There are two types of foundations: plywood (raised foundation homes) and cement slab. It is important to understand the differences between the types of installations that are ideal for each of these foundations. When installing onto a plywood sub-floor a moisture barrier in put down onto the plywood first and then hardwood floors are installed. When performing a glue down application, it’s important to use the proper glue for each type of application.

There are many types of Solid and Engineered hardwood floors available on the market today. Each type of wood varies in hardness, and grain. When choosing solid or engineered hardwood you can find a variety of width, length, and thickness of plank size. Some types of hardwoods available are red or white oak wood, maple wood, birch wood, ash wood, walnut, beech wood, and even exotic woods like Brazilian walnut or Brazilian Cherry. Because wood is a natural material color variation will exist in differing degrees. Each kind of wood will give your floors a different look and feel. Hardwood floors can come in a variety of colors and finishes. They are becoming more affordable and easier to maintain too.

Engineered wood is real hardwood on top of a plywood base. The hardwood top layer portion varies in thickness and in design. Engineered wood ranges from 1mm to 5 mm in top layer thickness. It’s very important to understand that engineered wood can only be refinished if its smooth and if the top layer is at least 2 to 3 mm thick. A high quality engineered wood with a thickness of 5 mm can be refinished 2 x or even 3 x if done correctly, and it can be stained as well.

Hardwood floors are now being developed with sophisticated techniques so that they are even harder and more durable based on the layers of finish they have.

If you want a custom stained hardwood floor, or a hardwood floor to match existing trim than a job-site finish is your answer.

Job-site finish means you start with a bare (unfinished- raw) hardwood floor then the hardwood floor is sanded, stained, and finished in the home. The other advantage of a job-site finish is if you are concerned with uneven heights between planks, the sanding process will smooth out the hardwood floor. Be warned, this can be slightly more in cost, somewhat messier (although dustless sanders are used today) and the process does take several days longer. However, at Advanced Home Contraction our crews are set-up to get the job done most efficiently cost and time-wise.