Hardwood

Engineered hardwood

Engineered hardwood is made of layers of natural wood on the top and bottom with a core that consists of pressed plywood. It’s less likely to shift or expand and contract with temperature changes. Planks are more durable and moisture-resistant than solid hardwood planks and are more stable due to the plywood core. Engineered hardwood options are typically cheaper unless you opt for premium options.

Solid hardwood

Solid hardwood is constructed from one solid piece of hardwood and is considered a durable, color-consistent, and authentic wood floor option. Planks are a great option for hardwood floors as they can be sanded and refinished repeatedly over their lifetime. Solid hardwood is generally a higher price point as it’s considered the gold standard of hardwood floors.

Species of wood

With over 20 different species of domestic hardwood flooring, it can be difficult to choose which wood species is right for your home. Each has their own unique qualities, strengths and weaknesses that impact the cost and durability of your floors. When choosing a hardwood species, it’s important to think about your lifestyle and how much wear and tear your floors will take. Options like hickory, oak and maple are some of the most durable and can therefore handle heavy foot traffic, making them good options for homes with pets and kids.

Staining, Finishing, & Cut Style

Hardwood flooring comes in a number of finished and cut styles that each offer a unique look and feel. Some of the more common finishes are hand-scraped, wire brushed, smooth, matte or glossy, and distressed. A very popular trend is the chatter marks and saw marks that give a rustic barnwood look. Engineered hardwood floors have the versatility of these different finishes and cut styles! Whether your style is traditional, modern, or rustic, there is an engineered hardwood floor for you!

While hardwood floors are naturally beautiful, stains and finishes can add a whole new dimension to their look. A stain can add color to the wood, highlight the grain pattern of the wood, and just enhance its overall aesthetic appeal. A finish adds another layer of protection, and can make your hardwood floor easier to maintain. Finishes can also affect the sheen of your floor or how much light reflects off of it.

Color and texture

The color of wood you choose influences the overall aesthetic of your home, so start by identifying a color range that speaks to your preferred interior style. Lighter species like oak and maple can brighten up your space and help small rooms appear larger, while dark-colored woods like cherry and walnut offer a style that leans more traditional, cozy and dark. On top of color, you have textures that enhance the look of your floors. There are four main types of textures: smooth, wire-brushed, hand-scraped and distressed.

Everyday Lifestyle

Your floors see foot traffic every day in addition to wear and tear from spills, dropped items, etc. The amount of daily wear and tear in your home is something to consider when selecting a hardwood floor. Different wood species have varying levels of durability, so if you’re looking for a hardwood floor that will stand up a lot of traffic or abuse, you should look for more durable wood species. If durability isn’t critical, then softer wood species may be just fine.

Day-to-day

Day-to-day care is important for keeping your wood floors in tip-top condition. Below are a handful of regular maintenance practices you should implement in your home cleaning routine.

• Vacuum regularly (low height setting without beater bar). This is the best way to remove dust and dirt before it gets walked into the surface of the wood.
• Sweep and/or dust mop (as necessary).
• Wipe up spills promptly. Slightly damp (not dripping) cloth is acceptable.
• Cleaners only. For other floor care information, refer to your manufacturers’ floor care guide. The type of finish on your new floor will dictate the type of floor care and products required.

Cleaning

Wood naturally swells when it absorbs water and shrinks when it dries out. For that reason, excessive amounts of water and wood don’t mix — even if your hardwood floors are water-resistant. Never wet mop or use excessive amounts of water to clean.

Instead, here are some cleaning best practices:

• Avoid waxing floors with a urethane finish as well as cleaners that leave a film or residue.
• Use a hardwood floor cleaner to remove scuffs and marks caused from shoes. Sticky spots can be cleaned with a damp towel or sponge.
• Avoid using ammonia cleaners or oil soaps, as they will dull the finish and performance of your floor.

Preventative

Not only is there day-to-day and specific cleaning care you should follow for your floors, but there are some preventative measures you can take to ensure longevity.

• Use mats with heavy bristles at all entrances to help keep dirt and moisture from being tracked in on the floors.
• Use area/throw rugs in high-traffic and spill-prone areas like under the kitchen sink or table.
• Use floor protectors under furniture to reduce the risk of indentation, as these will help distribute weight and prevent scrapes or scratches.
• Avoid stiletto or spiked-heel shoes on your hardwood floors, as these can cause denting and damage.