Nothing adds so much visual interest to homes as
wood floors, but there's more to selecting a hardwood floor than just choosing a color. For instance, one major decision will be whether you want the floor's factory or site finished. Many prefer factory finishes because they know at the beginning what the floors will look like. Others prefer site finish since there are more options and they have better control over sheen.
We're all familiar with solid wood floors, but there's another type of hardwood called engineered wood flooring. It's taking a significant share of the wood flooring industry because it appeals to those who want both beauty and practicality. While solid is one thickness throughout, engineered is layered with a slice of oak, hickory, maple, walnut, etc., at the top. This gives it those attractive characteristics we've all come to expect.
Underneath, however, are at least three (but preferably more) layers of genuine wood combined with a bit of resin and placed in a crosswise position. As a result, the floor is stable and has a better ability to handle water. Like solid, it adds the same value to a home and can be sanded and refinished but, unlike solid, it can be installed in some higher-than-normal moisture areas.