Guide to choosing a hardwood floor
Choosing a species and a color are two key considerations when shopping for a hardwood floor. Construction type is another. But no matter where you want to install a wood floor -- whether in your new kitchen, the master bedroom or the basement -- there's a construction that's just right for you.
Solid plank and strip floors are made from solid pieces of lumber. They are available in a 3/4-inch thickness and random lengths, in a variety of species, colors and width options. Solid floors tend to expand and contract with temperature and humidity changes. Therefore, they can only be installed on or above grade and they must be nailed down.
Engineered floors are made up of either three or five layers of wood, with the top and bottom layers a premium hardwood. This balanced, cross-ply construction adds strength and dimensional stability, which means these floors may be installed on, above and below grade.
Engineered floors are available in a wide variety of species, colors, widths and thicknesses, in random lengths. They may be glued down, stapled down or nailed down.
Longstrip floors are a type of engineered flooring with a five-ply construction. They are available in a variety of species and colors, in planks that measure 7.5 inches wide, 8 feet long and 9/16 inches thick.
Longstrip floors may be glued down or stapled down, on, above and below grade. Additionally, they may be floated over almost any existing floor, including concrete and vinyl.
Each of these constructions offers excellent quality and value. In addition, most can be sanded and refinished at least one time or up to three times, depending upon the product. One company, Harris Tarkett, offers a refinish warranty on all of its solid, engineered and Longstrip products.
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