Hardwood flooring has long been a desirable characteristic of any truly beautiful home. One of the major factors that define its attractiveness is definitely how “genuine” hardwood flooring is—in the age of synthetic manufacture and imitative aesthetics many find comfort in classic concepts. It is important to note, however, that there are two different types of hardwood flooring—and that each of them have their functional particularities.
The original type is known as “solid” hardwood flooring—this literally means the floor is simply made up of one large piece of hard wood. It is recommended that this type of floor not be installed over a concrete sub-floor layer, since it expands and contracts with changes in moisture and temperature. The solution to this variability has come in the form of next-generation hardwood flooring.
Inevitably, technology and development in the manufacturing process have led to a more effective solution: engineered hardwood flooring. There are many advantages to this (albeit more expensive) solution to your home’s floor space. The distinctive elements of engineered hardwood flooring are in its construction.
By layering hardwood veneer in a specific fashion, manufacturers of engineered hardwood flooring have solved the problem of expansion and contraction in the material. Each layer is stacked so that the wood’s grain is perpendicular to that in both adjacent layers. The final result can be up to 9/16” in thickness—not to mention its lack of reaction to changes in moisture and temperature.
Once you have installed the hardwood flooring of your choice, it is time to make sure the aesthetic finishing touches are carried out. The application of finish and stain ensure, respectively, that the floor remains both impeccably shiny and of the right color.
Your home will profit much from the installation of hardwood flooring—it is an aesthetic and functional choice with a genuine appeal.