These days hardwood flooring is often divided into two main categories: solid and engineered. A solid hardwood floor is exactly that—a single piece of wood flooring that is machined to join together. An engineered floor is constructed from a core (usually plywood) and a veneer (a thin layer of hardwood). Although there is more work involved in manufacturing an engineer flooring they offer some advantages in terms of price, durability, and stability.

Would you believe that hardwood is not always harder than softwood? In fact, the difference is actually the type of tree. Hardwood comes from deciduous trees (trees with leaves) and softwood comes from coniferous trees (trees with needles).

Janka rating is a test used by the lumber industry to measure and compare the density of wood species. In general, the denser a floor is, the less likely it is to dent. Of course, it is also important to compare the brands and the type of finish on each product as many concerns are related to scuff marks and scratches.

We’d be happy to provide specific information on your floor, but the most important thing you can do to maintain your floor is to maintain a suitable environment inside the home. Hardwood is hygroscopic which means it will absorb and give off water and most hardwood flooring problems are caused by too much or too little humidity in the environment.

We offer a complete selection of the industry’s best flooring cleaners.