Choosing new flooring for your home is an exciting and fun prospect, but can be confusing when you are not sure which option is best. If you like the look of hardwood floors, you might be trying to decide if you should install natural hardwood floors or engineered flooring. Here's a look at some of the things you should think about to help you choose the right one for your needs.
The Difference In Construction
In order to choose the right flooring for your application, you first need to understand the difference between natural hardwood and engineered hardwood floors. Natural hardwood floors are just what they sound like; the flooring is made from solid hardwood, usually pine. You can sometimes find hardwood flooring in other types of wood, but pine is the most common. Engineered hardwood flooring, on the other hand, is a manufactured flooring that is crafted from a variety of layers of plywood and thin layers of hardwood on the surface.
The Initial Investment
An important consideration when you're choosing your flooring is the initial investment. The initial investment between natural hardwood and engineered hardwood flooring varies. Natural hardwood flooring, because it is crafted from solid hardwood, is more expensive to install, both in the materials acquisition and the installation. Engineered hardwood flooring is more affordable, so if your budget is limited, you'll want to consider engineered hardwood instead.
The Durability
You will find a marked difference in the structure and durability of the different types of hardwood flooring. Natural hardwood flooring, while attractive, is more susceptible to damage, such as water damage and scratches from pet nails and children.
If you're installing flooring in a kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room, you'll want to opt for engineered hardwood flooring because of the moisture exposure. Additionally, if you have children or pets, you should also consider engineered hardwood flooring because of the risk of damage.
The Maintenance
One of the benefits of natural hardwood flooring is the fact that you can sand and refinish the flooring if needed. This allows you to not only refinish and eliminate scratches, but you can also add stain or other finish if you want to. Engineered hardwood flooring typically cannot be refinished, but instead must be replaced if it gets damaged.
These are a few of the things to think about when you're trying to decide between natural hardwood and engineered hardwood flooring. Talk with your flooring supplier today for more information.
The right flooring for your home will look beautiful, be comfortable against your feet, and stand up against heavy everyday use. However, people don't always think about the best things for their home, which can create issues in the long run. From flooring that doesn't wear well to problems with design and detail, the right flooring matters. Fortunately, by working with a flooring professional, you can identify the best products for your home and enjoy them every single day. Find out more about flooring and how it can help you to improve your place every single day. Read more on this website.