Wood flooring adds a very classic and sophisticated element to any interior. But there are options when it comes to wood flooring: you can choose either engineered or natural wood flooring. Which one is right for you?

Natural Hardwood

Hardwood flooring is a fantastic choice to add style and value to any house, but how long it lasts depends largely on where and how it is installed. Solid wood floors are manufactured as one entire piece of wood. It’s important to note that wood expands and contracts when the level of humidity in the air changes. However, this is compensated for by leaving a tiny expansion gap between the floor and the wall which will be covered by the baseboards.

Strip flooring is the most popular choice for natural wood, and ranges between 1.5” wide to 3.25” wide. Plank flooring is usually wider than 3.25”, and parquet comes in 6” x 6” squares.

Only consider solid wood flooring if the environments can be controlled for moisture. Your best bet is to schedule a design consultant appointment to help you make this important decision.

Engineered Wood

This type of flooring is actually sheets of wood that are layered on top of each other in opposite directions. This cross-layering offers a dimensionally stable floor that puts up with moisture a lot better than solid wood. Engineered floor planks range from 1/4″ to 9/16” thick, and from 2.25” to 7″ in width.

Thanks to its moisture-resistant characteristics, the majority of engineered floors can be nailed, glued or stapled down. Even though engineered wood is a little pricier than solid wood, it is usually guaranteed for 25 years.

At Floor Coverings International, we have a host of flooring options for you to choose from. Visit www.phoenix.floorcoveringsinternational.com for more information.