Looking to transform your home with timeless elegance and durability? Hardwood flooring might just be the perfect choice. Known for its natural beauty and long-lasting qualities, hardwood is a popular option for homeowners who want to enhance their spaces with style and practicality.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about hardwood flooring—from understanding the two main types to tips on installation, maintenance, and more. Whether you're planning to revamp your living room or your office space, we’ve got you covered.
Hardwood flooring is crafted from natural wood, cut into planks, and finished to create a durable and elegant surface. It's a classic, timeless choice that adds warmth and sophistication to any space. Hardwood floors are made from a variety of wood species, each offering unique textures, grains, and colors to suit your style. Popular options include:
Beyond durability, hardwood flooring also brings natural beauty to your space. The unique variations in grain and tone add character, making every plank one-of-a-kind. Whether you're going for a rustic farmhouse look or a sleek modern vibe, hardwood flooring provides a stylish foundation that never goes out of fashion.
When choosing hardwood flooring, you'll come across two main options: solid hardwood and engineered hardwood. Understanding their differences can help you decide which type fits your home and lifestyle best.
Solid hardwood is crafted from a single piece of wood, giving it unmatched authenticity and timeless appeal. It’s incredibly durable and can be refinished multiple times, making it a great long-term investment. However, solid wood is prone to expanding, contracting, and warping in response to moisture and humidity. This makes it less suitable for moisture-prone areas like bathrooms and basements.
Engineered hardwood is built using a layered construction with a real hardwood veneer on top and a sturdy core underneath. This structure makes it more resistant to moisture and temperature changes, allowing it to be installed in spaces like basements, kitchens, and other areas where solid hardwood might struggle.
While engineered hardwood is durable and versatile, it’s not completely waterproof, so cleaning up spills quickly is key to avoiding damage. Additionally, it can’t typically be refinished as many times as solid hardwood (or sometimes at all), but its durability and wide range of styles make it an excellent option for modern homes.
No matter your choice, both options bring the warmth and beauty of real wood into your home, elevating your space with style and durability.
Yes! Hardwood flooring is a favorite for its unbeatable durability and timeless appeal. With proper care, hardwood floors can last for decades, sometimes even a lifetime, meaning you may never need to replace them!
Over time, scratches and scuffs are bound to occur, but here’s the good news: solid hardwood can be refinished every 10-15 years, restoring its original beauty. Engineered hardwood, on the other hand, is designed to handle heavy foot traffic and wear and tear, making it a great option for busy households.
Pro Tip: The type of wood you choose can impact the durability of your hardwood floors. For example, tougher species like walnut and cherry are perfect for high-traffic areas, while softer woods like pine may show wear more quickly. Choose a wood that fits your lifestyle to ensure long-term performance.
Installing hardwood flooring can be a rewarding DIY project when done right! Here’s a quick and easy guide to help you install your hardwood floors like a pro.
Before you start, remove the old flooring and ensure your subfloor is clean, dry, and level. A smooth and even surface is essential for a flawless installation. Don’t skip this step—it’s key to long-lasting, beautiful floors.
Hardwood flooring needs a few days to adjust to the room’s temperature and humidity. Lay the planks in the room and let them acclimate to avoid issues like warping or shrinking after installation.
Take the time to map out your flooring. Start by measuring the room and deciding on the direction of the planks. Align them carefully to avoid awkward gaps or uneven cuts along walls and corners.
Depending on your flooring type:
Work row by row, keeping the planks snug and aligned for a professional finish.
Once the planks are installed, apply a sealant for extra durability and to protect against scratches or spills. Add any finishing touches to make your floors shine and ensure they’re ready for everyday use.
Pro Tip: If working with tools or measurements feels overwhelming, hiring a professional can save time and guarantee perfect results. Our expert team specializes in hassle-free hardwood flooring installation—contact us today for a free quote!
Hardwood flooring is a timeless choice that works beautifully in many areas of your home. It’s durable, stylish, and adds value to your space. However, some rooms are better suited for hardwood than others, and the type of hardwood you choose can make a big difference.
Here are the best places to install hardwood flooring:
*For moisture-prone areas like basements and kitchens, engineered hardwood is the best option due to its superior resistance to moisture compared to solid hardwood.
Hardwood flooring is also great for commercial spaces like offices, retail stores, and restaurants. It’s durable enough to handle high-traffic areas while adding a stylish, professional look to your business, making it a practical and attractive choice for any busy space.
When choosing where to install hardwood flooring, think about the room’s conditions and usage. With the right type of hardwood, you’ll enjoy a durable and beautiful floor that lasts for years!
Hardwood floors are a timeless investment, known for their beauty and durability. However, to keep them looking stunning for years to come, proper care and maintenance are essential. Follow these simple yet effective tips to protect your hardwood floors and extend their lifespan:
Dust and dirt can act like sandpaper, scratching your floor’s finish over time. Use a soft-bristle broom or a vacuum with a hardwood floor attachment to clean up debris several times a week. Regular sweeping prevents buildup and keeps your floors looking polished.
Avoid soaking your hardwood floors. Instead, use a lightly damp mop and a hardwood-specific cleaner. Harsh chemicals, steam mops, or excessive water can damage the wood and leave it warped or discolored. Stick to gentle products designed for hardwood surfaces.
Protect high-traffic areas and prevent scratches by placing area rugs or runners in hallways, under furniture, and near entryways. Attach felt pads to the bottom of furniture legs to prevent scuff marks and damage when moving items.
Over time, even the most cared-for floors will show signs of wear. Solid hardwood floors can be sanded and refinished every 10 to 15 years, depending on foot traffic. Refinishing restores their original charm and protects the wood from further damage.
Pro Tip: Control Humidity Levels
Hardwood floors can expand or contract with changes in humidity. Use a humidifier or dehumidifier to maintain stable indoor humidity levels (between 35% and 55%) to prevent cracking or warping.
By following these hardwood flooring care tips, you’ll keep your floors looking as good as the day they were installed. Regular maintenance not only saves money on repairs but also ensures your floors remain a beautiful centerpiece in your home for decades.
Ready to transform your space with the timeless beauty of hardwood flooring? Browse our wide selection online and use our easy-to-use Room Visualizer tool to see how your favorite styles will look in your home. When you’re ready to take the next step, visit us in-store or contact our flooring experts for personalized guidance. Whether you need help choosing the perfect finish or tips for installation, we’re here to make your hardwood flooring journey smooth and stress-free. Let’s bring your vision to life!
The cost varies depending on factors like material (solid vs engineered), wood species, and installation fees. Visit us in-store to discuss more in-depth with our flooring experts.
Yes, hardwood flooring can be pet-friendly, but there are some considerations to keep in mind. Pet claws can scratch the surface. Using area rugs in high-traffic areas and keeping your pet’s nails trimmed can also help prevent scratches. Additionally, clean up any pet accidents promptly to avoid stains, odors, or damage to the wood.
Most residential and commercial installations are completed within 1-3 days, but the timeline can be impacted based on the size of the space, complexity, and preparation work.
The best hardwood flooring for your home depends on the needs of each room. Solid hardwood is a great choice for low-traffic areas, offering timeless beauty and durability. However, engineered hardwood is a more practical and resilient option for high-traffic spaces or rooms prone to moisture.
Yes, you can! We have a great selection of high-quality hardwood flooring available for bulk purchases. You'll find a variety of styles, colors, and finishes to choose from, and most are ready for same-day pickup. Whether you're redoing a single room or working on a bigger project, we've got you covered with easy options and competitive prices to help you get the perfect flooring.
