Selecting Your Hardwood

Solid Hardwood

Solid Hardwood is 100% solid wood. Most solid hardwood flooring needs to be nailed to a subfloor and is susceptible to shrinking and expanding from excessive moisture and extreme temperature changes. This makes it unsuitable for installation directly over concrete and is not usually recommended for below grade use. It is normally nailed or stapled to a wooden subfloor.

Engineered Hardwood

Engineered Hardwood is also 100% wood. Its cross-ply construction allows installation below or above grade, even over concrete. It resists expansion and contraction caused by temperature and humidity changes. Engineered flooring is typically glued-down, stapled-down or floated over an existing floor. It is manufactured by permanently bonding together multiple layers of solid wood in a cross ply construction. Engineered hardwood is usually the only type of hardwood that is recommended for use below grade.

Bamboo

Bamboo does not come from trees, but is a type of grass. It is better for the earth and is harder than some wood flooring species. It can be nailed, glued, or floated and is flame resistant. It is installed like engineered flooring and is a good fit over multiple different levels of sub floor.

Cork

Cork is a sustainable hard flooring made from the bark of the Cork Tree. It is sold in planks and tiles, both of which are relatively easy to install. Cork has become popular due to the comfort, flexibility, and ability to muffle noises. It is resistant to mildew, insects, bacteria, and rot. Cork is more susceptible to scratching and indentations than other hardwood, and is not recommended in high moisture environments.