Request an estimate
What to know when buying hardwood flooring
We know about the beauty of wood flooring. Now that purchase time is around the corner, there are some things you should know that will help you select the best one for you. Let’s learn more about making your dream floors a reality!
WCW Carpet Warehouse who, for over 30 years, has been the premier full-service flooring warehouse in Vermont and adjacent states, carries a full product line for both residential and commercial use. As a hardwood flooring retailer, we know there are a lot of species, plank widths, and colors from which to choose. Our goal is to help you select the best one for your needs.
WCW Carpet Warehouse who, for over 30 years, has been the premier full-service flooring warehouse in Vermont and adjacent states, carries a full product line for both residential and commercial use. As a hardwood flooring retailer, we know there are a lot of species, plank widths, and colors from which to choose. Our goal is to help you select the best one for your needs.
The types of hardwood
Solid hardwood is likely the flooring you’re familiar with, but there’s another type of hardwood flooring, engineered, and it is taking over a large share of the wood industry. It appeals to those who want both beauty and practicality, and the only difference is construction. Unlike solid which, as the name implies, is one thickness throughout a plank, engineered is layered, giving it more stability and an increased ability to handle water.
Hardwood terminology to know
- Thickness. This determines the number of times the wood floor can be refinished. The ideal one for solid is ¾-inch. Engineered can go as high as ¾ to ½-inch. It is possible to get lesser thicknesses for either version, but thicker is better.
- Plank width. The trend is toward wider planks. They are more traditional and the larger size gives room to highlight the grains and knots. However, they can make an already-small space look a little cramped. A more narrow plank might be preferred; these are also more casual and contemporary in feeling.
- Species and color. Lighter colors are more contemporary, youthful and light and airy. They will open a small, dark space. Darker floors are more traditional, fine for an already-large room. Popular species are oak, cherry, walnut, maple, and hickory.
- Installation. With solid, there's just one way. First, the tongue and grooves are fitted together. Then the floor is nailed or glued. Engineered also provides the floating floor option, with the pieces clicking together and then hovering over a subfloor. No nails or glue are needed.
