| There are several different choices when looking to | | | | absolutely necessary to have it professionally installed. |
| get hardwood flooring, but one of the most durable | | | | There needs to be a gap between the wood and the |
| and attractive is solid oak flooring. Oak has a | | | | wall in order to allow for expansion, which happens |
| reputation for being extremely durable and is one of | | | | naturally to wood in certain temperatures and moisture |
| the hardest woods you can get, but there are some | | | | levels. This is a difficult thing for a do-it-yourselfer to pull |
| things to consider before putting your money into that | | | | off, since it needs to be precisely measured and |
| flooring you might be eyeing at the hardware store. | | | | installed, and shoe molding must be put down as well. |
| There are two options when you are looking to get | | | | The costs of the flooring is expensive enough, but the |
| the hardwood look for your home: solid wood or | | | | costs of installation can be that much more. This alone |
| engineered flooring. Solid wood is as it sounds and solid | | | | is what puts many people off from getting the real |
| oak flooring will look just as wonderful as you would | | | | thing. |
| expect, but engineered flooring does have its benefits | | | | Though expensive, the real thing will last for years and |
| as well. | | | | years. Most retailers will provide a 10 to 15 year |
| Instead of the wood being solid in this type of flooring, it | | | | warranty on it in case of any possible accidents, |
| is actually just a thin panel of actual wood covering | | | | though often that is not even a problem. Oak is sturdy |
| plywood. This reduces costs significantly, and they are | | | | enough to stay perfectly intact in even the most high |
| also much easier to install. The cost for engineered | | | | traffic and busy areas of the home for years. |
| varieties can be just a fraction for the real thing, and in | | | | It is possible to find both real and engineered oak |
| many cases it will look just the same. There is also no | | | | flooring at most home improvement stores, and some |
| need for a professional installation because they come | | | | hardware retailers will carry them as well. It's crucial to |
| in interlocking pieces. That all being said, it is also easily | | | | comparison shop either way, and giving some heavy |
| damaged and there are instances when a piece can | | | | thought as to whether engineered or solid oak flooring |
| come undone or damaged and completely reveal that | | | | will work best with your budget. Both are great options, |
| it is not real solid oak flooring. | | | | but if the budget allows then the real thing is the best |
| The real thing is by no means cheap, and it is | | | | option. |