Hardwood Flooring
When it comes to natural beauty and richness, it’s hard to beat real hardwood floors. With proper maintenance, both solid wood floors and engineered hardwood floors can last a lifetime and add real value to your home! This can make the price over the life of the product very economical.
Carpet Weaver’s offer some of the hardwood flooring industry’s best brands, like Shaw, Karastan, Mohawk, Paramount, Mannington, and others! Click on a brand logo below to browse even more products online:
How to Select Hardwood Flooring
Selecting hardwood flooring involves considering various factors to ensure you choose the right option for your needs and preferences. Here are some steps to help you in the selection process:
Consult Your Local Flooring Experts: Consult with the flooring professionals at Carpet Weaver’s who can provide guidance based on our extensive experience and knowledge. Request a Room Measure or Consultation and view samples of the hardwood flooring options you are considering in your own space. This will give you a better sense of their appearance and how they match your existing decor. You can also see our products in your space using your room photos on your phone or desktop (use the widget in the bottom right corner of your screen).
Determine Your Requirements: Consider your specific needs and requirements for the flooring. Factors to consider include the location of the installation (e.g., living room, kitchen, bedroom), the level of foot traffic, your lifestyle (pets, children), desired aesthetics, and maintenance preferences. Understanding these requirements will guide your decision-making process.
Choose the Hardwood Species: Different hardwood species offer unique characteristics in terms of color, grain patterns, hardness, and durability. Common species include oak, maple, cherry, walnut, and hickory. Research and explore different species to find one that matches your aesthetic preferences and suits the level of durability required for your specific application.
Consider Finish Options: Hardwood flooring comes in various finishes, such as natural, stained, or distressed. Decide whether you prefer a natural, light, or dark finish that complements your overall interior design style. Samples or visual references can help you envision how different finishes will look in your space.
Decide on Solid or Engineered Hardwood: Determine whether solid or engineered hardwood flooring better suits your needs. Solid hardwood provides authenticity and the ability to be refinished multiple times, while engineered hardwood offers increased stability and moisture resistance. Consider factors such as the installation area, subfloor conditions, and your personal preferences when choosing between the two.
Assess Hardness and Durability: Consider the hardness and durability of the chosen hardwood species. Hardness is measured on the Janka hardness scale, with higher numbers indicating greater hardness. Harder woods, such as oak or hickory, are more resistant to dents and wear, making them suitable for high-traffic areas.
Evaluate Installation Options: Determine the installation method that suits your skills, budget, and timeframe. Hardwood flooring can be installed using different techniques, including nail-down, staple-down, glue-down, or floating installations. Research the requirements and consult with professionals to determine the most appropriate installation method for your specific circumstances. Carpet Weaver’s offers professional installation as a service for all the hardwood floors we sell.
Budget Considerations: Determine your budget for the hardwood flooring project. Hardwood flooring prices can vary based on the species, quality, thickness, and finish. Consider the long-term investment and the value that hardwood flooring can bring to your home when making budgetary decisions. Ask your local flooring expert at Carpet Weaver’s about special financing options.
By considering these steps and conducting thorough research, you can make an informed decision when selecting hardwood flooring that meets your aesthetic, durability, and budgetary requirements.
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What is the Best Thickness for Hardwood Flooring?
The best thickness for hardwood flooring depends on several factors, including the specific application, subfloor conditions, personal preferences, and budget. Here are some general guidelines to consider:
Standard Thickness: Most hardwood flooring is available in standard thicknesses, typically ranging from 5/16 inch to 3/4 inch (7.9mm to 19mm), depending on whether the floor is solid or engineered. The thicker the board, the higher the cost. This range offers a good balance of stability, durability, and flexibility for various applications.
Residential Use: For residential applications, 3/4 inch (19mm) thick solid hardwood flooring is often recommended. It provides excellent stability and durability, can handle heavy foot traffic, and allows for multiple sanding and refinishing cycles over its lifespan. Thicker flooring is particularly advantageous for high-traffic areas, such as hallways or living rooms.
Engineered Hardwood Considerations: If you’re considering engineered hardwood flooring, the total thickness of the product may include both the real wood veneer and the underlying layers. For residential use, engineered hardwood flooring with a total thickness of at least 3/8 inch (9.5mm) is generally recommended to ensure sufficient stability and longevity.
Subfloor Conditions: The thickness of the hardwood flooring should be appropriate for the subfloor conditions. If the subfloor is uneven or has height restrictions, a thinner flooring option may be more suitable. However, if the subfloor is solid and provides adequate support, a thicker flooring option can enhance stability and performance.
Commercial or High-Traffic Areas: In commercial settings or areas with heavy foot traffic, thicker hardwood flooring is often preferred. 3/4 inch (19mm) thick flooring or even thicker options can provide enhanced durability and longevity under intense use.
It’s important to note that personal preferences and design considerations also play a role in selecting the best thickness for hardwood flooring. Thicker flooring can provide a more substantial and luxurious feel, while thinner options can be more cost-effective and suitable for specific applications.
Consulting with your local flooring experts at Carpet Weaver’s, who will help you consider the specific requirements of your project and take into account manufacturer recommendations, is the most valuable step you can take to determine the most suitable thickness for your hardwood flooring project.
What is Engineered Hardwood Flooring?
Engineered hardwood flooring is a type of flooring that consists of a top layer of real hardwood veneer bonded to multiple layers of plywood or high-density fiberboard (HDF) underneath. It is designed to provide the aesthetic beauty of hardwood while offering increased stability and durability.
The construction of engineered hardwood involves stacking multiple layers of wood in a cross-grain configuration. This cross-grain construction helps to counteract the natural tendency of wood to expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity, reducing the likelihood of warping or cupping.
The top layer, also known as the wear layer or veneer, is made of genuine hardwood. It can be made from a variety of wood species, such as oak, maple, or walnut, and comes in different thicknesses. The thicker the wear layer, the more times it can be sanded and refinished.
Engineered hardwood flooring is available in various styles, finishes, and sizes, offering a wide range of design options. It can be glued down, stapled, or floated as a “floating floor” installation, where the individual planks or tiles are not attached to the subfloor but instead interlock with each other.
One advantage of engineered hardwood flooring is its dimensional stability. Due to its layered construction, it is less susceptible to moisture-related issues and is suitable for installation in areas with higher humidity levels, such as basements or areas with radiant heating systems.
Overall, engineered hardwood flooring provides the look and feel of traditional hardwood while offering increased versatility and stability, making it a popular choice for many homeowners and commercial settings.