Hardwood Flooring Frequently Asked Questions

Hardwood floors offer several advantages over alternatives:

• Longevity: Significantly outlasts carpet (7-10 years average lifespan), vinyl, and laminate
• Value: Adds more to home resale value than any other flooring type
• Renewability: Can be refinished to look like new again
• Environmental Impact: A sustainable, renewable resource unlike petroleum-based products
• Healthier Living Environment: Doesn't trap allergens like carpet

Yes. Hardwood flooring is one of the most environmentally friendly flooring options available:

• It's a renewable resource that can be sustainably harvested
• Many domestic hardwoods are grown and harvested under strict forestry management practices
• The industry plants multiple trees for each one harvested
• Hardwood floors can last for generations, reducing replacement waste
• At the end of their useful life, they're biodegradable

• Solid Hardwood: Made from a single piece of wood throughout, typically 3/4" thick. Can be sanded and refinished multiple times. More susceptible to expansion and contraction with humidity changes.
• Engineered Hardwood: Features a real hardwood veneer layer over plywood or high-density fiberboard core. More dimensionally stable with less expansion and contraction. Refinishing potential depends on wear layer thickness.

For a detailed comparison, see our Solid vs. Engineered Hardwood guide.

While hardwood is versatile, there are some limitations:

• Solid hardwood should only be installed at or above grade level (main floors and upper levels), never in basements or directly on concrete slabs.
• Engineered hardwood can be installed at any grade level including basements when proper moisture barriers are used.

Kitchens are suitable for hardwood with proper maintenance, but full bathrooms generally aren't recommended due to high moisture exposure.