Wood Flooring

Things to Consider When Choosing Hardwood Flooring

Solid or Engineered

• Solid wood flooring is made up entirely of wood. Typically measuring 3/4″ thick. Standard widths begin at 2-1/4” wide and come in many different widths. Solid wood flooring can be sanded and refinished numerous times before it becomes too thin, thus compromising its structural integrity if well-maintained solid wood flooring can last for decades. Solid wood flooring is not recommended in areas where moisture is prevalent or over radiant heat.
• Engineered wood flooring is a layered wood product made from a thin veneer of hardwood on top of high-quality plywood. The thickness ranges from 3/8″ to 1/2″. Widths can go up to 7-1/2″. Engineered wood cannot be sanded and re-finished as much as solid wood due to the thin top layer. However, engineered flooring can generally be used in places solid wood is not recommended. For instance, engineered flooring handles moisture better because of its dimensionally stable plywood base. Engineered flooring is recommended for use over radiant heat, giving you the look of solid wood flooring with the stability you need.

Finishing

Wood flooring comes both pre-finished and unfinished. Pre-finished flooring has a factory-applied finish, which adds ease to the installation with a relatively low mess. It ensures a consistent finish.

Unfinished flooring is sanded and finished on-site, which can help seal the seams between floorboards. There are also different texture options, like a wire brush finish. This may help hide general wear and tear.

We have many different samples available at our stores to choose the floor. It is important to remember that tones and hues change over time with any natural product. We can help you choose the one that’s right for you.

Species

There are many different species available for flooring. Options include but are not limited to pine, oak, hickory, maple, douglas fir, ash, southern yellow pine, and cherry. The harder the wood, the more durable it is.

Softer woods like pine scratch and dent easier than harder woods like maple. Each has its own characteristics and look. It is best to look at samples and understand each kind’s value.

Grades & Milling

Two significant factors in the appearance of wood flooring are the lumber’s grade and how it was milled. Different grades can make each species appear different. The color variation, number of knots, and graining patterns may vary.

Additionally, lumber can be quartersawn or plainsawn. Plainsawn likely shows more variation in the grain patterns on the surface of the wood. Quartersawn flooring has a uniform graining pattern.

Wood Flooring Available

We offer a variety of wood flooring from many manufacturers, including:

Lauzon Flooring

For 30 years, Lauzon has been passionate about revealing the beauty of the wood. Lauzon offers many different species from maple, cherry, birch, walnut, mahogany, oak, and beyond. Also available in various collections of engineered, herringbone-patterned, or solid wood. There are many options to choose from, including 3/4″ engineered flooring. Learn more about Lauzon Flooring here. 

Maine Traditions

Maine Traditions Hardwood Flooring produces prefinished, unfinished, and engineered flooring. Maine Traditions aims to maintain old-world craftsmanship while embracing technology, allowing them to improve their products continually. With three collections available in many different species, grades, sizes, and finishes, you are sure to find something to meet your needs. Learn more about Maine Traditions here. 

Robbins Lumber

Robbins Lumber, located in Searsmont, Maine, offers a variety of pine flooring options. They mill wide plank flooring that can be anywhere from 12 to 18″. Additionally, they offer southern yellow pine flooring in 4, 6, and 8” widths. Learn more about Robbins Lumber here. 

Somerset Flooring

Somerset manufactures flooring from Appalachian hardwood. With a wide range of unfinished and prefinished flooring, Somerset offers anything from sleek, modern styles to rustic, light-textured choices. Somerset processes millions of board feet of lumber each year.

Somerset maintains control over the entire process. They provide a consistent and quality product, from lumber manufacturing to drilling, milling, and finishing the hardwood. Learn more about Somerset Flooring here.