Hardwood Brings Natural Beauty To Any Home
Hardwood flooring is one of the most timeless and sought-after flooring choices, and for good reason. For centuries, people have loved the natural beauty, warmth, and character that only real wood can bring to a home. Unlike synthetic alternatives, hardwood isn’t just designed to look like wood it is wood. Each plank carries its own unique grain pattern, knots, and rich tones that can’t be replicated.
Hardwood floors add lasting value to your home, and with proper care, they can last for generations. They can be refinished to look brand new, making them a flooring option that truly stands the test of time. Classic, durable, and undeniably beautiful, hardwood is the real deal.
What Is Hardwood?
Hardwood flooring is made from solid wood planks or engineered wood. Solid hardwood is milled from a single piece of lumber, offering unmatched authenticity and the ability to be sanded and refinished multiple times. Engineered hardwood is built from layers of real wood with a stable plywood core, making it less prone to movement from humidity while still showcasing the beauty of natural hardwood on the surface.
Installation methods vary depending on the product: solid hardwood is typically nailed or stapled to a wood subfloor, while engineered hardwood can be nailed, glued, or even floated with a click-lock system. This flexibility makes engineered hardwood a great choice for basements or areas where moisture levels fluctuate.
Hardwood thickness usually ranges from 3/8” to 3/4”. The thicker the wear layer (in engineered products) or the plank itself (in solid hardwood), the more times it can be refinished over its lifespan. This is why hardwood flooring, unlike laminate, is considered a long-term investment and if properly cared for, it can last for generations.
Solid vs. Engineered
Pros:
100% natural wood, it’s timeless and authentic.
Can be sanded and refinished multiple times (great for longevity).
Adds strong resale value to a home.
Durable under normal household conditions.
Wide variety of species, stains, and finishes available.
Cons:
Sensitive to moisture and humidity, can warp or cup.
Requires a wood subfloor (not suitable for concrete slabs without special prep).
Typically more expensive than engineered.
Installation is usually nail-down or staple down (professional installation often recommended).
Best Used:
In main living areas, bedrooms, dining rooms, or anywhere above grade (not basements).
Homes where you want the longest possible lifespan.
When you value the prestige of owning “true” hardwood planks.
Pros:
Top layer is real hardwood, so it looks identical to solid wood once installed.
Stable plywood or multi-layer core resists movement from humidity or temperature changes.
Can be installed in more areas of the home, including basements or over concrete slabs.
More installation options nail, glue, or floating click systems.
Often more budget-friendly than solid hardwood.
Cons:
Limited refinishing potential (depends on thickness of top wear layer).
Not as long lasting as solid hardwood if refinishing is important.
Quality can vary widely between manufacturers.
Best Used:
In basements, on grade slabs, or any area with more humidity.
For remodels where you need a thinner profile to match existing flooring heights.
Homes where flexibility and easy installation are priorities.
Cheap vs. Good
When it comes to both solid and engineered hardwood, the difference between cheap and good products comes down to quality, durability, and long-term value. Cheaper options often use thinner boards, shorter lengths, and lower-quality finishes, which can lead to warping, uneven wear, or even delamination in the case of engineered wood. Many budget engineered floors also have extremely thin wear layers that can’t be refinished (more on this below), limiting their lifespan to just a few years.
On the other hand, higher-quality hardwood (whether solid or engineered) offers thicker planks, longer board lengths, and superior finishes that not only look better but also stand up to daily use for decades. Good engineered products feature stable multi-ply cores and wear layers thick enough to allow refinishing, while solid hardwood can be sanded and refinished many times over, often lasting a lifetime. While cheap hardwood may save money upfront, investing in a better product ensures greater stability, longer life, and a timeless appearance that adds real value to your home.
Scratch Resistance
Scratches on hardwood are influenced by the Janka hardness scale, which measures how resistant a wood species is to denting and wear. Harder woods like hickory, maple, or oak hold up better against scratches, while softer species like pine or birch will show marks more easily. Unlike laminate, hardwood doesn’t have a synthetic wear layer it’s real wood all the way through so any scratch or dent you see is in the actual plank itself.
That said, hardwood has one major advantage: it can be sanded and refinished to remove surface scratches and restore its original beauty. Still, no floor is completely scratch-proof. Heavy furniture, pet claws, or dragging sharp objects can leave marks on even the hardest woods. Think of it like cutting into a butcher block, the harder the wood, the more resistant it is, but repeated pressure and dragging will still leave an impression over time. Using area rugs, felt pads under furniture, and proper floor care are the best defenses against scratches.
What They Require
Both solid and engineered hardwood floors require a clean, dry, and level subfloor, proper acclimation in the home before installation, and careful attention to moisture control to prevent warping or cupping. Expansion gaps must be left around the perimeter of the room to allow for natural movement, typically hidden with baseboards or trim. Solid hardwood is most often nailed or stapled down, while engineered hardwood offers more flexibility with nail, glue, or floating installation methods. Most manufacturers also require an in-home humidifier to maintain stable humidity levels in order to keep the warranty valid. No matter which you choose, following these steps and maintaining consistent indoor conditions is the key to ensuring your hardwood floor lasts for decades.
When To Use Hardwood
Hardwood is a versatile and timeless choice, but it’s important to use it in the right spaces. Solid hardwood is best for above-grade areas like living rooms, bedrooms, and dining rooms, where humidity and moisture are relatively stable. Engineered hardwood expands your options, allowing installation on basements, over concrete slabs, or in rooms where humidity may fluctuate. While hardwood isn’t suitable for outdoor use or consistently wet areas like bathrooms or laundry rooms, it can be used creatively for accent walls, staircases, or even ceilings when installed according to manufacturer guidelines. Always check the installation specs for your specific product to ensure your floor stays beautiful and maintains its warranty.
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