Beautiful & Durable Wood Flooring
Whether your home or business in Santa Fe, NM, needs unfinished, pre-finished, or engineered hardwood, the unmatched natural beauty of wood flooring comes in a variety of types and styles to fit every need and budget. Color, width,
texture, hardness, all are considerations when exploring the vast assortment of characteristics
wood can bring to your home or office, whether it be warm and inviting, or polished and
professional. Explore the many options available to you from our extensive selection
along with our solid, engineered, and locking engineered foundations.
What type of wood flooring is best for your home?
The best type of wood flooring for your home will depend on your personal preferences, budget, and the specific requirements of your space. However, here are a few options that are popular among homeowners:
Solid hardwood flooring: Solid hardwood is made from a single piece of wood and it can be sanded and refinished multiple times, which increases its lifespan. It’s a good option if you have a stable indoor environment (controlled temperature and humidity), as it can expand and contract depending on the moisture level.
Engineered Hardwood: Engineered hardwood is made up of several layers of wood and other materials, which makes it more stable than solid hardwood. It is also less likely to expand or contract due to changes in humidity. It’s a good option if you have subflooring issues or if you live in an area with fluctuating humidity levels.
Bamboo: Bamboo flooring is a popular eco-friendly alternative to traditional hardwood. It is made from a rapidly renewable grass that can be harvested in as little as 3-5 years. Bamboo flooring is also harder than most hardwoods and is suitable for high-traffic areas.
Laminate: Laminate flooring is made up of a printed image of wood grain that is glued to a composite base. It is more affordable than solid and engineered hardwood, but it can be less durable and not have the same look and feel.
Cork: Cork flooring is another eco-friendly alternative to traditional hardwood. It is made from the bark of the cork oak tree, which regenerates after harvesting. It’s a good option if you want a natural and sustainable flooring option, it’s also soft, warm, and quiet.
It’s important to note that choosing the right type of flooring also depends on the purpose of the space. For high traffic areas, such as hallways and living rooms, it’s good to go for hardwoods or engineered hardwoods for durability.
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What are the different levels of wood flooring?
There are four different levels of flooring quality to choose from. These levels are determined by the thickness of the wear layer, the type of wood used, and the quality of the manufacturing process. Here is an overview of the different levels of wood flooring:
- Select: Select wood is the highest quality level available. It is made from the finest woods and is the most durable. The wear layer (the top layer of the flooring) is thick and of good quality, making it resistant to scratches, dents, and stains.
- #1 Common: The #1 Common level is a high-quality level and only one step below Select. It is made of high-quality wood and has a thicker wear layer than the lower grades. The #1 common has a more consistent color and grain patterns.
- #2 Common: The #2 Common level is a step below the #1 Common level. It is still made of high-quality wood, but the wear layer may be slightly thinner, meaning it may be more susceptible to scratches and dings. The #2 common level usually have some small knots or other natural characteristics that are visible.
- Cabin-grade: The cabin-grade level is the lowest level of quality. It is made of lower-quality wood, may have more defects like knots, and has a thinner wear layer. It is often used in cabins, workshops or other areas where appearance is not important.
What level of wood flooring is the most affordable?
The most affordable level would be cabin-grade but there are a few affordable options you can choose from. One option is engineered wood which is made from multiple layers of wood, with a veneer of real hardwood on top. This type of flooring is more stable than solid hardwood, and it can be less expensive.
Laminate flooring can also be an affordable alternative to hardwood, as it is made from composite materials and can have a similar look and feel to hardwood, but it is typically less expensive.
It’s worth noting that all levels of quality may still vary between manufacturers, it’s recommended to inspect the flooring, check the warranty, and read the product specifications before making your decision. Our Absolute Flooring experts can help you in the decision making process. Contact us today.
