Choosing hardwood flooring for your home is more than just a matter of aesthetics; it’s a decision that combines your lifestyle, personal taste, and the existing character of your home. 

Whether renovating an older home or customizing a brand new one, the right hardwood flooring can elevate your living experience, reflecting your personality while promising functionality.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the intricate process of selecting the hardwood flooring that perfectly enhances your space’s visual appeal and aligns seamlessly with the needs of your daily life.

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Why Should You Choose Hardwood Floors for Your Home?

Hardwood flooring is more than just a surface to walk on; it’s a design element that can fundamentally transform the feel and value of your home. 

Here are just a few reasons choosing hardwood floors could be the ideal choice for your living space:

  • Timeless Beauty and Versatility – Hardwood floors bring a timeless elegance to any room. With a wide variety of woods, stains, and finishes available, they can be seamlessly integrated into any interior design style, from classic to contemporary. Whether you prefer the rich hues of mahogany or the light, airy feel of bamboo, there’s a hardwood to suit your taste.
  • Durability and Longevity – One of the most significant advantages of hardwood floors is their durability. When properly maintained, they can last for decades. Unlike carpets or linoleum, hardwood floors can withstand the wear and tear of daily life, making them a smart investment for the long term.
  • Ease of Maintenance – Contrary to popular belief, hardwood floors are relatively easy to maintain. Regular sweeping and occasional mopping with a wood cleaner are all required to keep them looking new. Moreover, hardwood doesn’t harbor allergens and dust, making it an excellent choice for those with allergies or respiratory issues.
  • Adds Value to Your Home –  Choosing hardwood floors adds value to your home. They are a sought-after feature in the real estate market. Homes with hardwood floors often sell faster and at higher prices. They add sophistication and quality to a home that few other flooring options match.
  • Eco-Friendly Option –  Wood is a natural, renewable resource. Many hardwood floors are sourced from sustainable forests, making them an eco-friendlier option compared to synthetic materials. Additionally, the longevity of hardwood means less waste over time, as the floors don’t need to be replaced as frequently as other types.
  • Adaptability Over Time – One of the unique aspects of hardwood floors is their ability to evolve with your style. They can be sanded and refinished several times over their lifespan, allowing you to change the color or finish to match new decorating choices, ensuring your floors never fall out of style.

Whether you need help with the installation, the design, or both, Interior Motives Flooring in Auburn, WA, can help. 

When you work with us, you’ll have one-on-one support from our flooring experts, and you’ll also have the opportunity to visualize your selections with the help of Roomvo, our AI tool that helps you visualize any flooring in any space. 

For more information, contact us or visit our website today. 

how to choose hardwood flooring

Choosing Hardwood Floors: Comparing Solid Hardwood vs. Engineered Hardwood

Pros and Cons of Solid Hardwood

Solid hardwood flooring is popular with many homeowners due to its classic look and versatility. Here are just some of the reasons homeowners choose hardwood flooring:

Pros

  • Timeless Beauty – Solid hardwood offers a classic, elegant look that never goes out of style. Its natural grain patterns add character and warmth to any space.
  • Durability and Longevity – Solid hardwood floors can last for decades when properly maintained. They are sturdy and can withstand the rigors of heavy foot traffic.
  • Refinishable – One of the most significant advantages of solid hardwood is its ability to be sanded and refinished multiple times over its lifespan. This means you can restore its appearance or change the stain color to match evolving decor trends.
  • Adds Value to Home – Solid hardwood floors are often sought after in the real estate market. They can increase the resale value of a home and are a desirable feature for many homebuyers.
  • Variety – Available in various species, stains, and finishes, solid hardwood offers various options to suit different aesthetic preferences.

Now, we know that hardwood flooring isn’t for everyone, which is also why we’re providing some of the “cons” that should be considered before choosing hardwood flooring: 

  • Susceptible to Moisture and Temperature Changes – Solid hardwood can expand and contract with changes in humidity and temperature. This makes it unsuitable for areas like basements or bathrooms where moisture levels fluctuate.
  • Cost – Solid hardwood tends to be more expensive than other flooring options. The cost of materials, along with installation, can be higher compared to engineered hardwood or laminate.
  • Installation Limitations – Since it’s susceptible to moisture, it cannot be installed over concrete without a plywood subfloor, adding to the installation complexity and cost.
  • Maintenance Requirements – While hardwood is relatively easy to clean, it does require regular maintenance to keep it looking its best. It can be prone to scratches and dents and may need refinishing over time.
  • Environmental Impact – Solid hardwood uses more of the tree per plank than engineered wood. This can impact forests more, especially if the wood is not sourced from sustainable forestry practices.

