The type of wood you choose has an influence on how your hardwood looks, but also the maintenance it needs over time. There many products that look very similar, even though they might be made out of different types of wood. For example, bamboo is usually light in color, but it can easily be stained to be darker or browner, so that it looks more like walnut. Also, there are several different subspecies for many woods. When it comes to Oak, there is Red Oak and White Oak. Even when it just comes to choosing the species of wood for your floor, there are hundreds of choices. But, beyond choosing the right wood type, you also need to look at the plank design and thickness, the width, the stain, whether it is solid or layered, insulation rating, and the installation style. This article focus on layering and installation styles.

Engineered Floors

Before you move forward and choose an actual species, you need to consider whether or not you will install engineered hardwood. An engineered floor is veneered or layered in some form. The top surface is indeed made out of a real wood species, but it is often thin. The majority of the plank (often 90%) is plywood, particle board, or some other composite. Obviously, having the large majority of the plank made out of cheap wood makes engineered floors much cheaper than solid floors. In fact, the thicker the hardwood layer is, the more expensive the planks will be.

Layered planks are also advantageous in a few ways. They are more flexible than solid wood. They are easier to install. Also, they are lighter, so they are easier to transport.

Installation

Whether you install a solid or engineered flooring product, there are many products that have modular construction. These designs take the pain out of floor installation. The planks are attached to each other through a tongue that fits into a groove. The pieces can be locked together by knocking them together with a hammer. They don't need to be glued or nailed together. The planks can be glued or nailed down to the subfloor, but it is not necessary. Leaving the planks unattached to the subfloor makes it easy to change or remove them later.

If you are not interested in installing your own hardwood, you will still save money when you buy an engineered product. The labor costs will be significantly smaller. For more information, contact a company like Classic Carpet of Flatbush.

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