Explore our hardwood flooring collection

Solid vs. engineered wood flooring: which should you choose?

Both solid and engineered hardwood flooring feature genuine wood surfaces, but they're built differently.

Solid hardwood is crafted from a single piece of wood and is an excellent choice for living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, and other above-grade spaces. One of its biggest advantages is that it can typically be sanded and refinished multiple times over its lifespan.

Engineered wood flooring features a real hardwood veneer bonded to multiple layers beneath it.

This construction improves dimensional stability, making it a great option for concrete subfloors and areas where humidity levels fluctuate.

Which hardwood species should you choose?

Every hardwood species has its own appearance and performance characteristics.

Oak remains a favorite thanks to its durability and attractive grain. Maple offers a smoother, cleaner appearance that's ideal for modern spaces. Hickory is one of the hardest domestic woods and features bold natural variation, while walnut creates a rich, elegant look with darker tones.

Choosing the right species depends on your style preferences, household activity, and desired level of durability.

What hardwood color is right for your home?

Hardwood flooring color shapes the look of your entire space. Light floors make rooms feel larger, medium tones offer timeless versatility, and dark hardwood adds warmth and richness. Natural wood tones remain a popular choice because they complement a wide range of design styles.

Which hardwood texture should you choose?

Texture adds character and affects how your floors wear over time. Smooth wood flooring creates a clean look, while hand-scraped, wire-brushed, and distressed styles add depth and help conceal everyday wear.

Which hardwood finish works best?

The finish impacts both appearance and maintenance. Matte finishes hide scratches and dust well, satin offers a soft sheen and easy upkeep, and semi-gloss creates a brighter, more polished look. Choose the finish that best matches your style and lifestyle.

Which hardwood flooring installation method is best?

Nail-down installation is commonly used for solid hardwood over wood subfloors. Glue-down installation works well for many engineered hardwood products installed over concrete. Staple-down installations offer another secure option for solid and some engineered hardwood installed over wood subfloors.

Professional installation helps ensure proper acclimation, subfloor preparation, and a beautiful finished floor that performs as expected for years.

How do you maintain hardwood floors?

Wood floors are easy to maintain with a simple routine.

Sweep or dust mop regularly to remove dirt and grit that can scratch the finish. Vacuum using a hardwood-safe attachment when needed, and clean periodically with a manufacturer-approved hardwood cleaner. Avoid excessive moisture and harsh chemicals that can damage the wood.

Protect your investment by placing felt pads under furniture, using entry mats to reduce tracked-in dirt, and wiping up spills promptly. Maintaining consistent indoor humidity also helps minimize seasonal expansion and contraction.

Your home for the best hardwood flooring in Oklahoma City, OK 

Since 1986, Carpet Masters, LLC  has helped homeowners across Oklahoma find quality flooring at outstanding values. We believe selecting new floors shouldn't be stressful. Our knowledgeable team provides straightforward recommendations, quality products, and dependable service while making the entire process as easy and satisfying as possible. It's that commitment to our customers that keeps families returning year after year.

Frequently asked questions about hardwood flooring

Is hardwood flooring a good investment?

Yes. Hardwood floors offer long-lasting beauty, excellent durability, and can increase your home's resale value.

What's the difference between solid and engineered hardwood flooring?

Solid hardwood is made from one piece of wood and can usually be refinished multiple times. Engineered wood flooring uses a layered construction for greater stability while still providing a genuine hardwood surface.

Which hardwood species is the most durable?

Hickory is among the hardest domestic species, while oak and maple also provide excellent durability for active households.

What hardwood color is most popular?

Natural, light, and medium-toned hardwood floors remain the most popular because they complement a wide range of design styles.

Which hardwood finish hides scratches best?

Matte and satin finishes generally hide scratches, footprints, and dust better than high-gloss finishes.

How long does hardwood flooring last?

With proper care, hardwood flooring can last for decades. Many solid wood floors remain beautiful for 50 years or longer.

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