Solid hardwood requires a tongue and groove and then needs to be nailed or glued. Subfloors might require a little extra restoration, and solid is not recommended for installation over concrete subfloors because of potential dampness issues. Engineered also offers a floating floor technique. The pieces click together, forming a mat which then hovers over the subfloor. It’s fine to install engineered wood floors over a concrete subfloor.
Thickness is important to both types. It’s what determines the number of times a floor can be sanded. The ideal thickness for solid is ¾-inch and can be sanded up to six times. Engineered has a range; ⅝-inch to ½-inch, and depending upon thickness, it can be sanded up to five times.
You also need to think about species, your style, and your durability needs because not all hardwood has the same level of strength. Domestics are harvested within the US, while exotics are from locations like Indonesia, Brazil, and Africa. Exotics are the hardest, with darker colors that are more dramatic. The most popular species are hickory (known as the hardest domestic), cherry, maple, oak, and walnut.
Let our experts guide you to the right wood. Visit us for more information about hardwood flooring and to get a free quote if you’re a homeowner in Lexington, NC, Welcome, NC, Thomasville, NC, Advance, NC, or East Spencer, NC. The Creative Carpet Discount Sales showroom is in Lexington, NC and we guarantee our installations.