Types of Wood Floors
Solid Hardwood
Solid hardwood is milled from a single piece of wood. The planks range from
5/16" to 3/4" in thickness and generally come in random lengths. Solid hardwood can be
sanded and refinished over the life of the floor.
Solid wood floors are more sensative to moisture and humidy then engineered
wood. Solid wood flooring contracts and expands to changes in humidity.
Installers compensate for this by leaving an expansion gap between the floor and
the wall.
Engineered Hardwood
Engineered wood is constructed with 3 - 7 layers bonded together with special
glues under heat and pressure. The layers are stacked together in a cross grain
configuration. This creates a plank that is more dimensionally stable and less
effected by moisture and humidity.
The top veneer can be any species of wood without wasting as much of the tree as
solid wood planks. An engineered wood product can usually be
refinished up to 2 times. Engineered wood is the best choice for installing over
concrete slabs and in basements.