Hardwood Floor Buying Guide

Step 1: Understanding your options: solid & engineered hardwood

• Solid Hardwood Flooring: Solid hardwood flooring, or “real hardwood” is crafted from a single piece of wood, offering timeless beauty and natural warmth. 
• Engineered Hardwood Flooring: Engineered hardwood flooring is a versatile and durable option that combines a real wood veneer with a multi-layered core. 

What is the difference between solid & engineered hardwood flooring?

Solid hardwood flooring is crafted from a single piece of wood, offering a timeless and authentic look, while engineered hardwood flooring consists of multiple layers with a thin hardwood veneer on top. This fundamental difference in construction leads to variations in durability, stability, and cost. 

Related articles: 

• Engineered Hardwood vs Solid Hardwood Flooring: Making the Right Flooring Choice
• Are Engineered Wood Floors Longer Lasting Than Solid? Exploring Pros & Cons

Step 2: Choose your wood floor colour range

• Light Hardwood Flooring: Light hardwood floors, particularly white oak, ash, or maple, are a staple in Scandinavian design, brightening spaces and reflecting natural light to create an airy atmosphere.
• Medium Hardwood Flooring: Medium hardwood floors, typically featuring warm honey or amber tones, offer a versatile and timeless aesthetic that complements a variety of design styles and effortlessly creates a welcoming atmosphere in any room.
• Dark Hardwood Flooring:Dark hardwood floors create a dramatic and sophisticated ambiance, adding depth and warmth to any space.

Step 3: Consider the importance of the hardwood gloss level

The gloss level of your hardwood flooring significantly impacts both the aesthetics and functionality of your space. A high gloss finish creates a sleek, modern look and amplifies light, making a room feel brighter and more spacious. However, it also tends to show dust, scratches, and imperfections more readily. 

A lower gloss or matte finish offers a more subtle, natural look that can better conceal wear and tear, making it a practical choice for high-traffic areas or homes with pets and children.

Step 4: Think about your hardwood floor thickness and how it will affect your floors’ durability

The thickness of your hardwood flooringdirectly influences its durability and longevity. Thicker hardwood planks offer a more substantial wear layer, allowing for multiple refinishing over the floor's lifespan. This means you can sand down scratches, dents, and other signs of wear, effectively restoring the floor's original beauty and extending its life for decades. 

Thinner hardwood planks, while potentially more affordable initially, may not offer the same refinishing potential and could wear down faster, requiring replacement sooner. Investing in thicker hardwood planks ensures a more durable and long-lasting flooring solution that can withstand the test of time and maintain its value.

Step 5: What is your ideal hardwood floor width? 

The width of your hardwood floor planks plays a significant role in the overall aesthetic and feel of your space.

• Narrow Planks (2 ¼ - 3 inches): Often associated with traditional and historic homes, narrow planks create a busy, intricate look and can make smaller rooms feel larger.
• Standard Planks (3-5 inches): The most versatile choice, standard planks complement a wide range of styles and work well in most room sizes.
• Wide Planks (5+ inches): Wide planks create a modern, open feel and showcase the natural beauty of the wood grain. They can make a bold statement in larger rooms and are often favored for contemporary designs.
• Mixed Width Planks: This option combines planks of different widths for a unique and dynamic look that adds visual interest and a touch of personality.

Choosing the right plank width is crucial for achieving the desired look and feel in your space, so consider your personal style, room size, and overall design aesthetic when making your decision.

Additional considerations for choosing your hardwood floors 

Knowing where you plan to install hardwood flooring and how you plan to use the space before shopping is essential for several reasons:

• Moisture considerations: Different areas of your home have varying moisture levels. Basements and kitchens are more prone to moisture, requiring hardwood species or engineered hardwood options that are more resistant to humidity and spills.
• Traffic level considerations: High-traffic areas like hallways and living rooms necessitate durable hardwood species with harder finishes to withstand wear and tear. Bedrooms and less-used spaces may allow for softer woods or more delicate finishes.
• Lighting considerations: The amount of natural light a room receives can affect how your hardwood flooring appears. Lighter wood species can brighten up dimly lit rooms, while darker species can add warmth and depth to well-lit spaces.
• Budget: Hardwood flooring costs vary widely depending on the species, type, and finish. Knowing where you'll install it allows you to allocate your budget accordingly and prioritize areas that require higher-quality or more expensive options.