Real wood flooring is one of the most popular choices in flooring throughout the country. They are durable, always on-trend, and can take almost anything life throws their way. The wood floor industry has created so many types in such a wide range of colors, it’s possible to find the exact floor that’s perfect for your room if you know a little bit about this flooring choice before you ever head to the showroom. 

Engineered hardwood flooring 

Engineered hardwood is one of the two main types of hardwood floors. They are still made from real wood, just like natural wood flooring, but they are made from thin layers of wood attached rather than a solid plank. This engineering method makes them durable, and less expensive than real wood flooring options on the market today.   

Natural hardwood flooring

Natural hardwood flooring utilizes solid wood planks, typically about 3/4 of an inch thick. These planks are glued to the subfloor of your space and are installed permanently. Although it’s often easy to tell the difference between natural wood flooring and engineered wood flooring, sometimes project budgets don’t have room for the natural product and engineered projects are the perfect substitute. 

Unfinished hardwood flooring

Most hardwood floors are shipped already finished directly from the factory. You can find unfinished wood floors which will allow you to harness their natural look, or apply stain and sealant yourself. Unfinished options give you more control over the final look of your wood floors than prefinished products do. 

Species of hardwood flooring

There are many types of wood used to make both real hardwood and engineered hardwood floors. Typical tree species uses include white and red oak, pine, cherry, pine, hickory, maple and walnut. Harder woods are usually preferred to make flooring that will bear the burden of heavy furniture, pets, shoes and other potentially damaging aspects of daily living. 

Cork flooring

Cork floors are a relatively new addition to the flooring industry. These wood floors have a unique appearance, are much softer than traditional wood flooring and very durable if well taken cared for. They are also considered more environmentally friendly because they don’t emit gasses and are naturally resistant to fire, and it’s a healthy option because it is resistant to mold and mildew. 

Bamboo flooring

Bamboo flooring is an engineered wood flooring option that lends best to a modern design scheme. It is made by pressing blades of bamboo grass tightly together with heat and affixing them by glue. It is a durable hardwood flooring option resistant to scuffs and dings caused by everyday living. 

Parquet wood flooring

Parquet wood flooring is less about the materials used to create this real wood flooring type and more about the method used to install it. Parquet floors are installed by laying smaller pieces of natural or engineered hardwood floors in a pattern. Popular patterns of parquet floors include herringbone, diagonal basket, square basket, brick pattern and several more. 

If you need help finding the perfect wood flooring for your home choose the professionals at Carpet Mill! You can find a Carpet Mill Outlet Flooring Store in locations around: Arvada, Aurora, Fort Collins, Evergreen, Highlands Ranch, Lakewood, Littleton, Southwest, and Thornton, Colorado. To schedule an appointment call 303-949-3519 or visit carpetmilloutletstores.com today!