How Do I Select the Hardwood Best Suited to My Home and Needs?

Nothing complements any decor, from a rustic look to ritzy elegance, like the beauty of genuine hardwood. Your convenient, local Peek’s Floor Company showrooms carry an extensive selection many types of hardwood, whether unfinished, pre-finished or engineered in a range of lengths and widths. The overall look of the material is important, of course, but you want to keep durability factors in mind as you shop, as well.
We hope this short and simple shopper’s guide will help you keep the details in mind.

Traditional Hardwood versus Engineered

What is Traditional Hardwood?

Hardwood comes from dicot trees – a type of flowering tree – usually found in broad-leaved temperate and tropical forests. In higher latitudes they are mostly deciduous and in subtropic and tropic areas, they are mostly evergreen.
This kind of wood may be used in a variety of objects, most frequently in furniture, flooring or musical instruments because of their density. This density increases durability, while providing an enhanced appearance.

What is Engineered Wood?

Engineered hardwood is composite that increases durability as an alternative to traditional planks. A thin layer of genuine hardwood covers a base of a more durable, man-made material, resulting in planks that are more moisture- and temperature-tolerant than all-wood planks, making them less likely to cup or buckle. The price is comparable, and the look is nearly identical.

How Do I Choose Between Traditional and Engineered Hardwood?

I the space experiences intense temperature fluctuations, especially from full sun, or receives more than normal moisture, engineered woods protect against damage. A kitchen or bathroom will do much better with engineered wood, while a typical living room office or bedroom can feature the most authentic look of traditional hardwood.

Know Your Vocabulary

•  Cup or Buckle: This creates humps or dips in wood planks, caused by frequent changes in temperature or moisture. Cupping is minor and temporary while buckling is major and requires more effort to fix.
• Finish: The finish is the top coating applied to the wood either in the factory or on-site. Different finishes have different durability, VOC content and dry times.
• Finish-In-Place: When hardwood needs to be sanded, stained and sealed after installation, it is finished in place, which allows for custom looks and unrivaled beauty.
• Floating Floor: The installations uses no glue or nails; instead the planks interlock to hold the flooring in place.
• Hardness: Measuring how well a species of wood stands up to indentation, the higher numbers indicate harder, more durable wood.

You’ve picked a hardwood species for your new floors. You’ve chosen your color. Those are the only options you get to pick, right? Take another look at today’s hardwood trends. You have two more choices, plank width and installation pattern, that let you define your style. At Peek’s, we have our eye on the trends in hardwood floor installation that Dallas homeowners want. Take a look at the most popular styles.

Plank Widths

Plank width is the first choice you’ll get to make. Hardwood planks range in size from 2 inches to 10 inches, and different widths create different looks. Pay close attention to what widths the floors you’re considering come in.

• Standard: Standard planks range from 3 to 5 inches wide. Standard width planks are the classic hardwood, and the board distribution hides gaps that form as the wood expands and contracts with time.
• Wide: Wide planks are over 5 inches wide. Today, many manufacturers use a 7-inch wide plank as their brand standard. Wide plank styles are among the most popular types of hardwood floor installation in Dallas. Wider planks create a more opulent look, but gaps from expansion and contraction can be more apparent. The wider the plank, the more of an investment the floor will be.
• Thin: Thin planks are less than 3 inches wide. They conceal expansion gaps, and they create a distinctly modern look. Because manufacturers can make the planks from a little perfect piece here and there, they tend to be the least expensive.
• Mixed: Mixing and matching plank widths, like standard and thin or wide and standard, is gaining popularity. It adds contemporary flare to traditional spaces and visual interest to the clean lines of modern designs. Some brands offer mixed widths right out of the box, but in other cases you’ll need your installer’s input on how much of which widths to buy.

Classic Straight Patterns

Once you have your width chosen, you can decide how you want the planks laid. Installation patterns range from classic straight to complex designs. The more complex you get, the more you’ll have to invest in your installation, but getting that perfect look is worth it.

Classic straight installations run parallel to your walls. They draw the eye in the direction of the planks. The finished look is clean, contemporary and lets the grain of the wood shine through.

Know Your Patterns: Diagonal

Diagonal patterns are laid at a 45-degree angle to your walls. It’s a great way to get a luxury look while maintaining a simple, inexpensive layout. Diagonal installations also “open up” a space and are a great way to draw the eye to features like a corner fireplace.

