​Choosing Hardwood!
Choosing hardwood flooring can be a challenging decision due to the plethora of options available. However, considering factors such as your design preferences, the room's purpose, wood species, finish type, and your budget can help simplify the decision-making process and lead you to the perfect choice for your space.
Engineered Wood
Engineered wood flooring offers several advantages.
​
-
Appearance: Engineered wood closely resembles the look of solid hardwood flooring. It provides an elegant and natural appearance.
-
Compatibility with Radiant Heating: Engineered wood can be used with radiant heating systems, providing a warm and cozy atmosphere.
​
-
Cost-Effective: While it may be more expensive than laminate flooring, it's generally more affordable than solid hardwood flooring while offering similar aesthetics.
​
-
Resale Value: Engineered wood can add value to your home, much like solid wood flooring, making it an investment in your property.
-
Durability: Engineered wood is more stable than solid wood and less prone to warping or cupping due to changes in humidity and temperature.
​
-
Moisture Resistance: Engineered wood can handle limited moisture exposure, making it suitable for areas like kitchens and bathrooms, as long as proper precautions are taken.
​
-
Variety: Like solid wood, engineered wood comes in a wide range of wood species, finishes and styles to match various interior designs.
​
-
Ease of Installation: Many engineered wood floors use a click-and-lock or tongue-and-groove installation system, which simplifies the installation process; potentially reducing installation costs.
These advantages make engineered wood flooring a popular choice for homeowners who want the look of hardwood with added durability and versatility.
Prefinished Wood
Prefinished wood flooring, which is factory finished before installation, offers several advantages.
​
-
Convenience: Prefinished wood flooring comes ready to install, saving time and labor during the installation process. There's no need to sand, stain or finish the floor on site.
​
-
No Waiting Time: Unlike unfinished wood floors that require drying time for finishes, prefinished floors are ready to use immediately after installation.​
-
​Consistent Finish: Already applied finishes are consistent and evenly applied across all planks, resulting in a uniform appearance.
​​
-
Durability: Prefinished floors often come with strong, durable finishes that can withstand wear and tear, making them a good choice for high traffic areas.
​​
-
Warranty: Many Prefinished wood floors come with manufacture warranties, providing peace of mind regarding the product's quality and durability.
-
Wide Variety: Ther's a wide selection of wood species, colors, and finishes available, allowing you to find the perfect style for your space.
-
Ease of Maintenance: Prefinished floors are typically easier to clean and maintain because of their durable topcoat finishes.
-
Resale Value: Installing prefinished wood flooring can increase your home's resale value, as it's an attractive and durable flooring option.
-
Cost-Effective: While initial costs may be slightly higher than unfinished wood, prefinished flooring can save you money in labor and finishing costs.
​
Overall, prefinished wood flooring is a convenient and popular choice for homeowners who want the beauty of hardwood with convenience of a ready to install product.
Unfinished Wood
Unfinished wood flooring, while less common than prefinished options, has its own set of benefits.
-
Repairs and Refinishing: Unfinished floors are easier to repair and refinish over time. You can sand and refinish the entire floor or individual areas as needed to refresh its appearance.
​
-
Longevity: Properly installed unfinished wood floors can last for generations, adding to the long-term value of your home.
-
Customization: Unfinished wood floors allow you to choose the stain color and finish type to match your specific preferences and interior design, giving you more creative control.
-
​Seamless Appearance: Since unfinished wood is sanded and finished on-site, there are no beveled edges or slight height differences between individual planks, resulting in a more seamless and traditional look.
​
-
Precise Installation: Installing unfinished wood flooring provides an opportunity for precise customization during installation, such as fitting it precisely to the room's dimensions.
-
Smooth Finish: Unfinished wood floors often have a smoother surface compared to some prefinished options, creating a more elegant and refined look.
​
-
Custom Stain Matching: If you need to match the color of existing woodwork or furniture in your home, unfinished wood can be stained to achieve a perfect match.
However, it's important to note that unfinished wood flooring requires more time and labor for installation and finishing. It also means waiting for the finish to cure before you can use the space, which can be less convenient compared to prefinished options that are ready for immediate use. Ultimately, the choice between finished and unfinished wood flooring depends on your preference, timeline, and specific project requirements.
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring offers several benefits.
-
Durability: Vinyl flooring is known for its resilience and can withstand heavy foot traffic, making it suitable for high-traffic areas.
​
-
Low Maintenance: It's easy to clean and requires minimal maintenance, typically only needing regular sweeping and occasional mopping.​
-
Noise Reduction: Vinyl flooring can help reduce noise and sound transmission in a room.
​
-
Resistant to Stains and Scratches: Vinyl flooring is resistant to stains and scratches; making it suitable for households with pets and children.
​
​
-
Water Resistant: Vinyl flooring is water-resistant, which makes it a good choice for kitchens and bathrooms where spills are common.
​
-
Variety of Styles: Vinyl flooring comes in a wide range of colors, patterns and textures allowing you to achieve various looks; including hardwood, stone or tile.
​
-
Comfortable Underfoot: Vinyl flooring tends to be softer and warmer underfoot compared to some other flooring materials.
-
Affordability: Vinyl flooring is often more budget-friendly than hardwood, tile or stone flooring options.
These benefits make vinyl flooring a versatile and practical option.