Solid hardwood comes in three types of cuts.
Locking hardwood floor vs solid.
Here are seven specific things to look out for when figuring out which floor type is best for you.
Because of the way it is installed there isn t a hollow sound when walking across the floor or a spongy feel this is something that can be an issue with floating floors if they aren t installed perfectly and with optimal conditions.
Solid wood flooring expands and contracts with changes in your home s relative humidity.
Locking hardwood a locking or floating floor is an engineered floor with the added advantage of a locking tongue and groove.
Glue down hardwood flooring often sounds more like real solid hardwood flooring than floating floors do.
In fact some laminate flooring manufacturers now offer click lock flooring that is made with a real wood veneer so the finished surface of the floor looks and wears just like traditional hardwood flooring.
Okay so you re starting out or about to pull the trigger on your project and just want to do some last minute research.
Engineered flooring and laminate do come in click versions.
In general properly installed hardwood floors and click lock laminate floors are both very durable.
Click lock floors are more limited in installation options.
I m not aware of solid hardwood product available as a click flooring.
Solid hardwood flooring shaw solid hardwood flooring diagram solid wood is milled from a single 3 4 thick piece of hardwood.
Solid hardwood is generally nailed and sanded in place.
Solid wood flooring comes in long planks usually made of a hardwood species.
As the name implies solid hardwood flooring is one solid piece of wood sawn from a log.
Solid hardwood flooring as the name suggests is comprised of flooring boards that are solid hardwood material through and through.
This flooring option resists moisture but still presents the same texture and grain patterns of traditional hardwood making it a perfect choice for those who re concerned about spills but still want genuine hardwood.
Engineered wood flooring.
Normally installers compensate for this movement by leaving an expansion gap between the floor and the wall.
Buying guide 8 things to look out for when buying hardwood flooring.
Solid wood flooring vs.
The boards usually 3 4 inch thick are generally milled with a smooth top surface and tongue and groove edges that interlock to hold the boards together.
I much prefer a real hardwood floor if it is in the budget.
Older homes often have even thicker boards pre 1850 houses can have floors as thick as 11 8.
Depending on the style of the click system some click lock floors may be difficult to fully engage therefore separating with prolonged.
Specifically designed for floating this style of floor requires more transition moldings and the investment of a higher sound deadening underlayment.