Discover the beauty of hardwood flooring

What is the difference between solid and engineered wood flooring?

Solid hardwood flooring is made from a single piece of real wood. It provides classic hardwood beauty and may be sanded and refinished multiple times, depending on its thickness and condition.

Engineered hardwood flooring features a genuine hardwood surface over multiple supporting layers. Its layered construction provides additional dimensional stability when temperatures and humidity levels change. Engineered wood flooring may also provide greater installation flexibility depending on the product and subfloor.

Your ideal option depends on where the flooring will be installed, your home's environment, your budget, and your design preferences. We can help you compare both constructions.

Which hardwood species should you choose?

Wood species influence your floor's grain, color, hardness, and natural variation. Popular hardwood species include oak, maple, hickory, and walnut.

Oak wood flooring is a longtime favorite because of its distinctive grain and versatility. Maple generally offers a smoother, more subtle appearance. Hickory has bold grain and color variation that can create a rustic look. Walnut provides deep brown tones and sophisticated character.

Consider appearance and performance together. The right species should complement your interior while fitting the amount of everyday activity your floors experience.

What hardwood flooring colors are available?

Hardwood flooring is available in colors ranging from light natural shades and honey tones to medium brown, rich espresso, and gray-brown hues.

Light hardwood can make rooms feel brighter, larger, and more relaxed. Medium brown is timeless and coordinates easily with many decorating styles. Dark hardwood creates contrast and can give a room a dramatic, upscale appearance.

Before choosing, consider your cabinets, countertops, walls, trim, and furniture. Flooring covers a large visual area, so selecting a versatile color can help your home feel more cohesive.

How does hardwood texture affect your floor?

Texture can dramatically change hardwood's personality. Smooth flooring creates a clean, refined surface. Wire-brushed hardwood flooring highlights the natural grain for subtle dimension. Distressed or scraped textures provide more rustic character and a lived-in appearance.

Texture may also affect how noticeable minor wear becomes. Floors with visible grain and surface variation can sometimes disguise small marks better than highly smooth flooring, which may benefit active households.

Which hardwood flooring finish is best?

Finish influences both sheen and style. Depending on the hardwood collection, choices may include matte, low-gloss, satin, semi-gloss, and higher-gloss finishes.

Matte and low-gloss finishes provide a natural, understated appearance and may make dust or minor surface marks less noticeable. Satin adds a gentle sheen without looking overly reflective. Higher-gloss hardwood creates a more polished, formal look.

Think about your decorating style, household traffic, and maintenance expectations when selecting a finish.

How do you clean and maintain hardwood floors?

Routine care helps protect hardwood flooring and preserve its natural beauty. Sweep, dust mop, or vacuum regularly to remove dirt and grit that could scratch the surface. Clean spills quickly and use a hardwood cleaner approved by your flooring manufacturer.

Avoid excessive water, abrasive cleaners, harsh chemicals, and steam cleaning unless the manufacturer specifically approves them. Too much moisture can damage wood.

Place mats near exterior doors to trap dirt. Add protective pads beneath furniture legs and avoid dragging heavy furniture across the floor. Maintaining consistent indoor humidity can also help reduce excessive expansion and contraction.

Always follow the care instructions provided for your specific hardwood flooring.

See why our hardwood flooring store is a local favorite

For more than two decades, The Carpet Guy has served homeowners in Taylorsville and surrounding communities.

As a Shaw Design Center, we support Shaw flooring and offer competitive pricing. Our hardwood selection includes Anderson Tuftex and Shaw Floors, providing beautiful options for a range of home designs.

Our team can help you compare solid and engineered hardwood flooring, species, colors, textures, and finishes to narrow down your choices.

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