Choosing the best type of hardwood floor can be very confusing at times. However, it is important to note that floor type and wood variety are two different things. For now though let’s discuss the main types of hardwood flooring:
Solid wood-
Solid wood flooring comes in three types. Each type is both available in unfinished and pre-finished. Unfinished flooring must be sanded at the job site and finished after installation. Pre-finished flooring is both sanded and finished at the factory so it only needs to be installed.
Strip flooring –
Strip flooring has a set width, but the thickness can vary. The widths only come in 1 1/2 inches, 2 inches and 2 1/4 inches, but the thickness ranges from 5/16 of an inch all the way to 3/4 of an inch wide.
Plank flooring –
Unlike strip flooring plank flooring only comes in two thicknesses, but the widths vary. The thickness only comes in 1/2 inch or 3/4 inch, but the widths range from 3 inches all the way to 8 inches.
Parquet flooring –
Parquet floors have a very different look from your typical hardwood flooring. These floors consist of geometrical patterns composed of individual wood slats that are held in place by mechanical fastening or an adhesive.
Engineered wood-
Engineered flooring is produced by adhering layers of plastic laminate veneer with real wood. However, engineered wood flooring should not be confused with laminate wood flooring as they are different. The main difference between this type of wood flooring and laminate flooring is that laminate flooring does not contain any actual wood.
Acrylic wood-
Acrylic wood flooring is infused with a sealant and color throughout the thickness of the wood. So what is normally considered a surface finish is actually consistent all throughout the wood. This type of floor is very hard and it is highly resistant to moisture and scratches. It is important to note though that acrylic wood flooring is most commonly used in commercial projects and not residential.
If you are thinking about installing a new hardwood floor or have questions give us a call today!
C&H Construction is a licensed general contractor and Custom Home builder located in Blairsville, Union County Georgia serving Towns County Georgia, Fannin County Georgia, Gilmer County Georgia and the North Georgia Mountains.