Everything You Need To Know About Hardwood Flooring

If you're in the market for a new floor, you may be wondering if hardwood is the best option for your home. Here's what you need to know about hardwood flooring.

What is hardwood flooring?

Hardwood flooring is a type of flooring that is made from hardwood trees, like oak and maple. Hardwood flooring is a popular choice for many homeowners because it is durable and has a natural beauty.

Are there different types of hardwood flooring?

There are two options available for hardwood flooring: solid hardwood flooring and engineered flooring.

Solid hardwood flooring is made from a solid plank of wood and can be sanded down and refinished many times. It is typically more expensive than other types of hardwood flooring, but it is also more durable.

Engineered hardwood flooring, on the other hand, is made from several layers of wood with just a hardwood veneer on the top. While less expensive, engineered wood floors cannot be refinished.

How do you install hardwood floors?

Hardwood floors can be installed by nailing or stapling the boards to the subfloor, or by gluing or floating the boards.

What are the benefits of hardwood floors?

There are many benefits of hardwood flooring, including:

• Durability. Hardwood floors are very durable and can last for many years.
• Beauty. Whether solid or engineered, hardwood floors have a natural beauty that people love.
• Value. Real estate agents always mention hardwood floors in the listing because buyers love them. Hardwood floors add value to a home.

Additionally, hardwood floors are easy to clean and they don't harbor dust mites or other allergens like carpet does.

What species of wood makes good flooring?

While all hardwoods make good flooring options because they are strong and durable, there are some species that are more popular than others.

• Oak. Oak is a very popular choice for hardwood floors. The tight grain makes it a perennial favorite.
• Cherry. Cherry is another very popular wood for hardwood floors. It is a bit softer than oak, but many people love the natural reddish hue that it has.
• Maple. Both modern and Scandinavian design aesthetics do well with a maple floor. Natural maple flooring with a clear finish is an understated elegance that works well with both design styles.

There are also more exotic and eco-friendly options for wood flooring, including:

• Cork. Cork is an eco-friendly material that has a unique look. Cork trees are not cut down like hardwood, but rather their bark is harvested without damaging the tree.
• Bamboo. Bamboo is another fast-growing, eco-friendly material that has become popular for hardwood floors. Even though bamboo is technically a grass, it is very strong and durable, making it a good choice for high-traffic areas.
• Zebrawood. Zebrawood is an exotic hardwood that has a uniquely striped grain. It is a beautiful option, but because it is so unusual, it can be difficult to match with other woods in your home.

No matter what wood you choose, hardwood flooring is a beautiful option for your home. Talk to a local flooring company, such as Bentley Adams Tile & Wood Flooring, to learn more.