Wood flooring improves the look of any home’s interior. Smart consumers need to understand each of the types of flooring sold by Cincinnati wood floordealers to make their best flooring choice.
Laminate
Laminate wood flooring is not wood flooring at all. There is no wood. It is made of several levels of compressed fiberboard that has a photograph of wood as the final layer. It is then finished with a protective coating to prevent damage and add a finish to the laminate flooring.
Solid Hardwood
These floors are comprised of hardwood planks and are usually between 18 mm to 20 mm thick. They are installed in tongue and groove method. The harder the source wood is, the more durable the floor is and less prone to wear, gouging and scratches. Hardwood floors can be sanded and refinished many times to maintain their beauty. The limitation on how many times a floor can be refinished is directly related to the depth of the tongue from the plank’s top. Solid hardwood flooring is not as easy to install as laminate and is most likely left to a Cincinnati hardwood flooringcompany to install.
Cork
Cork is harvested from cork oak tree bark and it is considered environmentally friendly as it is a renewable flooring source. Walking on cork is different from walking on other wood flooring. Cork has some bounce or give and is more comfortable. Unlike wood, cork absorbs sound so rooms are quieter. Cork is also bug-resistant and hypoallergenic. Unlike hard wood, it cannot be refinished and its softness lends itself to damage from heavy furniture. It should be professionally installed by a Cincinnati hardwood flooring firm.
Bamboo
Flooring made of bamboo originates from bamboo grass that is usually found in Asia. Like other hardwood floors they come many finishes and styles. Bamboo is naturally moisture-resistant.Like cork, it is environmentally friendly as it quickly regrows. Also like cork, it is softer than traditional hardwood and thus comfortable for standing on for long periods. It too absorbs rather than reflects noise. Although bamboo flooring is durable, its softness makes it prone to dings and scratches from things that would not bother a true hardwood floor. Bamboo, as it is brittle cannot be refinished. Installation is best done by a Cincinnati wood floor company.
Engineered Hardwood Floor
An engineered hardwood floor is created by gluing together three to four layers of wood to make a 14 mm plank. On top of this base, a wood about 4 mm thick is then glued. This allows for the floor to be refinished a few times before the top surface is exposed. Bamboo is unlikely to be affected by humidity or temperature. It is a very good alternative to other products sold by Cincinnati wood floorcompanies.