Flooring Options

Q: What is the difference between Solid vs. Engineered Hardwood Flooring?

A: Engineered Hardwood Floors are real hardwood floors, just like Solid Hardwood Floors; it is a flooring material that has taken decades of design & testing to reach the superior product we use today. Engineered Hardwood is composed of layers: There is the top layer, or “wear layer,” which is a thinner plank of the real wood that you see & enjoy every day. This wear layer can be anywhere from 1 mm to 6 mm in thickness; variations can depend on the manufacturer, quality, & price point. Underneath this wear layer is what is called the “core”, which is supportive layers made of plies of wood. These core layers are often perpendicular to one another & are made of sturdy wood like Baltic birch. Certain brands also include a “backing” layer to allow for even more stability within the floor. It is through this manufacturing method that Engineered Hardwood Flooring is significantly more adaptive & flexible to changes in temperature & moisture, ensuring minimized chances of warping or cupping over time.

Solid Hardwood Floors are solid wood planks instead of multiple layers, generally ¾” thick. These floors, in general, are more sensitive to fluctuating temperatures & moisture content in the subfloor & can be more complex to install. Both types of floors are equally durable, but Solid Hardwood Floors can offer more sanding & refinishing opportunities than Engineered.

Q: And what about Prefinished vs. Unfinished Floors?

A: Unfinished (or On-Site-Finished) Floors are raw Solid or Engineered Hardwood Flooring that is installed at the project site and then sanded, stained, & finished to your desired color & style. Unfinished Hardwood Flooring enables more precise matching to the style, size, color, & finish of existing hardwood floors in your space, since all floors can be sanded & refinished for uniformity. The one downside is that unfinished floor installation is a long, dusty process that requires residents to vacate the premises until the work is complete.

Prefinished Hardwood Floors are sanded, stained, & finished by the manufacturer. Available in both Engineered & Solid planks, these floors come with a wide variety of colors & finishes. With Prefinished Hardwood Flooring, you can choose from different grades, sheen levels, surface distressing, widths, thickness, & length of the floorboards as well! Prefinished Hardwood Floors can also be sanded, restained, & refinished, though most don’t need it more often than once every 20 years!

Q: What are the best flooring types for homes with pets or children?

A: Choosing an easy-to-clean, durable hardwood floor is essential for any house with kids or pets. Choosing Solid Hardwood Flooring instead of Engineered is advisable, as it can be sanded & refinished more frequently. Some strong options are oak or hickory, which are classified as having “stronger grain” that can withstand the wear & tear of heavy usage.

Q: What are the best flooring types for areas that are likely to get wet?

A: Several recent advancements have been made in Waterproof Flooring Options. These floors are typically made with a combination of crushed stone & vinyl composite to create floors that offer a wood-floor aesthetic, but are water-resistant, very durable, & easy to clean. This flooring is great for areas that are exposed to water regularly or prone to water leaks, such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, & kitchens.

Q: What type of installation method is best for my hardwood floors?

A: Hardwood flooring is an investment, so it is important to make sure the installation is done properly for your chosen flooring’s type, width, thickness, and subfloor. For instance, Solid Hardwood Flooring is generally either nailed or stapled, while Engineered can be clicked-in, fastened, glued, or floating. Incorrectly installed flooring can void the manufacturer’s warranty, creating unnecessary expenses & headaches, so hire a Van Briggle Floors Professional Installation Team to get the job done right!

Q: What should I use to clean my hardwood floors?

A: Knowing how to clean your hardwood floors is essential to protecting & maintaining them. One way to ensure a clean floor is to vacuum regularly or dust with a microfiber dry mop or cloth to avoid scratches. But be careful of any wheels or extensions that can bump or scrape the floor. With mopping, just remember that water & wood don’t mix! The best method is to lightly mist your floor with a hardwood floor cleaner, such as Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner, for a thorough, wood-safe clean.