed over all kinds of subflooring and are designed to withstand higher levels of humidity, but the majority of these products cannot be refinished.

Unfinished vs. Finished 

Hardwood flooring can come either unfinished or finished. After installing unfinished materials, a hardwood floor finish coat and stain would be applied to protect the surface. This allows for custom colors and eliminates any discrepancies in the height of different boards but increases the cost of installation. In contrast, prefinished materials are available in a few set colors and can’t be customized.

Common Wood Species 

There are a number of wood species to pick from. The most popular among homeowners include oak, maple, walnut, cherry, and ash. Before determining which will be the best fit for your living space, it’s vital to carefully consider the characteristics of each, such as color tone, grain pattern, durability, and maintenance. Whether or not you will be able to restore worn and damaged surfaces with a hardwood floor finish should be another factor to consider. 

Once you understand how hardwood floors vary, you can make an informed decision about which surface will look the best and last the longest in your home. If you need help keeping your hardwood flooring in top condition, contact Old Reliable Floor Co. They have been offering residents throughout Cincinnati, OH quality hardwood floor finish and restoration services for nearly 70 years. No matter which kind of hardwood surface you decide to install, they can assist you in maintaining a beautiful floor. Call (513) 922-5598 to request a job estimate or visit their website for more information on the services they provide.