Barnum Floors has been a family-owned and operated business in the hardwood floor industry since 1995. With 28 years of experience, we have become experts in your flooring needs! Throughout our years, we have worked with all types of hardwood floors and customers to discover answers to these common questions, ranging from wood types and the characteristics that bring beauty to hardwood floors.
Is Solid Wood Or Engineered Wood Better?
The two main types of hardwood floors are solid wood and engineered wood. Both are considered to be genuine wood, but the composition of solid and engineered flooring is different.
- Solid wood is made of large pieces of wood, making it durable with a long lifetime appearance, but is vulnerable to moisture.
- Engineered wood has a top layer of wood with plywood or fiberboard layers beneath. Therefore, engineered wood is less affected by humidity but is less durable without the solid wood layers.
- Regular maintenance and cleaning of the two kinds of wood are similar because the surface layer is wood.
- Solid wood allows refinishing many times by sanding and buffing down layers to re-apply new coatings.
- Engineered wood does not have multiple layers to refinish, so you cannot refinish engineered wood as often and need to upgrade to new flooring.
- In the long run, solid wood can be cost-effective due to its multiple layers of wood, but engineered wood is a budget-friendly upfront choice with plywood or fiberboard layers.
What Is The Difference Between Prefinished And On-Site Finished Hardwood Floors?
In addition to choosing solid or engineered wood, there is the type of finish to select from. Prefinished and finished on-site hardwood floors refer to two different methods of applying the final protective finishes to hardwood flooring.
- Prefinished hardwood arrives ready for installation, with factory-applied finishes that often use UV light to increase durability. This saves time and allows you to see the final finish beforehand.
- On-site finishing, on the other hand, provides more customization in choosing the specific stain, finish type, and gloss level, but results in a longer installation process and requires ventilation and drying time between coats.
Are Hardwood Floors Durable With Pets?
Yes, hardwood floors are durable with pets! Choosing the correct flooring species and maintaining proper animal hygiene can make your hardwood floors stay beautiful and free from damage for many years.
- The best wood species to prevent scratches are durable hard, lighter-toned woods. For example, white oak, and hickory.
- To prevent pet scratches, keep your pet’s nails trimmed.
- If you notice a pee-related puddle, immediately clean it up. Pee can lead to moisture problems and leave behind a dark stain if the liquid is puddled for too long.
- If you have food and water bowls or litter pans on top of hardwood floors try creating an area with an absorbent mat underneath the items.
- In heavy traffic areas with your pet, place down rugs and runners to prevent skidding and scratching.
Is Hardwood Flooring Eco-Friendly?
It may be surprising, but hardwood flooring is one of the most sustainable and eco-friendly flooring materials! We source our wood from a Forest Stewardship Council-certified forester to ensure the wood we use has been harvested using techniques that have minimal impact on the environment.
- Wood is a renewable resource, so there is little to no waste in material because it can be reused.
- Hardwood floors’ strong durability results in continuous use for a contemporary look for many years to come.
How Long Will My Hardwood Floors Last?
Depending on the care and type of wood, hardwood floors can last over 100 years! It’s recommended to recoat your hardwood floors with a maintenance coat about every 10 years to add a layer of protection.
- Barnum Floors offers a noninvasive Buff & Coat Service that is cheaper than refinishing a whole room.
- The service includes buffing and applying two coats of polyurethane across the floor.
- Similarly, we offer an Oil Renewal Service to rejuvenate the oils on your floors.
Can I Install Hardwood Floors Myself?
Leaving hardwood floor installations up to the professionals is best.
- Our expertise and experience can save time figuring out questions like, “What Size Planks Should I Choose?, How Much Wood Do I Need To Order?, What Stains Will Look Good?”, and more.
- We can deliver high-quality work with the customization and design goals you have in mind.
- Hiring a professional provides guidance and allows a smoother, more reliable, and peaceful installation.
View More Common Questions About Hardwood Floors
Still, have some unanswered questions? Check out these blogs below for other common questions our customers have.
How Do I Keep My Hardwood Floors Clean?
Which Wood Species Is The Best To Choose?
How Does Moisture Affect Hardwood Flooring?
What are the Benefits of Hardwood Flooring?
Contact Des Moines Local Trusted Floor Installers!
Call Barnum Floors today to start on your hardwood flooring project! If you need advice, a preventive maintenance coat, or new floors we are here to help.
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