People often choose wood for flooring due to its aesthetic appeal, warmth, and natural beauty. Wood floors can enhance the overall look of a space, creating a timeless and classic feel. Additionally, wood is durable and, with proper care, can last for many years. It's also a renewable resource, making it an environmentally friendly choice for those who prioritize sustainability. The variety of wood species and finishes available allows individuals to customize their flooring to match their preferences and interior design style.
Solid wood flooring is made from a single piece of wood, while engineered wood flooring consists of layers of wood topped with a hardwood veneer.
Solid hardwood is derived from the trunks and branches of trees, which are cut into boards or planks. These boards retain the natural grain and characteristics of the wood species from which they are harvested. Over time, techniques for cutting, shaping, and finishing hardwood have evolved, allowing for more precise and efficient processing of the material.
While solid hardwood itself is not a product of invention, advancements in forestry management, logging techniques, and woodworking machinery have contributed to the sustainable harvesting and processing of hardwood resources. Additionally, innovations in wood finishing and preservation techniques have helped enhance the durability and aesthetic appeal of solid hardwood products.
Engineered wood is more stable in varying conditions, making it suitable for areas with fluctuating humidity. Solid wood can be sanded and refinished more times than most engineered wood.
In the early 20th century, Swedish engineers and researchers made important contributions to the field of wood technology. One notable example is the invention of plywood, which is often credited to Swedish inventor Immanuel Nobel, who patented a method for manufacturing plywood in 1867. Additionally, Swedish scientists and manufacturers have been involved in the development of other engineered wood products such as particleboard and fiberboard.
Some solid wood can be sanded and refinished multiple times, is an authentic wood look and feel & has a long lifespan.
Engineered wood is more resistant to humidity changes, has versatile installation options and can be more cost-effective with a hardwood appearance.
Hardwood floors convey a warm, inviting feeling the moment you see them. Real wood, either solid or engineered, has a variety of texture, grain patterns, tones and colors that vary from plank to plank, to create a truly natural look. Whether it's solid vs. engineered and will enhance your home for a long time.
