Wood floors are among the most practical of all floors—they are durable, tough, and natural. Innovations in wood floor construction and installation also make newer floors easier to clean and repair. A good wood floor, well-maintained, will last the life of your home.
There are three main kinds of traditional solid wood floor:
* Strip floors: Boards come in various lengths and widths of 1 1/2, 2, 2 1/4, and 3 1/4 inches.
* Plank floors: Boards come in random lengths and widths, usually 3, 5, and 7 inches.
* Parquet floors: Short pieces of wood are arranged in patterns—typically 12-inch tiles.
The finished floor may be any of several hardwoods, such as red or white oak, maple, beech, or birch; or it may be made of a quality softwood, such as pine or fir.
Laminated wood flooring provides a convenient alternative to solid wood. It’s less expensive because a thin layer of hardwood is bonded to a less costly wood, and it is easier to install because it is prefinished. Additionally, because laminates are made of several layers, they do not have the expansion and contraction troubles of solid floors. The downside is that, unlike solid floors, laminates cannot be sanded and refinished.
