Hardwood 101
Hardwood is a popular flooring option, and for good reason. It’s long-lasting, environmentally friendly, and rich with natural beauty.
Hardwood flooring products are available in a wide variety of colors and grains from many different species of wood. With so many options, there is a hardwood for every budget.
Hardwood flooring products are available in a wide variety of colors and grains from many different species of wood. With so many options, there is a hardwood for every budget.
Hardwood benefits
The pure strength and durability of hardwoods make maintenance easy. If you take care of your hardwoods, regular sweeping or vacuuming and the occasional cleaning with a wood floor cleaner is all it takes to keep them dirt- and dust-free.
Hardwood floors are popular with homebuyers, so a remodel can increase the value of your home and the likelihood that it will sell quickly.
Wood floors are also a diverse design option that pair well with a plethora of decorating styles, both modern and traditional.
Hardwood floors are popular with homebuyers, so a remodel can increase the value of your home and the likelihood that it will sell quickly.
Wood floors are also a diverse design option that pair well with a plethora of decorating styles, both modern and traditional.
Hardwood types
There are two main types of hardwood flooring.
Each plank of solid hardwood is made from a single, solid piece of wood from fine domestic or exotic trees. They are strong and beautiful, and best for rooms with controlled temperature and humidity. Solid hardwood can be purchased unfinished, allowing for custom finishing options after installation.
Engineered hardwood, made with cross-ply construction techniques, resists expansion and contraction from changes in humidity. It is versatile and able to be installed on any level of the home. Engineered hardwood is available in both plank and longstrip forms.
Each plank of solid hardwood is made from a single, solid piece of wood from fine domestic or exotic trees. They are strong and beautiful, and best for rooms with controlled temperature and humidity. Solid hardwood can be purchased unfinished, allowing for custom finishing options after installation.
Engineered hardwood, made with cross-ply construction techniques, resists expansion and contraction from changes in humidity. It is versatile and able to be installed on any level of the home. Engineered hardwood is available in both plank and longstrip forms.
Prefinished wood molding types
Quarter Round
Used as a trim piece along vertical walls and the floor.
Flush Mount Universal Edge
Used to join wood flooring with carpeted areas.
Flush Mount Reducer
Provides a smooth transition between floors of different heights and materials.
Flush Mount Stair Nose
Placed on stairs and landings to cover exposed edges of wood flooring.
T-Molding
Joins two areas of wood flooring of the same height, usually in doorways or thresholds.
Baby Threshold
For engineered hardwood floors only; used to join wood flooring with carpeted areas.
Monotrack
Used to secure trims and molding to subfloor.
Used as a trim piece along vertical walls and the floor.
Flush Mount Universal Edge
Used to join wood flooring with carpeted areas.
Flush Mount Reducer
Provides a smooth transition between floors of different heights and materials.
Flush Mount Stair Nose
Placed on stairs and landings to cover exposed edges of wood flooring.
T-Molding
Joins two areas of wood flooring of the same height, usually in doorways or thresholds.
Baby Threshold
For engineered hardwood floors only; used to join wood flooring with carpeted areas.
Monotrack
Used to secure trims and molding to subfloor.