Hardwood floors come into different categories: 1) Solid and 2) Engineered
Solid hardwood is made of solid material, oak, maple, or some other wood. It can more sensitive to atmospheric moisture, resulting in ‘cupping’ or warping. It can also be the most long lasting because it can be sanded and refinished several times depending on its original thickness. Solid wood floors can come pre-finished or can be sanded and finished on the job site. While more time consuming and messy, a ‘sand and finish’ job will be more durable, especially in areas like kitchens and bathrooms where water is present.
Engineered hardwood IS real wood. It is a sandwich of 1/16″ to 1/8″ inch of finish wood on top and non-finish plywood underneath. The top finish layer is pre-finished, which means that it’s already sanded and sealed. So as soon as the floor has been laid, you can walk on it. This is in contrast to unfinished solid hardwood, which must be sealed and which requires waiting time before use. (Note: solid hardwood is available pre-finished, as well.) Unlike solid wood, which must be nailed to a wood sub-floor, engineered wood can be installed in a different number of ways. Depending on the type you buy, it can be either:
- A nail-down floor. This is for the 3/8″ thick floor–its thinness requires nailing to enhance stability;
- A glue-down floor. The 1/2″ thick floor can be nailed down; or
- A floating floor. The 5/8″ planks are thick enough to act as a floating floor.
We always suggest using felt feet on all your furniture when you install hardwood floors. This will help keep the floor smooth and help prevent scratches in the most active areas of your home.
By Lee Wallender, About.com
Golden Topaz
