How to Choose the Best Hardwood Floor

Expert tips from Carolina Pro Flooring on how to choose the best hardwood floor for your home. Learn about different types, installation, durability, and styles.

by Carolina Pro Flooring Inc.

Understanding Hardwood Types

Choosing the perfect hardwood floor for your home involves understanding the fundamental differences between Solid and Engineered hardwood. Solid Hardwood, being a single, solid piece of wood, is highly sought after for its authenticity, longevity, and durability. At Carolina Pro Flooring Inc., we prioritize sustainability by sourcing domestically and using naturally sustainable resources. Engineered Wood, with its multiple layers and a 100% natural hardwood top layer, provides flexibility in installations, especially in spaces where solid hardwood might not be the ideal choice, such as basements or areas with concrete floors.

Installation Insights

The installation of hardwood floors is not a one-size-fits-all process. Solid hardwood thrives in above-ground rooms and is a great choice for various spaces on the ground floor or above. On the other hand, Engineered wood is recommended for basements or areas where air and moisture might pose challenges. Bathrooms and laundry rooms, due to the high potential for humidity and pooling water, are not suitable for either solid or engineered hardwood. It's essential to consider the specific requirements of each space to ensure the longevity and performance of your hardwood floor.

Factors Influencing Durability

The durability of your hardwood floor depends on various factors. Household activity level, choice of wood species, protective finish, and gloss/texture preferences all play a crucial role. At Carolina Pro Flooring Inc., we offer a diverse range of protective finishes, including our advanced Lifetime Finish, powered by nanoparticles for superior scratch, stain, and wear protection. Consider the wear and tear your floors will face, especially in high-traffic areas, and choose a hardwood species like Hickory, Oak, Maple, or Brazilian Cherry for optimal durability.

Pets and Hardwood

Many homeowners wonder if hardwood floors are a good choice when they have pets. The answer is yes, but it comes with some necessary precautions. Trim your pets' nails regularly to prevent scratches, clean the floors regularly to remove dirt and fur, and address spills and accidents promptly. Opting for a durable wood species designed to withstand high-traffic areas will ensure that your hardwood floor remains beautiful even in homes with active pets.

Choosing the Perfect Hardwood

The sheer variety of hardwood flooring styles can be overwhelming, but fear not. Carolina Pro Flooring Inc. simplifies the selection process by considering color, texture, wood species, character, board/plank width, mixed-width boards, edge styles, and even home lighting. The color of your hardwood comes from the natural colors, stains, and finishes of the wood species, each offering a unique aesthetic. Texture and surface treatments, such as wire brushing and distressing, can create different looks, from traditional to rustic. Wood species, with their unique grains and characteristics, offer distinct visual appeal. Understanding the character and grade of hardwood can influence the overall feel of your space. Board/plank width, whether strips, planks, or wide-width planks, dramatically affects the installed look. Mixed-width boards add a vintage touch reminiscent of early-American craftsmanship. Consider edge styles for a finishing touch. Don't forget to factor in home lighting, as it can significantly affect the appearance of your finished floor. Carolina Pro Flooring Inc. goes the extra mile by bringing our mobile showroom to you, making the selection of the ideal hardwood color and style easy and convenient.

Prefinished vs. Unfinished Hardwood

Carolina Pro Flooring Inc. offers the convenience of prefinished hardwood floors, which come from the factory already stained and sealed. This ensures a no-fuss, no-muss installation process. Prefinished floors also come with a longer warranty compared to site-finished floors—25 years or more for residential use, versus 3 to 5 years for unfinished hardwood. The factory-applied urethane finishes on prefinished floors are tougher and longer-lasting than site-applied finishes. If you prefer the look of site-finished flooring, Carolina Pro Flooring Inc. provides prefinished products with a square end and edge, offering the best of both worlds.

Refinishing Options

One of the significant advantages of hardwood floors, especially those from Carolina Pro Flooring Inc., is the option for refinishing. Solid hardwood styles can be sanded and refinished multiple times throughout their lifetime, allowing you to refresh the look of your floors as needed. Even engineered styles, with a thick enough top layer of wood, can be sanded and refinished a few times. Our commitment to providing lasting beauty means that you may not find it necessary to refinish your floors frequently, as our products are designed to withstand the test of time.

Conclusion

Choosing the best hardwood floor involves a thoughtful consideration of various factors, from the type of hardwood and installation location to durability, pet-friendliness, and aesthetic preferences. Carolina Pro Flooring Inc. stands ready to assist you in making an informed decision that aligns with your lifestyle and design goals. For personalized assistance and more information, contact Carolina Pro Flooring Inc. We are committed to helping you make the best choice for your hardwood flooring needs.

For personalized assistance and more information, contact Carolina Pro Flooring Inc.

We are committed to helping you make the best choice for your hardwood flooring needs.

+1 (704) 804-9093

info@carolinaproflooring.com

2333 Axford ln, Matthews,

North Carolina, 28105