New homeowners, especially those that are building a custom home, are faced with a multitude of choices. From deciding on the faucets and the cabinets in the kitchen to deciding the color of the walls throughout the house. The entire process, despite being rewarding, can be quite overwhelming. Among all of these things, deciding on flooring can prove to be exceptionally difficult.
There is so much to choose from. Should you get hardwood flooring or engineered hardwood flooring? And even if you have decided upon that, should it be unfinished or finished hardwood flooring? This article is aimed at new homeowners or those in the process of customizing their homes. With advice from the experts at Sleeping Dog Properties, a premier construction company in Massachusetts, this article will tell you the differences between different kinds of wooden floorings and what is ideal for you, based on your home.
Solid Hardwood Flooring vs Engineered Hardwood Flooring
A popular option because of its natural charm, hardwood flooring, as the name suggests, is made from solid planks of wood. Usually made of denser trees such as oak, maple, and cherry, their planks measure about 2.5 to 5 inches in width and about an inch in thickness.
If you are looking for something with increased width, the experts at Sleeping Dog Properties recommend going with engineered hardwood flooring. This kind of flooring is made from two different kinds of wood. A classic hardwood veneer with a softer plywood layer underneath. Though it isn’t entirely made from hardwood, the well-engineered flooring will closely resemble solid hardwood flooring. A poorer quality engineered hardwood, however, resembles plywood more so because of its rotary-cut veneer.
One of the disadvantages of engineered hardwood flooring is that it’s not as long-lasting as hardwood. This is because they can be sanded down only a couple of times. After this, they start top veneer starts to reveal the plywood layer underneath. When this happens, homeowners have no option but to replace the flooring entirely.
Contrast that with hardwood flooring which can be sanded down and redone up to 8 times throughout its lifespan. Sleeping Dog Properties recommends getting hardwood flooring if your budget allows it because of its durability.
For some people, engineered hardwood flooring may be the better choice because it is factory-finished. Each plank is treated at a factory with multiple coats of finish, and they are ready to be installed from the moment you buy them. Conversely, hardwood flooring comes unfinished. Once the manufacturer delivers it, the floors need to be sanded and finished by flooring experts.
It may seem like hardwood flooring is superior and you wouldn’t be alone in thinking that, but there is one element that makes engineered hardwood superior to its upper-class cousin is its ability to stand moisture. The factory-finish’s multiple coats ensure that engineered hardwood can withstand moisture far better than any hardwood can.
You may say that water is hardwood’s kryptonite. This is why it is not a good option for below-ground places, such as basements, where water is known to accumulate. Sleeping Dog Properties recommends identifying all places in the house where the floor is exposed to water and using engineered hardwood in those places. These places may include the basement and even the kitchen. This way you will have gorgeous wooden flooring throughout the house, even in places where there is the threat of moisture and humidity.
Pre-Finished Hardwood Flooring vs Unfinished Hardwood Flooring
Plainly put, unfinished hardwood flooring is prepared in your house, while pre-finished hardwood is prepared at the factory. Which one you opt for depends on your individual needs.
For those of you that are changing the floors in your house and want minimal disruptions to your schedule, pre-finished flooring may be the way to go. It is also a good option for those homeowners that are seeking to keep the costs down. When you buy pre-finished wooden flooring, it will come pre-sanded, stained, and coated. The only thing that would be left is the installation itself.
On the other hand, unfinished hardwood flooring is a good choice for those that either already have hardwood floors or those that prefer a more natural look. Unfinished wood may be better for those after a natural look because its counterpart often suffers from visible grooves. And if you already have hardwood floors then pre-finished wood is better because it is easy to add to the existing flooring.
Professionals will be able to exactly match the finish and color to your existing flooring. But beware, this requires both time and money, and all the processes will be done in your home. So expect possible disruptions to your schedule, however, rest assured the end product will be worth the time, money, and disruptions.
Key Takeaways
The key takeaway is simple, the choice of flooring highly depends on your individual needs. An attempt has been made to outline the pros and cons of each kind of hardwood flooring option available. If you are still unsure of what to go for, then it is advised you reach out to professionals who may be able to answer any specific questions that you may have, and even make recommendations based on their experience.
Sleeping Dog Properties has a longstanding experience in building custom homes, and this includes flooring jobs. They regularly work with homeowners, interior designers, and architects. Their experienced consultants can advise you on the best possible way forward and even make aesthetic recommendations.
Having been in the construction industry for many decades, Sleeping Dog Properties has positioned itself as a leading construction service provider in Massachusetts. What sets them apart from their competition is their eye for detail and commitment to quality craftsmanship.
The company prides itself on its client-centered approach, which is why it will be able to accommodate any request you have and help you realize the home of your dreams. Working with Sleeping Dog Properties will also give you access to its long list of business partners and suppliers.
If you have any outstanding queries or are ready to get new floors, it is recommended you reach out to Sleeping Dog Properties for an initial consultation, their flooring experts would be happy to talk to you.
