Building a new home gives you a lot of different opportunities to customize it and make it your own. One of the biggest choices to be made is what kind of flooring you’re going to install. While carpeting can be nice, carpeting is also prone to staining, and steam cleaning can be expensive. Hardwood, while it might require a bit more care and upkeep, not only adds a touch of class and sophistication, but adds a certain level of warmth to your home, making your house feel cozy and more inviting. However, there are so many different types of wood to choose from. Species of wood aside, the more important choice to make is the choice between solid wood or engineered wood for your flooring.
Solid Wood
Just like it sounds, solid wood flooring are planks cut and made from the tree species of your choice. Depending on what look you’re going for, there are lots of different woods to choose from. Solid wood planks typically come with a thin protective overcoating which helps to make them resilient against scuffs and scratches. Solid wood planks need to be cared for, which requires oiling to keep them from drying out and splintering, as well as periodic sanding and re-staining. While a traditional solid hardwood floor makes for a beautiful accent to your home, it’s important to keep in mind where you’re using it. Hardwoods are affected by humidity. If you’re home becomes too humid, it can cause the planks to twist and warp which can destroy your flooring.
Engineered Wood
The difference in engineered wood is that it’s layered. With typically 3-5 layers bonded with extreme heat and pressure, engineered hardwood tends to be a bit more durable than a standard solid wood plank. The top most layer is usually a coated hardwood veneer, that is pressed on top of layers of less expensive woods, typically plywood. Some manufactures will mix in recycled wood materials or stone dust to add a little more strength to the plank. The advantage of engineered wood flooring is that is less susceptible to warping from humidity making it a more ideal choice for kitchens, bathrooms and basements.
Much like any other element when designing your home, flooring takes some consideration. There’s a lot to be said of the lustre and grain of a solid wood floor, however, it’s not always the ideal choice depending on where in your home you want it installed. However, with a little consideration and planning, you can have a beautiful hardwood floor in your home that will last as long as your home itself. This is one of the best aspects of building a new home, is getting to design it the way you want to. Adding your own personal tastes and designs makes the difference between a house and a home. Ultimately, there’s no wrong answer when between choosing hardwood or engineered wood, it’s just a matter of the amount of time you want to spend maintaining your floors. Depending on what type of wood and look you’re going for, even a mix of the two is an option. When it comes to designing your new home, the sky’s the limit, even when you’re looking at the ground.
+Ken Uhrich likes houses. In fact he lives in one. You can drop him a line at the Custom Home Group website.