When it comes to boosting the value of your home, wood floors are an investment worth considering. Not only do they look great, but they also last longer and are more durable than carpeting.
With so many different types of wood floors available, it can be tough to decide which type is best for your home. Not only must you choose the material, but also the grade and whether you want solid or engineered wood.
Deciding which is best can be tough, but it makes sense to take a close look at the nuances between these two types of wood floor before making your decision.
Solid Wood vs. Engineered Wood: What’s the Difference?
Solid wood and engineered wood floors may sound like they’re one in the same, but in reality, there is a significant difference between the two. Both types can be made from a wide variety of wood species, the most popular of which are oak, maple, and walnut.
The difference comes down to how these woods are manufactured. Solid wood floors consist of one solid piece of sanded and stained or sealed wood.
On the other hand, Engineered wood floors are made from several different layers of wood stacked together with a layer of plywood in between.
This extra layer of plywood gives engineered wood floors more stability than solid hardwood floors, so they hold up well to traffic.
Furthermore, solid wood floors can be resurfaced and sanded over the years. They are more expensive but since they can be sanded and refinished they can last much longer. However, engineered wood can last a very long time on their own so some buyers find this negligible.
When It Comes To Wood, Quality Matters
Not all wood floors are created equal. The quality of a wood floor can vary significantly depending upon where it was made and what type of wood was used.
When you’re shopping for wood floors, be sure to ask about the origin of the wood. The origin of the wood will tell you a lot about the quality of the floor.
Additionally, not all types of wood are created equal. Some woods are harder and more durable than others. If you’re looking for a hardwood floor that will last for many years, you’ll want to choose a wood that is known for durability, such as oak or maple.
Both solid and engineered wood floors come in various grades. When you’re shopping for wood floors, be sure to ask about the grade of the wood. The grade will tell you how much sanding and finishing was done to the wood.
The higher the grade, the higher the quality, and the higher the price. You’ll often find that high-grade floors have more natural markings and variations in the wood, which gives them a unique character that is not possible with lower-grade woods.
Premium Wood Flooring: An Investment That Pays Off
A good wood floor adds value to your home. Not only does it make rooms look more inviting, but it also increases the value of your home by giving it a high-end aesthetic that is not possible with carpeting.
In fact, wood floors are so valuable that some real estate experts even recommend replacing carpets in properties with hardwood floors to make them look nicer and increase the home’s attractiveness and value.
While a premium wood floor may cost more than a carpet, it is a much better investment in the long run. Carpets tend to wear out quickly and need to be replaced often, while wood floors can last for many years with only minimal maintenance.
When you’re shopping for wood floors, it’s essential to consider the upfront cost of the flooring and the long-term cost. Although wood flooring may be expensive, the value it brings outweighs the cost.
Conclusion
When shopping for wood floors in Orange County, it’s essential to do your research. Not all floors are created equal, and not all grades of any given type of floor are the same. You’ll want to shop around to find a good deal that doesn’t sacrifice quality.
Whether you choose solid or engineered hardwood floors, you can rest assured that you’re getting a high-quality product. A wood floor is an investment in your home and is likely to add value to your property when you decide to sell.
