Nothing adds so much visual interest to your home as hardwood floors do. They are classic and timeless, never going out of style. Shopping for any flooring can be overwhelming, so here are a few simple things you should know.

Affordable Carpets and More! has over 40 years of experience in the industry, and people never cease to be amazed by this floor’s gorgeous undertones. Those are secondary colors that give the wood a subtle shade, such as a reddish hue for mahogany or a slate blue one for gray. When coordinated with your wall and upholstery colors, artwork, or a view, your room will have a special glamorous atmosphere.

Solid and engineered hardwood

There are two types of wood flooring, solid and engineered hardwood. Engineered is taking a large share of the wood flooring industry because it attracts those who want both beauty and functionality.

The only difference between the two is construction; rather than one solid slab throughout the floor, engineered is layered. That layering gives it stability and a better ability to handle excess water. Both types add the same value to a home, can be refinished, and have that warm, sophisticated elegance.

Thickness matters in hardwood

This is true for either solid or engineered hardwood because it affects the number of times each can be sanded and refinished. Solid ranges from ⅝ to ¾ inch. Because engineered is layered, the thickness combines both the veneer (top sheet) and core. That ranges from ⅝ to ½-inch.

* Species. The most popular ones are oak, maple, cherry, walnut, and hickory. Keep in mind that there are two kinds of oak: red and white.
* Installation. With solid, it’s just one kind. The installer first inserts the tongue and grooves, then the floor is nailed or glued. Engineered adds the floating floor technique; pieces click together forming a mat that then hovers over an existing subfloor.
* Care. Contrary to popular belief, wood floors are easy to care for with a vacuum and periodic polishing.

For more information about hardwood flooring or any of our other products and services, visit the Affordable Carpets and More! showroom in San Jose, CA., serving San Jose, CA, Campbell, CA, Saratoga, CA, Santa Clara, CA, and Los Altos, CA.