Hardwoods: Solid Vs. Prefabricated
When it comes to residential flooring, there are a bunch of options, but hardwood will always be one of the most popular. Hardwood is not only popular because it is stylish and durable, it is also a top choice because it comes in a wide variety of price ranges. That is, you can find more expensive, more luxurious products along with price-point products that rival the cost of just about any other type of flooring. This article specifically looks at two different types of hardwood floors that are on the opposite end of the price scale.
Prefabricated Floors: The Affordable Choice
Prefabricated floors are the most common and affordable. Even within the prefabricated category, there are a wide range of styles that all come with different durability and maintenance requirements. For instance, you can find prefabricated hardwood that has a laminated finish for super easy maintenance and durability. Prefabricated products with raw hardwood tops are very popular among homeowners who want the floor to look more natural and rustic.
All prefabricated floors are made out of several layers of wood that are glued together, and they have some sort of interlocking or tongue-and-groove system. The systems are made for the easiest possible installation. In fact, this is why so many pre-fabricated floors are sold over the counter at home improvement stores. Installing your own prefabricated hardwood is definitely a manageable remodel project, but it is still demanding and should not be taken lightly.
Solid Hardwood Floors: The Expensive Choice
Hardwood floors are on the opposite end of the scale. These are products that are made out of one, solid piece of wood. They are completely natural and they do not have interlocking edges. This means that the planks need to be professionally installed and mitered, one-by-one, during the installation process. Many homeowners who choose raw hardwood floors like them because you can use planks of varying widths. This creates a more dynamic, random, and natural looking hardwood surface. The main drawback to raw hardwood floors is that they are more susceptible to warping and water damage. They also need to be sealed and stained to protect from moisture and wear. Nonetheless, they remain very popular in luxury construction because they are custom and the fact that they use real hardwoods its very attractive to buyers.
In the end, solid hardwood is really only practical for people who can afford it and who are willing to undertake the extra maintenance. Talk to an interior designer for more help.