Hardwood flooring is one of the most beautiful types of flooring. Unlike carpet or laminate, hardwood flooring is designed to showcase the natural qualities of wood and it lasts a long time if it is properly cared for. In most cases, the value of hardwood can increase with age. Invision Hardwood & Décor is dedicated to helping its clients find the best hardwood flooring possible for their homes.
When considering what type of floor to put into your home, you need to answer several important questions. What is your budget? How long do you want the floor to last? Are you willing to take care of it properly? Do you have children or pets? What room are you placing the flooring in?
Hardwood flooring is more expensive than laminate or carpet, but it lasts much longer and maintains its value. Ripping up carpet will more often than not result in damage, and while laminate is affordable, it doesn’t hold its value over time.
Once you have decided on your price point, you need to decide on your goals with the floor. Are you living in a short-term home? If you are, laminate or carpet may be a better choice. However, if you plan to stay in a specific house for a long period of time, hardwood flooring is a great choice. A long-term floor comes with responsibilities. If you choose hardwood flooring, you will need to care for it. This means washing it properly, avoiding scratching it, and refinishing it when necessary. If you have pets, it is important to keep their claws trimmed in order to prevent them from accidentally scratching your floor when the dog chases the cat across the room.
There are two types of hardwood flooring, solid and engineered. Both types have their advantages and which one you choose is highly dependent on your needs.
Solid Hardwood Flooring
- Milled from solid lumber
- Not moisture resistant
- Can be sanded and refinished
- Long lasting and durable
- Can be produced from a variety of wood species.
Engineered Hardwood Flooring
- Not milled from solid lumber
- Moisture resistant
- Can be used in basements (below grade)
- Can be sanded and refinished
- Long lasting and durable
- Can be produced from a variety of wood species
The major difference between the two is the way in which they are manufactured. Solid hardwood flooring is milled from solid lumber. This makes it a truly authentic form of hardwood that will hold its valuable over time. Engineered hardwood flooring is still a viable option, but it is manufactured through a process that combines a thin, but real hardwood surface with underlying layers of plywood or fiberboard.
When considering a species of hardwood, there are several types and they all have their distinct applications. The most common types of hardwood flooring are maple and birch, bamboo, pine, hemlock, and fir, ash, oak, and walnut and cherry. Most Canadian homes use oak, hard maple, and birch. However, if you are interested in an eco-friendly option, bamboo (technically a grass) offers you a unique flooring option that will offer a lot of character to any room that it is installed in.
The last thing to remember is to properly care for your floors. When washing them, ensure that you use a pre-finished hardwood floor liquid cleaner. This will help you maintain your floor’s finish and increase its longevity.
Invision Hardwood & Décor is a dedicated hardwood flooring specialist. We sell hardwood flooring and offer installation services to customers in Toronto, Thornhill, Richmond Hill, Woodbride, Vaughan, and the entire GTA. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us today. We would be more than happy to help you.
