Whether you are building or renovating, your floors will play an integral role in home. Wood has the ability to transform any space, from classic to contemporary, and will give any room a warm, welcoming feel. With that said, if you are looking to install wood floors in your home, there are three basic considerations: Solid Hardwood, Engineered Hardwood and Luxury Vinyl Tile.
SOLID HARDWOOD
As the name implies, solid hardwood is just that – a piece of wood that is milled directly from a log. Typically referred to as hardwood flooring, it was first recognized as an interior design element in 1693/1964. Wood panel flooring was used in the Palace of Versailles (Château de Versailles) when the deteriorating wooden joists below the original marble floor had to be replaced. The heavy washing of the marble floor had lead to joist rot and it was expected that wood flooring would lessen the need for constant washing. To this day, solid hardwood flooring remains a popular choice as it can be refinished numerous times, extending its lifetime beyond the original stain and finish.
ENGINGEERED HARDWOOD
When it comes to wood flooring alternatives that suit bathroom and basement installations, look no further than Engineered Wood Flooring. Engineered flooring overcomes the issues typically seen in hardwood flooring installed under adverse conditions. The multi-ply engineered plank is designed to counteract the potential for warping, swelling, and splitting. Known for its stability, engineered planks offset twisting, do not expand or contract with humidity level changes, and have a higher resistance to moisture. Furthermore, engineered flooring can be laid on virtually any surface. Above or below grade, over concrete or radiant heating, it is truly the versatile floor covering. At Logs End, our engineered flooring products have surpassed industry standards. None of our engineered products off-gas. In addition, our adhesives and stains are formaldehyde-free. We offer ¾” and 5/8” thick planks, with premium lengths up to 12 feet. Every product in the Logs End Engineered Collection can be purchased prefinished or unfinished, wire brushing available. In fact, every wood species Logs End offers can be delivered as engineered.
WHAT ABOUT WOOD-LOOKING LUXURY VINYL TILE?
What to do when you love the look of wide plank hardwood flooring and engineered hardwood flooring, but you worry about the ramifications of using a wood product in a high traffic space, basement or even a commerical setting? Enter the world of Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT), Luxury Vinyl Flooring (LVT), and Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVP). In recent years, Luxury Vinyl products have made a significant entry into the hard surface flooring industry. The material has garnered popularity with homeowners who have high traffic spaces (think large families and/or families with multiple pets), basements (especially rural dwellings, where risk of flooding is greater) and commerical settings. Not only are luxury vinyl tile and planks a cost effective solution, but in many cases the available colours can compliment or closely match traditional and oil finished floors that Logs End supplies.