As a flooring retailer who has been in the industry for over 20 years, one of the most popular customer requests is for real hardwood flooring. But, what is real hardwood? Learn about real hardwood flooring, what this means, and how to tell if a floor is real wood with your go-to San Diego, CA hardwood flooring store, Geneva Flooring.
Is it all “real wood”?
Yes! Whether you're talking about engineered or solid hardwood, both are made from real wood. The difference lies in their construction and how they interact with your home's environment.
What “real hardwood” means to us
When customers ask us for real hardwood floors, we typically assume they mean solid hardwood. Solid hardwood is precisely what it sounds like – solid planks sliced directly from a tree. It's a beautiful, natural option that can last generations with proper care.
However, solid hardwood is more susceptible to expanding and contracting with changes in humidity. This makes it a better choice for homes with raised foundations and plywood subfloors, where it can be nailed down securely.
Real hardwood vs engineered hardwood flooring
Engineered hardwood flooring is a fantastic solution for our Southern California climate, and is mostly what we have. It goes over concrete subfloors and needs to be acclimated. Likewise, it can be installed in just 24 hours after being delivered to a job site.
It features a thin layer of real wood on top, bonded to a multi-layered core made from wood veneers or plywood. These layers are cross-hatched for exceptional stability, resisting expansion and contraction in varying humidity levels. This stability makes engineered hardwood perfect for installation over concrete subfloors, which are common in our region. With a moisture barrier and the right adhesive, you can achieve a beautiful, durable hardwood floor without the worries associated with solid wood.
How to tell if your floor is real wood: 4 tips
Examine the Wood Grain: Real wood showcases natural variations in its grain pattern. No two planks will look exactly alike. Imitations often repeat the same grain pattern across multiple boards.
Check for Imperfections: Knots, mineral streaks, and other slight imperfections are characteristic of real wood. While imitations may try to replicate these, they often lack the organic randomness of natural wood.
Inspect the Edges: Real wood planks typically have square edges or tongue-and-groove profiles. Laminate and luxury vinyl flooring often have beveled or rounded edges.
Tap the Floor: A hollow sound may indicate a floating floor with a synthetic top layer, while a solid sound suggests real wood.
Visit Geneva Flooring in San Diego, CA for high-quality hardwood flooring
Choosing the right wood flooring for your San Diego home is an investment in both beauty and functionality. Whether you're leaning towards the timeless elegance of solid hardwood or the climate-friendly stability of engineered hardwood, we're here to guide you.
For a deeper dive into the world of hardwood flooring, I invite you to explore our YouTube channel, where you'll find informative videos and helpful tips. And if you're ready to see the beauty of real wood up close, visit our Geneva Flooring showroom in San Diego. We're happy to discuss your project, answer your questions, and help you find the perfect flooring solution for your unique needs and style.
