What is considered a hardwood floor?

What counts as hardwood

A hardwood floor is a floor surface made of real wood. That includes two main types: solid hardwood and engineered hardwood. Both use actual wood for the top layer, which is what gives hardwood its look, feel, and ability to be refinished. Hardwood is not the same as laminate or vinyl plank, which are built from composite materials and printed surfaces.

Solid hardwood versus engineered hardwood

Solid hardwood is a single piece of wood from top to bottom. It can be sanded and refinished multiple times over its life. Engineered hardwood has a real wood veneer on top of layered plywood or a stable core. Engineered floors are less sensitive to moisture and temperature changes, and high-quality engineered planks can still be sanded and refinished once or twice depending on the thickness of the wear layer.

How a hardwood floor is put in place

Proper subfloor preparation, plank layout, and protective finish coats are critical for a long-lasting result. A good installation starts with a flat, dry, and secure subfloor. Plank layout considers room traffic, visual patterns, and transitions to other rooms. The finishing stage uses protective coats that seal the wood and protect against everyday wear. Gramer Flooring installs, repairs, sands, stains, and refinishes both solid and engineered hardwood, following these essential steps to ensure durability and appearance.

Repairing and refinishing

Hardwood’s big advantage is that it can be restored. Repairs can replace damaged boards or address localized issues. Sanding removes surface wear and prepares the floor for a new stain or finish. Staining changes color while still showcasing wood grain. A professional refinishing process applies protective finish coats to lock in the look and protect against scuffs and moisture. These services extend the life of the floor and return it close to its original condition.

What to expect for life and care

Hardwood responds to humidity and temperature, so maintaining a stable indoor environment helps prevent gaps or cupping. Regular cleaning with products made for hardwood keeps the finish working effectively. When wear shows through the finish, sanding and recoating restore the surface without replacing the floor.

Ready to talk hardwood?

If you own a home in Mason, OH and want to know whether your floors are true hardwood or want professional installation, repair, sanding, staining, or refinishing, Gramer Flooring can help. We handle all work in-house and focus on proper subfloor preparation, plank layout, and protective finish coats. Call Gramer Flooring at (859) 663-7678 or visit gramerflooring.com to learn more or schedule a consultation.