Hardwood FAQs

Choosing hardwood flooring means you’ll likely never have to shop for flooring again, for as long as you own your home. With a lifespan that can reach and exceed more than 100 years with proper care and maintenance, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy all the benefits that come with the material. You can even personalize your options for a floor covering that is truly your own. Here, we’ll discuss some of the most frequently asked questions.

How are solid and engineered hardwoods different?

Solid wood is, as you might expect, one solid piece of wood from top to bottom. They come in a wide variety of species and can be refinished several times over their lifespan.

Engineered hardwood flooring is still real but offers layers of plies topped with a veneer of natural hardwood of your choice, available in various thicknesses. These floors can also be refinished, but not as many times as solid.

Which are better, prefinished or unfinished materials?

The answer to this question will depend specifically on your preferences. Prefinished materials come from the factory with a stain color in place, while unfinished materials require this service to be performed in your home. Prefinished options offer a quicker install, but unfinished materials offer many more stain color options, so be sure to discuss this with your flooring associate.

Is hardwood a good option for high traffic areas?

With modern methods in finishing and sealing, these floors are a great option, even in high traffic areas. They’re durable enough to handle pets, children, frequent houseguests, and more. For added protection, you could opt for runners or area rugs in spaces where repetitive motions happen, such as in front of stoves and countertops or where guests come in from outside.

Will my wood floors change color?

In most cases, these floors will experience some change in the color shade over time. This can result from direct sunlight or, in the case of some species, a natural darkening that occurs after a few years. If you’re concerned about a significant color change, be sure to ask your associate about specific species and their propensity for color change.

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