In this article, Richmond Decorating – with locations in Richmond, Glen Allen, and Newport News, Virginia (VA) – are here to provide you with information on the different types of hardwood flooring, so you can choose the right style for your home.

If you are considering adding hardwood flooring to your home, you may be struggling with choosing the perfect type of hardwood. Every hardwood is different, and each type features different aspects that make it better suited to different environments. While this decision may seem overwhelming, choosing the right product is a necessity not only for the overall look of your flooring but for selecting a product that will maintain its appearance the best in your home. At Richmond Decorating, with locations in Richmond, Glen Allen, and Newport News, Virginia, we can help you discover which type of hardwood flooring you need.

Engineered vs. Solid

There are many different types of hardwood to choose from for your flooring, but the biggest decision comes down to selecting engineered or solid wood. Solid hardwood is pure wood and should be nailed down to a wooden subfloor. Solid hardwood shrinks and expands quite easily with temperature changes, making it a poor choice for use over concrete. Engineered hardwood is also made of 100% wood, but it is constructed with multiple layers in a cross-ply fashion. Engineered hardwood resists expansions and contraction, is usually glued, stapled, or floated over a preexisting flooring material. It is suitable for installation over concrete.

Species of Wood

All of the different species of wood can be purchased in engineered and solid hardwoods. The species of wood that you choose not only dictates the stain and grain appearance of your floors, it also determines how soft your flooring is. The hardest wood species in Brazilian Cherry and the softest is Pine. The harder the wood species, the more durable the material. So, if you have children, pets, and areas of high traffic in your home, choosing a wood species that best accommodates these wear and tear needs is very important.

Finishes and Color

Choosing the right finish and color for your hardwood is ultimately what transforms the look of your home. Because the stain is really what gives the wood its color, any wood species can be stained to match your needs. Take note of the lighting hue in your home when choosing a stain and hardwood color, because this hue will absolutely change the way your floor color looks. In addition, the color that you choose needs to match the décor of your home. Finishes are also an important thing to keep in mind. Some are engineered for more heavy-duty use, while others provide more luster and shine.

The easiest way to ensure that the hardwood flooring you choose is perfect is to consult a flooring expert. While some homeowners believe they can choose and install hardwood flooring without any assistance, this process can be taxing and time consuming, and lead to dissatisfaction if the color and wood choices end up not being ideal. Instead of playing a guessing game with your floors, contact the experts at Richmond Decorating for all your flooring needs. Proudly serving The West End, the South Side of Richmond, and The Fan, our team of flooring and design professionals can help you choose the perfect product that matches your style and personal use needs. For more information or a consultation, contact us today!