Hardwood flooring is a premium flooring option valued for its timeless beauty, natural warmth, and exceptional longevity. Unlike Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP), which mimics the appearance of wood, hardwood is crafted from 100% natural timber.
Corey Walker Flooring specializes in hardwood flooring installation and refinishing. With 30 years experience working in homes and businesses from the beachfronts of OBX through historic Edenton and Elizabeth City to the hustle and bustle of Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and all of Hampton Roads.
Types of Hardwood Flooring
There are two primary categories of hardwood flooring, defined by their construction:
- Solid Hardwood: Milled from a single, solid piece of lumber, typically 3/4" thick. Its main advantage is its lifespan; it can be sanded and refinished multiple times over decades.
- Engineered Hardwood: Features a thin veneer of real hardwood bonded over multiple layers of high-quality plywood or fiberboard. This layered construction provides superior dimensional stability, making it less prone to warping in humid environments like basements.
The Pros: Why It's a Top Choice
- Extreme Longevity: Solid hardwood can last 50 to 100+ years with proper maintenance.
- High Resale Value: Homes with hardwood floors typically see a 3% to 5% increase in value. It is widely considered a premium selling point by real estate agents.
- Renewable Surface: Unlike LVP, hardwood can be refinished to change its color or remove deep scratches, essentially making the floor look new again.
- Natural Variety: No two planks are identical, providing a unique grain and character that synthetic alternatives cannot perfectly replicate.
The Cons: Things to Consider
- Water Sensitivity: Hardwood's "Achilles heel" is moisture. Excessive water can cause cupping, crowning, or warping.
- Cost: Hardwood is significantly more expensive than LVP, with materials and installation typically ranging from $6 to $18 per square foot.
- Maintenance: It requires specialized cleaners and is more susceptible to scratches from pet claws or heavy furniture compared to the wear layers of LVP.
Common Wood Species
The durability of your floor depends largely on the wood species you choose:
- Oak (Red & White): The most popular choice due to its balance of durability and affordability.
- Maple: Known for a clean, understated look and high resistance to wear.
- Hickory: One of the hardest domestic woods, making it excellent for high-traffic areas.
- Cherry: Offers a rich reddish hue that darkens beautifully with age.
Interested in Hardwood Flooring? Call Corey Walker Flooring
Corey Walker Flooring is experienced in working with many different species of wood flooring. From beautiful Heart Pine, durable Maple/Hickory, classic Oak to the more exotic flooring choices of Kempas, Ipe, Brazilian Cherry or Australian Cypress. Call, text or e-mail Corey Walker Flooring to set up an appointment for an estimate to see what option is right for you.