There are two basic categories of hardwood flooring: solid and engineered flooring. The best option for you depends upon your specific needs. Read on to find out which type of flooring is right for your project.

Solid Hardwood Flooring

Milled from one solid piece of wood, solid wood planks are durable and can last for decades. Solid wood flooring can be sanded many more times than engineered flooring and are easier to make repairs on. They are not, however, as resistant to temperature and humidity changes. So, while they are a great option for above grade installations, they are not recommended in spaces where there is a risk for water damage or where there will be significant changes in temperature or humidity.

Engineered Hardwood Flooring

Crafted using multiple layers of wood, engineered planks have a thicker finish and sealant that make them more resistant to humidity and temperature changes. This residential flooring option can be placed in below grade or on grade spaces as well as above grade spaces and can also be placed on top of concrete foundations, unlike solid wood planks, which must be placed over plywood. The downside to engineered flooring, however, is that it cannot be refinished as many times as solid wood flooring can.

As you can see, there are pros and cons to both types of hardwood flooring. Your decision should first consider your location and should then consider how often you plan to refinish the floors. Knowing these two factors, you should be able to decide on whether you wish to use solid or engineered wood residential flooring.

Carolina Flooring is one of the top residential flooring companies in Charleston, SC. Carolina Flooring Services provides first-rate flooring solutions to family and corporate residences in the region. We have been serving customers in the flooring industry for over 10 years, and we maintain the highest standards of customer service and quality. Contact us today to start the process of finding the floors that are right for you.