Hardwood Flooring in Wexford, PA

What is the difference between solid and engineered hardwood?

Most hardwood flooring is classified as either solid or engineered hardwood flooring. Solid hardwood flooring consists of entire boards of wood cut straight from a tree, while engineered hardwood has a plywood core beneath a surface board or a thin veneer of real wood. While solid hardwood can last for many decades and be refinished multiple times, engineered hardwood is often more budget-friendly and can prove to be more stable due to its sturdy core. Both options are well worth considering for your home, and many of our hardwood manufacturers carry both varieties. 

Hardwood is an excellent and timeless flooring choice for nearly all areas of the home, except for areas that are prone to moisture like bathrooms or basements. Consider hardwood flooring for living rooms, stairs, hallways, and bedrooms. They are often a popular choice for kitchens as well, but some homeowners opt for more low-maintenance flooring like vinyl plank in kitchens, due to higher traffic and vulnerability to water or spills.

What is prefinished hardwood flooring?

Both solid and engineered hardwood are available as prefinished options. Prefinished wood receives a protective finish during the manufacturing process which heightens its durability. Solid hardwood can be refinished many times throughout its lifetime, while engineered hardwood can only be refinished once or twice before it must be replaced.

Is hardwood flooring worth the investment?

Although hardwood flooring is often more expensive upfront than other hard surface flooring options, most homeowners find that the investment proves to be worthwhile, as it not only is known to contribute to home value, but also to last for many years to come, making it a more sustainable flooring option due to its longevity and biodegradability.

What wood species are available for hardwood flooring?

The five wood species most commonly used for hardwood flooring include oak, hickory, cherry, maple, and walnut. Color tones, grain patterns, and durability will all vary based on species.

How does hardwood flooring compare to laminate flooring?

While hardwood flooring is usually preferred due to its style and natural beauty, laminate flooring can be a more cost-effective and durable substitute, great for busy homes with pets and children, or high-traffic areas. Read our full engineered hardwood vs laminate comparison guide here. 

How does hardwood flooring compare to vinyl plank flooring?

Vinyl plank flooring, also called LVT or LVP, is an extremely durable, scratch-resistant, and waterproof flooring option that can imitate the look of many materials, including hardwood as well as wood, ceramic, or stone. Vinyl flooring is manufactured with either a wood plastic core (WPC) or limestone powdered PVC, and all of our LVT products have an attached pad for extra comfort underfoot. Like laminate, vinyl flooring is often considered as a more functional alternative to hardwood, especially in areas of the home where hardwood is not as preferred due to moisture or high traffic. Consider some other pros and cons of vinyl flooring here.

To learn more about the hardwood flooring options available from our Pittsburgh store, check out our blog covering the best hardwood flooring brands. You can also contact us or stop into our Wexford, PA showroom to browse our wood flooring inventory and select the perfect look, feel and quality of hardwood to redefine your interiors today!