Floor Types And Finishes

Hardwood floors

Solid wood floor

Solid wood flooring comes in several shapes as well. Each floor type is available in both pre-finished and unfinished versions. The pre-finished type is the best choice if you want to save as much effort as possible. It is sanded and finished in the factory, so it only requires installation. An unfinished floor needs to be finished after you install it in your house, so it requires more skills and effort, but also more flexibility.

Strip flooring has a set width, but can vary in thickness. Thickness can vary from five-sixteenths of an inch to three-quarters of an inch. Strip floors are available in three widths - 1.5 inches, 2 inches and 2.5 inches. Plank flooring comes in two thickness options (0.5 or 0.75 inches), but width ranges from 3 to 8 inches. Parquet flooring has a different look. It comes in geometrical patterns made of individual slats that are linked to each other through a mechanical fastening or an adhesive.

Engineering wood floor

Engineering wood can sometimes be a good alternative to solid wood flooring, due to its low cost. Once you've installed it, you can hardly tell the difference between this floor type and a solid wood floor. It is produced by mixing layers of plastic laminate veneer with real wood. It shouldn't be confused with laminate floor, which contains no wood at all.

Acrylic-impregnated wood floor

This floor type is infused with colour and sealant, which are normally used as surface finishes, throughout the wood. It is mainly used in commercial, non-residential spaces because it is very resistant to dirt and scratches.

Wood finishes

The finish is what gives the floor colour and lustre, but also serves as a top coat that protects it from getting scratched. Hardwood finishes come in two basic types: surface finishes and penetrating finishes.

Surface finishes

Surface finishes are the most popular for home floors because they are durable and easy to maintain. You can choose between four types of surface finishes:

• Oil based urethane - It's available in gloss, semi-gloss and satin sheens and needs to be applied in 2-3 coats. The main drawback is the long drying time - about 8 hours for every coat. They also tend to yellow with age.
• Water based urethane - The finish dries faster and can be cleaned easily with water and soap. It also doesn't yellow.
• Moisture cured urethane - This finish type is used mostly in commercial spaces because its a bit more durable. It doesn't allow a do-it-yourself approach.
• Conversion varnish - It has a strong odour and it is best handled by a professional.

Penetrating finishes

Penetrating finishes soak into the wood. Wax needs to be applied over the floor surface on a regular basis to give a low-gloss sheen and they can be cleaned only with certain cleaners. It's best handled by a professional.

There are two sheen types available: high glossy, which is very shiny and satin, which is less shiny. Even though high glossy sheen may look more attractive, it gets scratched more easily. This type of sheen is used mostly in professional environments and is less appropriate for residential spaces.

Hardwood floors vs. laminate floors

Many people wonder whether they should choose hardwood or laminate floor for their home. With the increasing popularity of laminate floor in recent years, this can be a tricky question. While some people are satisfied with laminate floors, others claim that hardwood flooring is definitely the best option.

A laminate floor is build from high-density fibre board core with a melamine laminate backing underneath and a photographic paper featuring a picture of wood or stone and a melamine laminate cover on top. The photographic paper is sometimes replaced with a real thin slice of actual wood. Laminate floors require a special padding underneath to reduce noise.

There's a long discussion on what floor type is better. Hardwood floors are usually easier to repair. They can be re-sanded to cure scratches and other imperfections. Laminate floors are more difficult to repair if they get scratched. This makes hardwood flooring a better choice if you have cats or dogs inside the house.

On the other hand, laminate flooring doesn't yellow over time, as most hardwood floors do. Another advantage is that laminate floors don't need waxing. They are less affected by excessive moisture, so they can be used in bathrooms or kitchens.

As with all other home decorating options, choosing a floor type is actually a matter of personal taste. There's no universal best choice, but there is a best choice for your needs and the way you want your house to look.