Solid, engineered, prefinished, site-finished, if it’s your first time buying wood flooring with professional flooring help, these terms are probably all new to you. Each option has its own set of advantages. How do you know which one is right for you? Well, you have to take your home’s needs, climate and overall aesthetic into consideration.
Investing in hardwood flooring is a big deal. That’s why we are going to guide you through each type so you can make an informed decision. Here’s what you need to know!
Solid Wood Flooring
Solid wood is all natural and comes from a single piece of timber. It is durable, designed to last and can be refinished multiple times. It is ideal for homeowners looking to make a long-term investment.
What makes solid wood a great option? Check out its many advantages below:
- Long-lasting and can be refinished multiple times
- Classic, timeless aesthetic
- Durable and ideal for on and above-grade installations
You might wonder when solid wood makes sense. If your home maintains a consistent temperature and humidity levels, it’s the right choice. These floors are ideal for traditional, high-end looks and rooms that require maximum thickness and durability.
Engineered Wood Flooring
Engineered wood flooring is sometimes called the man-made floor. Engineered wood consists of multiple layers of wood bonded together in a criss-cross pattern, a dense plywood or composite core and a real wood veneer top. It is stable, thrives in homes with fluctuating humidity levels and is compatible with most radiant heating systems.
Why is engineered wood flooring a top choice? Here are some of the main benefits:
- More stable than solid wood in moisture-prone areas (i.e. basements, bathrooms)
- Can be installed over radiant heat
- Often more affordable than solid wood while maintaining a similar aesthetic
Engineered wood thrives in homes with fluctuating temperatures or high humidity, which is pretty typical in Denver. Worried about your feet getting cold? The majority are compatible with radiant floor heating. It is ideal for large spaces that require the look of hardwood and additional stability.
Prefinished Wood Flooring
Prefinished wood flooring is manufactured and finished in a factory. In other words, it’s ready to install right away. This makes the wood installation process simple since it doesn’t leave behind a mess or cause much disruption. It’s a favorite among homeowners who need new floors sooner rather than later.
What makes prefinished wood flooring stand out? These are some top reasons to choose this option:
- Fast installation with no mess or drying time
- Works best for homeowners who want a fast, hassle-free solution
- Better a resisting damage than site-finished wood due to the factory finish
When you need new hardwood flooring fast, prefinished is the way to go. It is perfect for areas where you want minimal disruption like offices, living rooms and commercial spaces. You don’t have to deal with the hassle of long drying times.
Site-Finished Wood Flooring
Site-finished hardwood’s name that says it all. After it’s installed, it’s sanded, stained and finished on-site. This provides a completely customized wood floor that you won’t find anywhere else. Its flexibility and high-end aesthetic can be tailored to any homeowner’s preferences.
Site-finished wood flooring comes out on top in many ways. Consider the following:
- Variety of stains and finishes to customize your floors
- Seamless, uniform look in large spaces
- Can refinished multiple times so your floors last longer
Looking for a high-end, custom installation? That’s where site-finished wood flooring works best. It can cover large areas where the flooring needs to look cohesive. Additionally, the ability to refinish these floors let them last up to a century with proper care.
Choose the Right Wood Flooring for Your Needs
Which wood floor is right for you? Solid wood is a classic, long-lasting investment while engineered wood is stable enough to adjust to temperature changes and is compatible with most radiant heating systems. After you make that choice, you have to decide between easy-to-install prefinished wood and customizable site-finished wood.
Still thinking about it? Let Tongue & Groove wood flooring contractors in Denver help you find the perfect flooring for your home. We know the ins and outs of wood flooring and are happy to share our knowledge.
Ready to see what the right wood floor can do for you? Visit our Denver showroom or contact us to schedule a consultation today!
