Types

• Buyers can choose from three basic types of wood flooring. Traditional hardwood floors are made from solid planks of lumber, and may be constructed from a variety of different species. Engineered wood floors are made from strips of wood composite products topped with a thin layer of real veneer. Laminate flooring consists of a sawdust and scrap wood resinous base topped with paper and a coating. The paper is printed to resemble wood coloring and grain, but contains no actual lumber or veneer.
  
  

Installation

• Solid hardwood is typically fastened to the subfloor using nails, staples or glue. Each manufacturer will generally provide recommended fastening instructions for both concrete and wood subfloors. Laminate wood is typically installed as a floating system. The planks lock together using a tongue-and-groove connection system, but are not fastened to the subfloor. Engineered flooring is available in both fastened and floating systems, depending on the manufacturer.
  
  

Forms and Finishes

• Most hardwood and engineered products are available in narrow strips that are no more than two to three inches wide. Older wood floors were often sold in the form of wide planks that were a foot wide. This wide plank style was especially popular with pine or other soft woods. Buyers will also find handscraped or distressed wood flooring made to look antique. To achieve this look naturally, consider buying reclaimed wood floors from a construction salvage yard. The finish of all wood floors can vary dramatically depending on species, grain, staining and sealing.
  
  

Benefits

• Traditional hardwood flooring is very durable and long-lasting and can be easily rejuvenated by sanding and refinishing. Engineered wood shares the durability and longevity of hardwood, but also has the added benefit of increased stability and moisture-resistance; it has a more limited capacity to be refinished. Floating laminate closely resembles wood in appearance, but costs fraction of the price. Like other floating systems, laminate floors are quick and easy to repair if damaged or stained.
  
  

Drawbacks

• Buyers must be careful to keep hardwood and laminate dry to avoid moisture damage. While engineered wood can be refinished to an extent, it has only a very thin layer of veneer, so sanding must be done carefully to avoid damage. Laminate cannot be refinished at all, and must be replaced when the finish starts to wear out. It is also much less durable and long-lasting than either hardwood or engineered flooring. Hardwood is fairly expensive compared to other materials, and it can be hard to find matching products to repair the floor.