Just because something is labeled a hardwood doesn't mean they all have the same strength levels. Some softwoods can be harder than some hardwoods. This is where lifestyle comes in: If you have pets, large families, or a lot of foot traffic, you may have extra durability needs.
Also, consider decor; domestics are harvested within the US. Exotics tend to be darker, dramatic, and very strong and are harvested in locations like Brazil, Indonesia, and Africa. Wider planks are currently trending and are more traditional. Because of the size, they display the knots and swirls a little better, but if you're installing in a small room, you may prefer a narrower plank.
Think about installation. Solid is a tongue and groove insert, followed by nailing, gluing, or stapling. It is not recommended for installation over a concrete subfloor because of the dampness issues. Engineered offers a floating floor technique that is fast and uncomplicated: The pieces click together to form a mat, which then hovers over the subfloor with no nails or glue. It is acceptable for installation over concrete.
If you're a homeowner in or around Walled Lake, Sylvan Lake, Plymouth, MI, or Nashville, TN,
visit our showrooms there to learn more about hardwood and our excellent floor installations. We boast about our commitment to superior work and will give a no-obligation quote on wood flooring to cities like Walled Lake, MI, Flushing, MI, Detroit, MI, Flint, MI, Novi, MI, and more.