The answer to that question is both “yes” and “no.”
To explain, hardwood flooring is available in solid and engineered. With solid, the fibers run parallel. Solid is never, ever recommended for installation in flood-prone rooms, or anything below the first floor.
Engineered hardwood, however, is a layered product, with both real wood and veneers. The fibers cross each other, which gives it more stability and makes it fine for installation in below-grade rooms, such as basements, so long as the room isn’t prone to puddles and leaks.
Which One for You?
Hardwood is beautiful, lasts forever and works in any environment, from the most traditional to cottage-like homes.
To help you decide which type of wood flooring installation is for you, About Floors ‘n More will ask you a few questions.
First, know that both solid and engineered are considered real wood, so much so, that real estate sales associates are legally allowed to refer to engineered as wood flooring in their marketing materials. The only difference is the construction. It’s important to know that a real estate survey revealed that people will pay up to 10% over ask for wood floors.
Here are some questions that may help you decide:
● Do you worry about heat and humidity?
● Are you concerned with the expansion/contraction of solid? That’s when it shrinks or swells in an effort to adjust to the weather.
If you answered “yes” to these questions, engineered is for you, because weather just doesn’t affect it. On the other hand, it’s simple enough to acclimate solid wood so it doesn’t expand and contract; just leave the opened boxes in the room in which it’s to be installed for a few days prior to installation.
● How many times do you think you’ll be refinishing your floors? Usually, a scratch or dent can be repaired easily with a sanding and refinishing. Although it depends upon the thickness, solid can be refinished around eight times. For engineered, it can be anywhere up to three times max, but less, if the wear layer is thin.
The best thing is to come into the About Floors ‘n More showroom in Jacksonville, FL., so the pros can tell you more.
