When a home is built, it encloses tons of aspirations. With whatever finance is available, a family strives to make it stunning and comfortable. Among the numerous floor treatments, wood still holds the victorious primary position. But wood just like other products too has both pros and cons. All you need to do is comprehend where you can apply the wood and the areas you should prefer to laminate over natural wood.
Kids generally have a fascination towards matching up things. Even your wife may tag along in the adorable process of insisting you to install solid wood all over the house. Before you make a decision, discuss things with your family and try to make them understand the possible risks. It is better to consider the consequences first, than lament on witnessing the undesired aftereffects later.
The Varieties You Can Reach
Hardwood: Direct from nature, hardwood possesses the genuine alluring texture of grains. Accessible in Red Oak, White Oak, Walnut and Maple the wide solid wood planks have waxed edges to resist moisture. From wheat golden, dark brown, graphite, bronze to shades of alcohol; solid wood can be installed in tongue and groove manner to respond better against expansion and shrinkage.
Engineered: This man made alternative consists of multiple layers; where the visible uppermost layer consists of hardwood veneer with waxed micro beveled edges. The top layer in Maple or Red Oak comes in diversified colors of olive, natural wood, toffee, golden and brown. The click lock system allows the engineered floor to float and settle even though the sub floor is not fully ready.
Laminate: Laminate too evolved out of human brain as multi-layer flooring. But unlike hardwood and engineered flooring, it is entirely synthetic. The widened planks of laminate floors contain imprints of Oak, Pine, Jatoba, Maple and Hickory in colors of grey, chocolate, brown and slate. The layer with impression of wood is protected by the wear layer, made resilient to moisture, scratches and dents. Wax on the present on the edges prevents creaking.
The Suitable Areas of Utilization:
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- Hardwood is natural and will get undoubtedly affected by change in moisture. When humidity will lessen down in winter, the hardwood will shrink and create gap. Similarly, in summer with increase in humidity the solid wood planks will expand by absorbing moisture and result in splits. You can imagine what will happen if you install it in basement and water filled bathroom and kitchens.
- Engineered wood with the presence of many ply layers has cross structural stability, which makes it more resistant to gaping. Hence, it can be applied in basements but still bathroom and kitchen should be struck off in the list. With proper ventilation and avoidance of spilling unnecessary water, engineered floors are cost-effective solutions compared to hardwood.
- Laminate created artificially is highly sturdy and not a breathing flooring substitute. Instead, with dense core layer reinforced with resin and defensive wear layer, it works wonder in areas with high traffic and exposed to water. But, unlike hardwood and engineered wood, laminated floors cannot be sanded and refinished. Its longevity is also less in comparison to both.
Made to be pampered, hardwood is suitable for living and drawing rooms, where the captivating looks of real wood works like an artwork. Both hardwood and engineered wood can be refinished and repaired whenever required and can be a part of your home for many years to come. Laminate on the other with its inbuilt strength is suitable for all rooms. Climate control is crucial for all these three variations and they should never be made a part of outside patios or decks
