When it comes to flooring, few options beat the beauty and quality of hardwoods. If you’re considering hardwood floors for your home or business, there are a few details you should know. Here’s a brief guide to get you started. 

Hardwood Floor Basics 

Why Choose Hardwoods? 

Hardwoods are a timeless flooring choice known for aesthetics and practicality. Depending on the type of wood you choose, they can add a touch of warm rustic charm or elegant luxury to the property. They’re also easier to clean than carpets and with proper care can last decades. Hardwood can also be sanded and refinished to restore its luster if it wears over time. Furthermore, there are endless styles and shades to choose from, from eco-friendly bamboo to deep cherry or rich mahogany. 

What Types Are Available?

There are two main types of hardwoods: solid and engineered. Solid hardwood consists of planks of solid wood, usually with a tongue and groove system. Engineered has a base layer, often made of plywood, topped with a layer of hardwood. It may consist of a tongue and groove or click fitting system. Both look the same once installed. These floors are also available in a broad variety of species and colors, and with an unfinished or pre-finished surface. 

What Type Should You Choose?

There are several factors to consider when choosing a floor type, including your home aesthetic, budget, lifestyle, foot traffic, and maintenance. Pre-finished floors are best if you want something installed ready to walk on. Unfinished is raw wood and must be protected with lacquer or oil after installation. The advantage of unfinished is you can add a color stain and finish of your choice for a custom look. As for the species, exotic woods are more expensive than domestic but add a unique, luxurious style. Softwoods, such as pine, fir, and cedar, are also unique and beautiful though less durable than hardwoods, such as hickory, mahogany, and maple. Your contractor can help you choose the ideal type based on your needs. 

Whatever type of hardwood floors you select, you’ll need an experienced contractor to install them properly. If you’re in the Winston-Salem area, turn to the professionals at Carolina Wood Floors. With over 25 years of experience, there’s no one better for new flooring installation as well as maintenance and repairs. Call (336) 765-0680 to speak with a friendly CWF team member or visit their website to see examples of their work.