Why Hardwood Flooring?

Today's hardwood flooring is designed and manufactured to fit into modern spaces. Outside of 100% wood planks, almost every floor option (WPC, luxury vinyl or laminate) contains visual elements reflecting common species, making the look and feel of hardwood accessible to all. There has always been a search for waterproof hardwood, and these synthetic alternatives are some of the closest options you can get. Whether it is oak, maple or birch, people are always looking for a realistic and natural look that will last.

Aesthetic appeal is what drives consumers to seek out a true hardwood product. While the synthetics are visually close to the real thing, however, nothing can compare to the design, feel and look of genuine hardwood. If you're in the market for solid hardwood, you're in the right place - Georgia Carpet is your discount hardwood flooring source, offering the best selection and some of the business's most recognizable brands.

Engineered vs. Solid Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring is available in two major types: solid hardwood and engineered hardwood. Although both are made of 100% hardwood, they have some notable differences regarding where you can place them, how they respond and refinishing:

Solid hardwood flooring: A solid hardwood floor is sliced right out of the tree in one piece, giving you an unadulterated cross-section visual. This enhances the grain's linear qualities, which run straight down each board for a striking look. Beyond this, each plank has milled tongues and grooves and will likely be stained and sealed for improved water resistance. A solid hardwood floor can also be sanded and refinished multiple times over. This action requires the utmost care when it comes to maintenance and refinishing.

Engineered hardwood flooring: Engineered wood flooring planks include the desired species on the top and bottom and a core consisting of five to seven layers of plywood, each bonded and facing in a different direction. This attribute means your flooring better resists humidity and moisture - and is therefore less likely to warp or buckle. Planks, as well, tend to be wider. This composition means that engineered hardwood flooring is more suitable for installation over concrete subfloors. However, due to the multilayered construction, engineered flooring cannot be refinished entirely; rather, they may be spot-treated in specific areas (if needed). Some engineered styles can be sanded and redone, however, so make sure to look at the care instructions of your selected type before you decide to spruce up your hardwood later on.

The NWFA (National Wood Floor Association) includes engineered hardwood in the "real hardwood flooring" category, even though it has a plywood or an HDF core. The veneer on the top is what drives the product to be categorized by the NWFA as "real" hardwood flooring. It simply has all the stylistic visuals of solid hardwood with a different core.

Other Factors to Consider

Home resale value: Whether solid or engineered, wood flooring adds value to a home. Despite its higher price, it is considered a fabulous investment and is guaranteed to increase your property's value. Your home will possess a timeless look and have an aura of luxury.

Budget: If you're working within a budget, there are cheaper, more durable flooring options available at Georgia Carpet, such as laminateor vinyl flooring, but none are as visually stunning or as luxurious as a true hardwood floor. In this case, consider character-grade flooring - known for displaying visually prominent knots and mineral streaks.

Brand: Shaw Flooringis a hardwood flooring industry leader in both value and price. Shaw Flooring has been in the industry since the beginning, and it has a well-established reputation across all flooring types. Mannington is also a solid choice. With the advent of engineered hardwood flooring over 70 years ago, Mannington has developed a reputation for quality and leading-edge design. In addition to these brands, we also carry hardwood manufactured by American Hardwood, Bruce Kennedale, Chesapeake, Triangulo and Georgia Carpet's own private label. Each choice offers different looks, tones and types that vary from dramatic and rich to light and airy.

Ordering Hardwood Flooring Direct

Ready to take the plunge and purchase hardwood flooring? At Georgia Carpet, we offer a wide selection of discount hardwood, so homeowners and business owners within any budget can easily find what they need. Shopping for hardwood online may seem complicated, but our website makes it easy. Georgia Carpet is an authorized dealer for dozens of industry leaders, and we're one of the top flooring distributors in the United States. Since 1969, our extensive brand selections, our prices and our dedication to customer service have made us one of the best places to shop for all your flooring needs!