Solid hardwood flooring is a timeless and luxurious choice for any home, adding warmth, beauty, and value to your space. With its natural durability and versatility, solid hardwood flooring offers numerous benefits that make it a popular choice among homeowners.
Uncover what solid hardwood flooring is, discuss the characteristics of the best solid hardwood flooring options, and explore where solid wood flooring is commonly used.
What is solid hardwood flooring?
Solid hardwood flooring is made from a single piece of wood, typically cut from hardwood trees such as oak, maple, cherry, or walnut. Unlike engineered hardwood or laminate flooring, which are composed of multiple layers, solid hardwood flooring is milled from solid wood planks, offering unmatched durability and authenticity.
Solid hardwood flooring can be sanded and refinished multiple times, allowing for long-term durability and versatility in design.
What is the best solid hardwood flooring?
When it comes to selecting the best solid hardwood flooring for your home, several factors come into play, including wood species, grain patterns, finish options, and installation methods. Here are some characteristics to consider when choosing the best solid hardwood flooring:
Wood species
Different wood species offer unique characteristics in terms of color, grain pattern, and hardness. Oak, maple, and hickory are popular choices for their durability and versatility, while exotic species like Brazilian cherry or teak offer rich, distinctive grain patterns.
Finish options:
The finish of solid hardwood flooring plays a crucial role in its durability and appearance. Prefinished hardwood flooring comes with a factory-applied finish that provides added protection against scratches, stains, and fading. Unfinished hardwood flooring allows for customization with various stains and finishes, giving you more control over the final look of your floors.
Grade and cut:
Solid hardwood flooring is available in different grades and cuts, which can affect the overall appearance and quality of the flooring. Selecting higher-grade wood with fewer knots and imperfections will result in a cleaner, more uniform look. The cut of the wood, such as plain sawn, quarter sawn, or rift sawn, can also impact the grain pattern and stability of the flooring.
Installation method
Solid hardwood flooring can be installed using different methods, including nail-down, glue-down, or floating installation. The best installation method will depend on factors such as subfloor type, moisture levels, and personal preference.
Where is solid wood flooring used?
Solid wood flooring is a versatile option that can be used in various areas of the home, including:
Living areas:
Solid hardwood flooring adds warmth and elegance to living rooms, dining rooms, and family rooms, creating a welcoming and inviting atmosphere for entertaining guests and relaxing with family.
Bedrooms:
Solid wood flooring is a popular choice for bedrooms, providing a cozy and comfortable surface to walk on barefoot. With proper insulation and area rugs, solid hardwood flooring can help maintain a comfortable temperature year-round.
Hallways and entryways
High-traffic areas like hallways and entryways benefit from the durability and resilience of solid hardwood flooring, making it an ideal choice for busy households.
Home offices
Solid hardwood flooring adds a touch of sophistication to home offices and workspaces, creating a professional and inspiring environment for productivity.
Look to Flooring Galaxy for quality hardwood floors in St. Louis, MO
Solid hardwood flooring offers a timeless and luxurious option for homeowners seeking durability, beauty, and value in their flooring. When choosing the best hardwood flooring in Brentwood, MO and Arnold, MO for your home, consider factors such as wood species, finish options, grade and cut, and installation method to ensure you find the perfect fit for your space.
If you're in the market for solid hardwood flooring, visit or call Flooring Galaxy in Brentwood, MO and Arnold, MO. As a family-run, St. Louis-owned flooring retailer for over 10 years, we proudly serve the St. Louis, Arnold, Brentwood, Webster Groves, University City, and Kirkwood communities. Our team of flooring experts can help you explore the best solid hardwood flooring options and find the perfect solution for your home. Contact us today to learn more and schedule a consultation.
