Solid vs. Engineered Hardwood
At KYFlooring, we offer solid, engineered, and epic engineered hardwood in planks ranging from 2 ¼” to 12” wide to meet the needs of all of our customers. But whats the difference between these? Here is a little background.
Solid hardwood is beautiful and simple. It is made of a single board of wood and, for many needs, it is an excellent choice. In contrast, engineered and epic engineered hardwood is constructed of several thin layers of hardwood stacked across the grain, which adds strength. If you are installing below grade, it is important to check out the engineered options.
The best method for installation may vary depending on the width, thickness and construction of the flooring you’ve chosen and where the floor is installed. Methods for fastening solid hardwood flooring include stapling, nailing, or gluing to a subfloor layer. Because it tends to react to changes in temperature and humidity, solid wood is not recommended for use below the grade line of your property. Engineered hardwood is a better choice because it can be installed almost anywhere. It has no issues with seasonal changes in climate, which makes it a great choice for use in basements, bathrooms, and kitchens.
The best method for installation may vary depending on the width, thickness and construction of the flooring you’ve chosen and where the floor is installed. Methods for fastening solid hardwood flooring include stapling, nailing, or gluing to a subfloor layer. Because it tends to react to changes in temperature and humidity, solid wood is not recommended for use below the grade line of your property. Engineered hardwood is a better choice because it can be installed almost anywhere. It has no issues with seasonal changes in climate, which makes it a great choice for use in basements, bathrooms, and kitchens.
Getting Ready for Your Hardwood Installation
To ensure a successful hardwood flooring installation some preparation is required. You should consult with a specialist from KYFlooring for full instructions, but here are some steps you should expect to take to help the process go smoothly.
- To make a suitable installation surface for your new hardwood you may have to remove your existing flooring. This process will be different for different types of existing flooring, extra care may be required if your previous flooring is glued down or set in tile adhesive. It’s important to provide a smooth, level surface. A professional flooring specialist can be a huge help with this process, with the necessary tools and knowledge to judge when the flooring surface is ready. A pro may also be able to assist with the disposal of your old flooring.
- All the furniture will have to be removed from the rooms where your new hardwood is to be installed. You should consider hiring a professional moving and storage company, especially for large or heavy items. A professional moving team can empty a room or empty a whole house quickly. This will minimize the amount of time you have to live without your furniture to as little as a single day at each end of the job. You should also take down photos or other wall hangings which can be damaged accidentally during the installation of your hardwood flooring.
During & After Your Hardwood Installation
- An adult member of your household (age 18 or older) should greet your installer and show them to the work area.
- Be sure to get a walkthrough of the job from the lead installer to give you a clear idea of the work involved and ask them any questions you have about the job.
- To ensure everyone’s safety and to help the job go smoothly, keep children and pets away from the work area for the duration of the job.
- Do not walk on your new floors for the required amount of time after the job is done. The stain and varnish that has been used on the surface will need time to cure properly. The lead installer will be able to advise you on how long this will take.
- Do not walk on your new floors for the required amount of time after the job is done. The stain and varnish that has been used on the surface will need time to cure properly. The lead installer will be able to advise you on how long this will take.
Protective Care and Maintenance:
Following a protective care and maintenance protocol will go a long way in preserving the beauty and longevity of your hardwood floors. Use entry and doormats to avoid tracking dirt and debris that could scratch or scuff the hardwood, remove all outdoor shoes before walking across the floor, and use floor protectors under heavy furniture to avoid indentations or scratches.
Other preventative measures include keeping your pet’s nails trimmed, avoiding walking on the floor in high heels, and using a humidifier during the dry heating season and a dehumidifier during inclement weather. An area rug is also a great way to protect sections of your hardwood that are exposed to heavier foot traffic.
Here are cleaning and maintenance tips that our team at KYFlooring wants to share with you. When in doubt, check in with your manufacturer.
- Spills and messes happen so it’s important to know how to clean these inevitabilities without damaging your floor. While most spills can easily be wiped away, it is important to wipe them up quickly as hardwood is not water resistant. For other more challenging stains such as wax residue or nail polish, consult with the manufacturer’s guidelines before attempting to clean it.
- Every day care and maintenance could include sweeping, vacuuming or dry mopping your hardwood flooring. Make sure to check with your manufacturer’s care and maintenance guide, in addition to their list of approved vacuum cleaners, before using it on your floor.
- For deeper cleaning, use a manufacturer approved cleaning solution and follow their guidelines.
- For an even deeper clean, say for a spring cleaning, you may opt to hire a local professional floor cleaning company. For recommendations, speak with any of our store representatives!