Different Types Of Hardwood Flooring To Select From

By Dalia Gallagher

Nothing compares to hardwood flooring. Easy to clean, pretty and yielding these floors are hypoallergenic. Some wood flooring can endure for more than a century. It can also be recoating can be done as necessary. Homes with wood floors tend to appraise for more because the floors are so popular.

Hardwood flooring can be found in several different styles. Old fashion flooring to laminate flooring styles are used.

Most would rather have the solid wood floors but there are some issues regarding this style. Solid wood floors can only be attached to subflooring and not cement. Humidity can make the floor expand so, hardwood is not to be used in basement areas.

Tongue and groove that is 2 1/4 inch can be purchased in narrow strips and affixed to the subfloor with nails.

Man made wood flooring is thin piece of veneer placed over plywood. For moist or humid areas, this flooring is good to use. This means it can be placed in basements and used on cement. The depth of the flooring allows you to lay it on top of the flooring that is already in place.

Engineered flooring must be stapled or glued to the subfloor. The boards are in strips with tongue and groove. There are other types that come in big panels which are used for floating installs. Floating installs simply means that the flooring is not attached to the subfloor. This allows the floor to move with changes in moisture levels.

This flooring has already had the finishing applied. When the finish starts to disappear, it can be restored. Choose a style that has at least 3 layers to it which provides steadiness. There are two types of cuts for this flooring. One is rotary and the other is flat cut. Use the flat cut for a more natural look. A rotary cut will resemble plywood.

Considering the cost of the material and installation, it equals out to the same amount as buying real hardwood flooring.

Foreign wood, such as leopardwood, provides for interesting looking floors. Many companies sell multiple styles of flooring including the foreign wood. Bamboo and teak wood look can be obtained using laminate. These styles of wood tend to exceed the cost of other wood by 2 times more.

Those who wish for eco friendly flooring use cork or bamboo. Cork flooring has built in sound proofing material. Bamboo provides durability.

Another choice is reclaimed wood. This wood can come from old buildings, barns, lakes, rivers, etc. Using this wood, you get the benefit of recycling wood and possibly helping to save a forest.

Reclaimed wood has to be milled just like other wood. This wood is sold in natural form.

This wood undergoes a process called kiln drying, that kills bugs and exposes any unseen cracks.

Laminate flooring is not wood flooring. It is merely a picture of wood that is placed between a clear plastic covering and fiberboard. It can be placed on a concrete floor for relatively cheap.

If you choose the right laminate flooring and install it right, most will never know that it isn't real. Try to find one that has sound deadening materials. - 29955

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