Pros and Cons Engineered Hardwood 

Engineered hardwood flooring is a popular alternative to solid hardwood. Here are the key pros and cons of engineered hardwood:

Pros

  • Moisture and Temperature Resistance –  Engineered hardwood is constructed in layers, which makes it more stable and less prone to warping in humid conditions. This feature makes it suitable for use in basements, over concrete slabs, and in other moisture-prone areas where solid hardwood may not be ideal.
  • Installation Versatility –  It can be installed in various ways, including floating (without nails or glue), which makes the installation process easier and often less expensive.
  • Sustainability –  Engineered hardwood uses a thin layer of natural wood on top, so it consumes less solid wood than traditional hardwood flooring. This can be a more sustainable choice, especially if the core layers are made from recycled materials.
  • Style and Aesthetic Diversity – Like solid hardwood, engineered hardwood comes in various wood species, stains, and finishes. This variety allows homeowners to choose a style that perfectly matches their decor.
  • Stability – The layered construction of engineered hardwood makes it less likely to buckle or react dramatically to temperature and humidity changes.

Although engineered hardwood has many advantages, there are many potential downsides to factor into your decision as well, including:

Cons

  • Limited Refinishing – Unlike solid hardwood, engineered hardwood can only be sanded and refinished a limited number of times, depending on the thickness of the top wood layer. This can reduce its lifespan compared to solid hardwood.
  • Quality Variability – Engineered hardwood products have a wide range of quality. Lower-quality options may have a very thin top layer of wood and cheaper core materials, affecting the floor’s durability and appearance over time.
  • Potential for Off-Gassing – Some engineered hardwood products may contain glues and resins that release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, although this can be mitigated by choosing products with low-VOC emissions.
  • Cost –  While engineered hardwood can be less expensive than solid hardwood, high-quality options can be similarly priced, especially when considering installation costs.
  • Wear Layer Concerns – The durability of engineered hardwood also depends on the top layer’s thickness. Thinner wear layers may be more prone to damage and cannot handle heavy or rough usage and thicker layers.

choosing hardwood floors

How To Choose Hardwood Flooring: 7 Things to Consider

When picking hardwood flooring for your home, various elements come into play to ensure you make the best choice. Here’s a guide to help you navigate this decision:

#1: Decide Your Budget

Begin by setting a clear budget. Hardwood floors vary in price, and what you’re willing to spend will guide your choice. Include the costs of installation and future upkeep in your financial planning.

#2: Determine Solid vs. Engineered Hardwood

Your options are generally split into traditional solid hardwood and engineered hardwood. Solid hardwood offers longevity and can be refinished repeatedly, whereas engineered hardwood may be more affordable and versatile. 

#3: Know Where You Want Your Hardwood Flooring Installed

The area where you plan to install the hardwood is crucial. Solid hardwood isn’t ideal for moisture-prone areas like basements, whereas engineered hardwood can be more versatile.

#4: Determine the Necessary Level of Durability

Consider the amount of foot traffic and general wear and tear your floors will experience. A harder wood species would be best if your household has pets and/or kids. 

Red oak, for example, can withstand more wear and tear than softer woods. Solid hardwood can also be sanded and refinished repeatedly, making it preferable over engineered flooring for busy households. 

#5: Check the Janka Hardness Scale

The Janka hardness scale measures the durability by testing its resistance to denting. Scores range from 0 through 4000, with a higher Janka score meaning greater resistance to wear. Flooring with higher Janka scores would likely be preferable for high-traffic areas.

#6: Understand the Required Maintenance

Think about the maintenance level that best fits your lifestyle. 

Hardwood is generally a low-maintenance flooring option but may require upkeep to keep it looking pristine. 

Regular cleaning and maintenance of hardwood include: 

  • Daily sweeping and dusting
  • Use of furniture pads to reduce scratching
  • Regular vacuuming and use of wood floor cleaner
  • Re-finishing every 3-5 years

#7: Define Your Style

Think about the look you want to achieve. Hardwood flooring is available in various shades, patterns, and finishes. Choose one that complements your home’s décor and reflects your personal style, be it rustic or contemporary.

choosing hardwood flooring

Learn How To Choose Hardwood Flooring You Won’t Regret With Interior Motives Flooring

When you’re ready to enhance or upgrade your home’s flooring, let the experts at Interior Motives Flooring help. We have been serving Auburn and the surrounding areas since 1989. Our team has decades of flooring experience, and we are uniquely equipped to tackle any installation or design need. 

We provide each client with a personal and attentive level of care while offering the selection and competitive pricing you would expect from a larger flooring company. 

We also offer the latest AR technology to help our customers visualize their space before deciding on the perfect home flooring option. With Roomvo, you can see exactly what your floor will look like, taking out any guesswork on your part.

For more information, visit our website or call us today. 

how to choose hardwood flooring