Despite the myriad flooring options available today, hardwood remains virtually unrivaled when it comes to appearance and comfort. If you’ve done your research, you may have found that many homeowners here in Austin are opting for engineered hardwood, instead of traditional hardwood.
But which is right for you? To get that answer, you should be working with the top wood flooring company in Austin. They will help you determine which option makes the most sense for your home by asking you questions, then they will educate you on the differences so that you can make the best decision for your home. Here are the definitions of each type of flooring, followed by the most important factors to consider when shopping for wood floors:
Traditional Hardwood vs. Engineered Hardwood
Let’s make one thing clear: Both options are made out of real wood. The difference is that while traditional hardwood consists exclusively of one piece of wood, engineered hardwood is a composite. There’s the top layer of solid wood over a few layers of premium plywood. Engineered hardwood is also available in just as many – if not more – varieties as real hardwood, including different wood species, colors, finishes, textures, etc.
Durability
Both traditional hardwood and engineered hardwood are considered highly durable. The difference is that with proper maintenance (we’ll get into that in a bit), hardwood floors can last up to 100 years. Engineered hardwood typically lasts between 25 to 30 years.
However, both options are still vulnerable to scratches. Traditional wood is also extremely sensitive to temperature and humidity. Exceedingly moist or dry conditions could even impact your hardwood flooring’s appearance over time. So if you let your home get above 80 in the summer and below 60 in the winter, there’s a good chance traditional wood flooring will get warped.
So, while traditional wood floors may be able to last longer, they aren’t as durable as engineered hardwood.
Maintenance
This is possibly the biggest downside of hardwood. Depending on the level of wear and tear you have, you may have to re-sand and re-finish your hardwood floors every 10 years. Due to hardwood’s sensitivity to humidity, you’ll also have to keep indoor humidity levels between 35 – 55%. Here in Austin, lots of homeowners activate humidifiers to keep their hardwood floors healthy during long stretches of hot and dry weather. The top wood flooring company in Austin is going to educate you on what you need to do to keep your flooring looking pristine.
Compared to traditional wood, engineered hardwood is considered low maintenance. Its stable design makes it less sensitive to dramatic shifts in humidity, and damaged planks are less costly to replace. At the very most, you may have to re-finish your engineered hardwood floors once or twice in their lifetime.
Budget
Traditional and engineered hardwood may look identical, but hardwood carries a significantly higher price tag. It’s considered a major investment that increases the value of your home. So, if your budget is flexible, you’re prepared to take good care of your floors, and you’re planning on selling your home in the not-so-distant future, hardwood could be worth the cost.
On the other hand, if you have a smaller budget and you prefer less maintenance, engineered hardwood may be the clear choice.
Are you looking to take the leap and install wood floors? If so, the experts at Flohr would be happy to help. Whether you need flooring that can stand up to constant activity or you’re simply looking for the least stressful option, we’ll guide you to the best choice. Give us a call or stop by our showroom to examine each option firsthand.
