Hardwood flooring for beautiful, lasting spaces

Choosing between solid and engineered wood flooring

Solid and engineered hardwood flooring both provide the beauty of real wood, but their construction differs.

• Solid hardwood is made from one piece of wood. Many solid wood flooring products can be sanded and refinished multiple times. However, solid wood naturally expands and contracts as environmental conditions change, making moisture and humidity important considerations.
• Engineered hardwood features a real hardwood veneer over multiple supporting layers. This construction improves dimensional stability when temperature and humidity fluctuate. Engineered wood flooring can be a practical option for many Florida properties, especially homes with concrete slab foundations.

Your subfloor, room, moisture conditions, and lifestyle can help determine which construction is right for your project.

Popular hardwood flooring species

The wood species influences the floor's grain, shade, hardness, and overall personality. Popular options include:

• Oak: Versatile and durable with distinctive grain.
• Maple: Smooth and subtle for a clean appearance.
• Hickory: Bold grain with noticeable color variation.
• Walnut: Rich colors create a warm, elegant look.
• Birch: Offers warm shades and natural variation.

Hardness is important, but it is only one consideration. Finish, construction, household traffic, pets, and maintenance also affect how hardwood flooring performs over time.

Hardwood flooring shades

Hardwood floors are available in colors ranging from pale natural tones to deep browns.

Light hardwood can make rooms feel brighter, larger, and more relaxed. Medium brown shades offer a classic appearance that coordinates with many decorating styles. Dark hardwood creates a rich, dramatic look.

Natural and neutral shades are especially versatile because they can complement changing paint colors, cabinets, furniture, and décor. Our Tampa, or Eustis, FL specialists can help you compare samples and find a shade that works with your space.

Hardwood flooring textures

Texture can completely change the character of hardwood flooring.

Smooth hardwood creates a clean, refined appearance. Wire-brushed hardwood gently exposes the grain, adding subtle texture. Hand-scraped flooring offers deeper surface variation for a more aged look. Distressed hardwood includes intentional marks and imperfections that create rustic character.

Textured surfaces can also help make minor scratches and everyday wear less noticeable.

Hardwood flooring finishes

The finish affects hardwood's appearance while providing surface protection.

Matte and low-sheen finishes offer an understated, natural look and can help hide dust and small scratches. Satin provides a soft shine, while higher-gloss finishes create a more polished appearance.

Factory-finished hardwood has its protective coating applied during manufacturing. Some hardwood can also be finished on-site, allowing for greater customization.

Consider your desired appearance, household activity, and maintenance preferences when comparing finishes.

How to clean and maintain hardwood floors

Routine care helps hardwood flooring retain its beauty. Sweep, dust mop, or vacuum regularly using a hardwood-safe setting to remove dirt and grit that could scratch the surface.

Clean spills promptly and avoid leaving standing water on wood floors. Use cleaning products recommended by the flooring manufacturer. Avoid excessive water, abrasive products, harsh chemicals, or steam cleaning unless specifically approved for your floor.

Place mats at entrances to capture dirt and use felt pads beneath furniture legs. Area rugs can provide added protection in high-traffic spaces. Maintaining appropriate indoor humidity can also help reduce excessive seasonal expansion and contraction.

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