There are three basic types of real wood flooring. Unlike veneers or laminates that consist of a thin layer of wood and synthetic materials the rest of the way through, real wood floors contain wood all the way through. However, there are different manufacturing procedures involved in creating wood flooring. These procedures will affect the overall durability of the wood. Not all flooring types are appropriate for all installation locations.

Solid. Any real wood flooring that is solid from top to bottom is considered a solid wood floor. One main concern with solid wood flooring is that humidity and temperature changes can cause the wood to expand and contract.

Engineered. An engineered flooring material is similar to plywood, where multiple layers of wood are glued together with the grains running in opposite directions. This creates a floor surface that is more stable in humid environments such as kitchens and bathrooms.

Acrylic Impregnated. This type of wood flooring is typically used in commercial applications. It is created by injecting an acrylic compound into the wood. This creates a very hard and durable surface.

Careful consideration of the appropriate real wood flooring type for your installation will ensure that your flooring will look great for generations.

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