There are many different treatment options and construction methods for producing hardwood flooring. Knowing the difference between the types of wood flooring can help you make an informed decision when the time comes to select new flooring for your Chicagoland home that fits your personal style, lifestyle and budget.
Solid Hardwood
Solid hardwood gets milled from a single piece of wood. With this flooring there are no composite layers, rather just one thick layer of your preferred hardwood. Many homeowners consider solid hardwood to be the gold standard in flooring – contributing to future resale value and giving you the flexibility to sand down and refinish multiple times over, for a look that is truly fitting to your style and décor.
Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Engineered hardwood is produced with a fine wood veneer that rests atop multiple layers of wood that are glued together under extreme pressure. Engineered hardwood should not be confused with laminate flooring. Engineered wood flooring is real wood that has been built up in layers.
The veneer allows you to showcase your preferred wood grain, stain and finish, while the wood layers beneath the veneer help contribute to the overall strength and flexibility of this flooring option.
Engineered hardwood types of wood flooring tend to have greater resistance to moisture and can be installed in various areas of the home, including underground basements and on top of cement slabs. Overall, this flooring choice is a great option to consider when operating on a budget – materials costs are reduced with the wood veneer and the typical click locking or tongue and groove mechanism can cut down on installation time – bringing you that much closer to enjoying your new floors.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate floors have come a long way from what you might remember as being labelled ‘cheap’ or ‘ugly’ in the past. Today’s laminate is an extremely strong, hard-wearing flooring alternate for the more cost-conscious buyer. Unlike Solid or Engineered Hardwood Flooring, Laminate Flooring is made up of layers of composite pressed (laminated) together, with a wood-grain design applique under a clear protective veneer. Interested in the look of an exotic hardwood but find it out of your budget? Laminate Flooring may be right for you. The tough exterior will also resist wear-and-tear, making Laminate Flooring attractive to pet owners who may worry about the nicks and dings that Fido may leave behind.
Hardwood Floor Material Options
The choice of a hardwood species for your new floors should depend on a number of factors. Each hardwood will vary in patterns, color, and durability. When making your selection, be sure to take all elements into consideration – after all, the Brazilian cherry that catches your eye online may clash terribly when paired with your furniture décor!
Here are some popular wood options:
North American Woods
- Oak flooring is extremely popular for durability and the ability to accept stain well for a wide variety of finish options.
- Ash is very similar to Oak, but adds a bit of excitement with its more unique grain patterns.
- Maple hardwood is an elegant pale, creamy color with minor variations in color and grain from board to board.
- Walnut provides a warm richness in tone for a classic look.
Exotic Woods
- Brazilian Cherry, also known as ‘Jatoba’, is easily one of the most popular of exotic wood species used for flooring. The color variations from red to blond to deep red add a unique statement to your home.
- Brazilian Walnut is an excellent choice for homeowners who love the look of domestic walnut, but are looking for a harder option for high-traffic areas.
- Tigerwood, or Bolivian Koa, is so named due to the intense patterns of dark striping against golden brown. Choose tigerwood when you want to make a bold statement with your flooring.
- Mahogany’s rich, lavish reddish brown tones, paired with its exceptional strength make it an elegant selection that is very popular for busy homes and businesses alike.
M Craft’s flooring specialists in Naperville and Chicago suburbs are ready to guide you through the process of selecting the flooring option that is perfect for you. Contact us today so that we can help you make your house a home.
