Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Hardwood 101 with Simas Floor and Design Company

¾” Solid Hardwood
Solid hardwood flooring is available in both pre-finished and unfinished hardwood species. The pre-finished hardwood flooring has a factory finish that cannot be duplicated by a sand-in-place application. However, the factory finish cannot duplicate the smooth edges of a floor finished at the job site. You’ll need to weigh the pros and cons based on what’s important to you. Solid hardwood is usually installed over a plywood raised foundation and using a nail/staple down installation method.

 Somerset hardwood available in both solid and engineered.
 Somerset hardwood available in both solid and engineered.
 Somerset hardwood available in both solid and engineered.
Engineered Hardwood
Engineered Hardwood has become very popular and commonly used. It’s the best application for a home that’s built on a concrete slab. Engineered hardwood is made of wood layers glued together. The multiple layers help to stabilize the hardwood from cupping and bowing. The thickness of the top layer will vary from a peeled 1mm to a sawn 4mm product. There are many selections of colors, styles, board widths and finishes in the engineered hardwood category. Engineered hardwood performs best with a direct glue installation method. It can also be floated or nailed.

 Royal Oak Hardwood installed by Simas Floor and Design.
 Mohawk Hardwood installed by Simas Floor and Design.
 Royal Oak Hardwood installed by Simas Floor and Design.
Laminate
Laminate is not a hardwood. Laminate is a 4-layer product made up of a moisture barrier backing, high density core board, photographic image of wood, and a top layer that protects the floor from stains and fading. These 4 layers are heated up to 400 degrees and pressurized up to 600 pounds psi in manufacturing. Laminate is a floating floor that clicks together over pad and is recommended for active families with children and/or pets since the surface doesn’t scratch or dent as easily as hardwood.

 Mannington Laminate installed by Simas Floor and Design.
 Mannington Laminate installed by Simas Floor and Design.
 Mannington Laminate installed by Simas Floor and Design.
 Mannington Laminate installed by Simas Floor and Design.
Luxury Vinyl Plank
The latest in the hardwood floor look is LVP, which is also not a hardwood. This product is excellent for active families or commercial settings and can be either floated or glued directly to the floor. Up until recently, LVP was mostly installed in commercial buildings. It is now a considered a great option for homeowners with active households and families.

 Shaw LVP installed by Simas Floor and Design.
 Shaw LVP installed by Simas Floor and Design.

It’s always best to consult with Simas Floor and Design where you’ll find professional hardwood consultants who can give you custom advice for your home. Share information with your consultant regarding what you want and expect from your floor based on your design style and your lifestyle.

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