Wood Species

There are many wood species to choose from, all with different grains, color hues and character. Most wood flooring is quite durable. Harder wood species are more wear resistant. But generally it's more about aesthetic appeal.

Wood Widths

Popular widths for hardwood floors range from 2 and a quarter to 7 inches. Wide plank hardwood flooring creates a more modern feel with fewer seams. Narrower widths can make small rooms look bigger. Wider is better for a more rustic look.

Stain Colors

Stains are what give hardwood floors their colorful luster, bringing out the wood grains and detail. Different stains look better on certain wood species. Walnut, maple and cherry woods are naturally beautiful so neutral stains are best. Oak floors, however, can beautifully express a wide color palette.

Flooring Patterns

Herringbone and chevron patterns are quite elegant. Random width and plank patterns are more casual and rustic. Parquet patterns are great for adding visual interest to a space. Traditional straight installation laces boards of varying lengths.

Water-Based Finish

Finishes are applied last over the stain to seal and protect the wood. We use water-based Bona finish because it dries faster than oil-based, doesn't have strong smells, hardens (cures) more quickly and won't amber the wood over time.

Other Considerations

Think about the space and its uses. High-traffic areas like hallways and living rooms might benefit from harder wood species that can withstand wear and tear. Water and moisture is the enemy of wood floors. So make sure the space is going to be kept dry.

Installation & Subflooring

Natural hardwood flooring is nailed to the subfloor of the space, which ideally should be plywood, OSB (particle board), or solid boards. Between the subfloor and hardwood planks, a thin layer of moisture and sound absorbing material is placed.

Pre-Finished Engineered

This flooring is installed already having a durable stain and finish, applied at the factory. One main benefit is that you'll know exactly what color and finish your floors will have before installation. Also, no fumes, and a shorter install time with less mess.

Unfinished Engineered

This flooring has a bare hardwood veneer that has to be stained and finished similar to natural hardwood floors. This works great if you want to choose the stain color. Also unfinished engineered doesn't have beveled edges between boards like pre-finished.

Less Expensive Option

Engineered flooring is a good, less expensive option for home or business, costing around half that of solid hardwood. But keep in mind, solid hardwoods last much longer and can be refinished many times. While some engineered flooring can be refinished once or twice, most cannot.

Installation & Subflooring

Engineered flooring typically requires a plywood or OSB subfloor in order to staple or nail onto. If the subfloor is concrete or other type, glue is used to secure the boards to the subfloor. Some engineered flooring is designed for free floating installation using interlocking joints. No nailing or gluing is needed.