What is Hardwood?

Hardwood comes from deciduous trees, giving it strength, density, and natural beauty. Each plank has a unique grain and texture, making every floor distinct. Hardwood can be installed solid or engineered, with a variety of finishes and designs to suit any home.

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Hardwood Types

Solid Hardwood – One piece of wood through its thickness. Can be sanded and refinished multiple times. Best for rooms with consistent humidity.
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Engineered Hardwood – Multiple layers of wood bonded together. More stable in basements or over concrete. Looks and feels like solid wood but handles moisture better.

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Site-Finished vs Prefinished

Prefinished Hardwood – Sanded and finished at the factory for faster installation and less mess. Most common in modern homes.

‍Site-Finished Hardwood – Sanded and finished on-site. Offers complete customization and seamless joints but takes longer to install.

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Common Species vs Exotics

Common Species – Oak, hickory, maple, and walnut. These woods are durable, widely available, and versatile for most rooms. Oak is strong and resists wear, hickory is tough for high-traffic areas, maple is light and modern, and walnut is darker with a rich, warm tone.
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‍Exotic Species – Brazilian cherry, mahogany, teak, and others. Exotics offer unique colors, grains, and textures, making them ideal for statement spaces or accent areas. They are typically harder and denser than common species but may require more attention for refinishing.

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Design Styles

Plank – Traditional long boards for a classic look.
Herringbone / Chevron – Patterned layouts that create visual interest.
Wide Plank – Fewer seams, a more open, elegant appearance.
Mixed Width – Adds texture and a unique design feel.

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High-Traffic & Room Considerations

Some species are better suited for heavy-use areas. Oak and hickory stand up to hallways, kitchens, and family rooms, while walnut or exotics shine in formal or aesthetic-focused spaces.

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Underlayment & Installation

Underlayment plays an important role in both the feel and performance of your hardwood floors. It adds a layer of cushioning for comfort, helps reduce noise, and protects against moisture that can damage wood over time.

The type of underlayment used depends on your subfloor and environment. For example:

Foam underlayment is often used under floating engineered hardwood for sound reduction and a bit of cushion.

Felt underlayment offers more density and insulation, often chosen for solid hardwood nailed or stapled to wood subfloors.

Rubber or cork underlayment adds premium sound control and moisture protection, making it ideal for multi-level homes or condos.

Vapor barriers are sometimes added under the underlayment in areas where moisture could be an issue, like basements or concrete subfloors.

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Installation varies by floor type and subfloor condition:

Nail / Staple – Standard for solid hardwood over wood subfloors.

Glue-Down – Common for engineered hardwood over concrete.

Floating – Boards lock together and sit over underlayment, great for engineered hardwood on existing floors.

Each method and underlayment combination is chosen to ensure your hardwood performs well, feels solid underfoot, and lasts for decades.

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Maintenance & Refinishing

Hardwood is easy to maintain with regular sweeping or vacuuming. For scratches or dull spots, refinishing restores beauty and extends the floor’s life. Prefinished floors require less immediate care, while site-finished floors allow customization in finish type (matte, satin, or oil).

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Product Warranties

All hardwood products come with manufacturer-backed warranties covering defects and finish durability. Coverage and length vary by species and product, but our team can explain details before purchase.