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(410) 788-5919
Flooring Type Comparison
Unfinished - Solid Hardwood
Characteristics
Real wood you can sand and refinish over and over
pros
Real hardwood look & feel/aesthetics
Can withstand multiple re-finishings
Longer lifespan
Higher resale value
Renewable resource
Good insulator
More customizable – color/stain options
cons
Vulnerable to humidity, hardwood is not recommended for below-grade basements
Pre-Finished Solid Hardwood
Characteristics
Real wood you can sand and refinish over and over
pros
Real hardwood look & feel/aesthetics
No on-site sanding/finishing required
Renewable resource
Good insulator
Easy one-day install
Resists more scratches than on-site finishing
Engineered Hardwood
Characteristics
Layered products created of real thin slice of hardwood on top of a high quality plywood base
Can be installed as a floating floor like traditional wood planks or glue down
Appropriate for any floor in any home
pros
Excelling hardwood alternative for concrete and other moist sub-floor environments (ie. Basement)
Real wood finish
Versatile and available in many colors
Can be stained, refinished
Great for use with radiant heating
cons
Fewer choices of wood species vs. solid hardwood
You can sand it but once or twice lightly
Because the surface is thin, its overall durability is not as long as solid hardwood
Laminate
Characteristics
Synthetic wood flooring with a real wood aesthetic with a wide range of choices
pros
Inexpensive
Water resistant (not waterproof)
Low maintenance
cons
Cannot be repaired, refinished or stained
Once damaged, laminate planks must be completely replaced
Luxury Vinyl Planking
Characteristics
Budget friendly flooring option that mimics hardwood with a wide range of styles and options
Good for high traffic areas or spaces that require an elegant finish
pros
Low cost and long lasting
Low maintenance
Good option for bathrooms & kitchens
Usable in heavy traffic areas & commercial buildings
Soft surround absorbent, good insulator
Moisture resistant
cons
Minimal Return on Investment
Cannot be refinished or polished
(410) 788-5919