Selecting Hardwood For Your Floors

Today there are more wood flooring fashions to choose from than ever before. At last count there were over 1,000 species of wood, cork and bamboo floors available. Wood is cozy, practical, and never goes out of style. It lasts a long time which makes it an excellent investment.

A few things to consider when choosing Hardwood Floors:

Species There are many species of hardwood. Each has its benefit depending on desired look, color, and durability. Not all species are equally hard. If your floor is in a high traffic area or a heavily used room then you should consider oak, maple, or ash.

Engineered Hardwood is also 100% wood. Its’ cross-ply construction allows installation below or above grade, even over concrete. It resists expansion and contraction caused by temperature and humidity changes. Engineered flooring is typically glued-down, stapled-down or floated over an existing floor. It is manufactured by permanently bonding together multiple layers of solid wood in a cross ply construction. Engineered hardwood is usually the only type of hardwood that is recommended for use below grade.

Bamboo does not come from trees, but is a type of grass. It is better for the earth and is harder than some wood flooring species. It can be nailed, glued, or floated and is flame resistant. It is installed like engineered flooring and is a good fit over multiple different levels of sub floor. 

Cork is a sustainable hard flooring made from the bark of the Cork Tree. It is sold in planks and tiles, both of which are relatively easy to install. Cork has become popular due to the comfort, flexibility, and ability to muffle noises. It is resistant to mildew, insects, bacteria, and rot. Cork is more susceptible to scratching and indentations than other hardwood, and is not recommended in high moisture environments.