Hardwood flooring in Easthampton, MA
Embrace nature with an elegant hardwood floor. Hardwood flooring is a popular choice in many households because of its durability and unique characteristics. Hampton Flooring Center carries quality hardwood, bamboo, and cork flooring in a variety of colors and finishes.
Solid and engineered hardwood - What's the difference?
Solid hardwood is the traditional version of hardwood flooring. This features planks made from a single, solid piece of real wood. Engineered hardwood, on the other hand, is made from thin slices of hardwood layered on top of another piece of high-quality wood composite, such as plywood. Engineered wood is often more cost-effective and versatile. It can often be installed on any grade—even in basements.
The durability of your hardwood is determined largely by the thickness of each plank. Other factors include the wear layer and finish. Standard hardwood planks come in a few different thicknesses. A ½-inch or 3/8-inch thickness is common for engineered hardwood planks, for instance. Solid hardwood floors, on the other hand, are much thicker—often ¾-inch, with an added wear layer. This wear layer allows for additional refinishing. This is one major selling point of solid hardwood. Engineered wood can often be sanded, but it's likely only able to undergo a single treatment over its lifespan.
The durability of your hardwood is determined largely by the thickness of each plank. Other factors include the wear layer and finish. Standard hardwood planks come in a few different thicknesses. A ½-inch or 3/8-inch thickness is common for engineered hardwood planks, for instance. Solid hardwood floors, on the other hand, are much thicker—often ¾-inch, with an added wear layer. This wear layer allows for additional refinishing. This is one major selling point of solid hardwood. Engineered wood can often be sanded, but it's likely only able to undergo a single treatment over its lifespan.
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Hardwood styles
Hand-scrapped
When applied to both engineered and solid hardwood floors, the hand-scraped look lends warmth and softness that can give any room in your home or office that age-old feel.
Wire-brushed
With this style, wire brushes glide across each plank, pulling the soft grains up into the wood's surface. This leads to a textured look, yet a smooth feel.
Distressed
With this look, each plank is intentionally and artistically distressed to show age and wear. This look achieves a balance of both the modern styles of today and the antique tastes of yesterday.
Smooth
Smooth hardwood floors add a traditional look and feel to any home or business. This warm look can come in a low-, medium-, or high-gloss finish to achieve the desired look you want.
Hardwood FAQ's
Is hardwood flooring a bad idea if I have pets?
You can certainly have hardwood floors in a pet-friendly home. In fact, you will find hardwood floors in many homes with pets! However, there is always the risk of scratching. Luckily, when scratching does occur, it's usually only in the top layer of the wood surface, rather than in the wood itself. This means it's easy to fix.
Regardless, you should strive to keep your pets' nails or claws neatly trimmed. It is best not to place water or food dishes directly onto your hardwood floor. Consider laying down a mat with a rubber backing to provide maximum protection from any spills that your pet may leave behind.
Can we install hardwood floors in our kitchen?
You can, but you should be aware of the risks. Food or liquid spills can damage the finish and wood grain, which can result in permanent stains. If you're going to opt for hardwood floors in your kitchen, be prepared to wipe up any spills immediately with a clean, dry cloth. If you're vigilant, you can keep your hardwood floors in great shape!
What's better-solid or engineered hardwood?
This comes down to a mix of your personal taste and needs. Solid hardwood tends to be more expensive, but it can also last for many decades and increase the value of your home.
That being said, engineered hardwood floors are just as beautiful and are far more versatile than solid hardwood floors. Engineered hardwood can be installed on any level of your home and it better tolerates changes in moisture and temperature. If you're in need of a more affordable solution, engineered hardwood floors also tend to be more budget-friendly.
Can I use a wet mop on my hardwood floors?
Moisture can damage hardwood floors. If you do use a wet mop, be sure to dry your flooring immediately. Alternately, you can use a dry mop to deal with dust. Any tough, dried-on messes can be addressed with a damp cloth followed by a dry one to ensure no moisture is left on your floor.
You can certainly have hardwood floors in a pet-friendly home. In fact, you will find hardwood floors in many homes with pets! However, there is always the risk of scratching. Luckily, when scratching does occur, it's usually only in the top layer of the wood surface, rather than in the wood itself. This means it's easy to fix.
Regardless, you should strive to keep your pets' nails or claws neatly trimmed. It is best not to place water or food dishes directly onto your hardwood floor. Consider laying down a mat with a rubber backing to provide maximum protection from any spills that your pet may leave behind.
Can we install hardwood floors in our kitchen?
You can, but you should be aware of the risks. Food or liquid spills can damage the finish and wood grain, which can result in permanent stains. If you're going to opt for hardwood floors in your kitchen, be prepared to wipe up any spills immediately with a clean, dry cloth. If you're vigilant, you can keep your hardwood floors in great shape!
What's better-solid or engineered hardwood?
This comes down to a mix of your personal taste and needs. Solid hardwood tends to be more expensive, but it can also last for many decades and increase the value of your home.
That being said, engineered hardwood floors are just as beautiful and are far more versatile than solid hardwood floors. Engineered hardwood can be installed on any level of your home and it better tolerates changes in moisture and temperature. If you're in need of a more affordable solution, engineered hardwood floors also tend to be more budget-friendly.
Can I use a wet mop on my hardwood floors?
Moisture can damage hardwood floors. If you do use a wet mop, be sure to dry your flooring immediately. Alternately, you can use a dry mop to deal with dust. Any tough, dried-on messes can be addressed with a damp cloth followed by a dry one to ensure no moisture is left on your floor.