Know Your Patterns: Parquet

Parquet flooring is making a grand comeback. Parquet floors consist of wood ’tiles’ arranged in geometric patterns. Parquet adds instant visual interest and can be incorporated into both modern and traditional designs. Because installation was so complex and expensive, this classic style was once the definition of opulence. Today, getting parquet hardwood floor installation in Dallas is more affordable than ever before.

Today’s parquet floors come in pre-cut, tongue-and-groove tiles for quick installation. If you’re looking to go all-in on a custom look, you can have practically any parquet pattern custom cut. Parquet designs can be large, medium or small format. Squares of a single color installed with the grains alternating direction is the simplest parquet pattern, but the designs can get intricate. Inlays, complex patterns, multiple stain colors and even mixed wood types are all possible.

Know Your Patterns: Herringbone

Herringbone or chevron floors are laid with thin strips of hardwood positioned in a zig-zagging pattern. The pattern can run either parallel or diagonal to your walls, and the planks can be short or quite long for a grand look. Herringbone floors are magnificent and a fantastic way to blend traditional and modern design elements.

Traditional herringbone floors are staggered for a floor that looks almost woven, but they can also be laid in square modules as a type of parquet floor. Herringbone parquet tiles that come pre-assembled are the least expensive way to achieve a herringbone look.

Custom Patterns

Practically any pattern you envision can be installed in your home. Inlays, entryway showpieces, diamond patterns and more are all possible. Keep in mind that most custom patterns will need to be installed as finish-in-place hardwood, but it gives you the opportunity to customize stains and get a one-of-a-kind look. If you know you want something special but aren’t sure where to start, Peeks can you create a custom hardwood floor installation for your Dallas home.

Flooring is one of the most enduring investments in your home. Go the extra mile and do something special. Contact Peeks for more information on plank widths and installation patterns.

Visual clutter is out. Simple, soothing minimalism is in. Over the past few years, more and more people have been embracing the idea of clean design that highlights select, favorite materials and just a few beloved items. If you love the idea but don’t want to give up your farmhouse elements, you’re in luck. A growing trend is pulling rustic and natural flare into minimalist design. As you shop for flooring, keep in mind how you can coordinate your plans for wood floor installation with this next Dallas design favorite.

Crisp Neutrals, Barnwood Textures

Using a bright, crisp neutral tone as your primary wall color is the foundation of minimalist design. White is a popular choice, but don’t feel limited. You can define your palate with calm beige, natural gray, earthly brown or even relaxed, muted colors.

These clean neutrals show off the colors and rough-hewn texture of wooden ceiling beams, reclaimed wood furniture and rustic floors. When you plan wood floor installation for your Dallas oasis, consider hand-scraped or wire brushed hardwoods to get that textural pop. Deep woods make the biggest statement against pale walls, but blonde woods are nice and sunny. If you like to keep things cozy, think about matching a medium wall tone with a paler floor. Pale gray woods will keep your space looking open without cooling it down too much.

Natural Stone, Industrial Details

In glosses and mattes, stone is becoming one of the most popular ways to add natural textures without looking “busy.” Paired with metallic, industrial details like bronze or nickel, it can easily blend both contemporary and countryside aesthetics.

White and gray marbles with brass are the biggest trend for upscale design. You might think the pairing is too “ritzy” to go Dallas rustic, but paired with medium-toned woods and white walls, it looks spectacular. Slate and steel or copper is an easier combination to work in. Think slate tiled walls with metal light fixtures, banisters or chair legs.

Save Your Furniture, Change the Upholstery

If you already have a few furniture pieces that reflect your down-to-earth sensibilities, don’t replace them just because you want some cleaner design. Take a step back and decide if you can make them work. Simple changes, like paint and upholstery, can marry your crisp and country tastes.

Upholstery often makes the biggest difference. Minimalist design favors monochrome fabrics. It doesn’t have to be pale. If the rest of your decor is pale, dark sahdes can look great. You can also use upholstery to make your color statements in an otherwise neutral palate. Go ahead and use that bright red or navy blue. If you want to go neutral, think textured fabrics. It gives that natural feel without being too bold.

Going Gray

Gray is still going strong in minimalist palates. Think gray is boring? Take a second look. It’s one of the most versatile shades in the paint section. There are purple-grays, green-grays, red-grays and orange-grays. You can warm up or cool down your palate without adding a strong color or add a bright or deep shade without going too stark with black and white.

Gray hardwood is one of the darlings of minimalism, and it’s a golden opportunity to bring in classic Texas flare. Today’s hardwood options mean you can even carry it all the way into your kitchen. Getting engineered wood floor installation for your Dallas kitchen or basement gives you the look you want with the moisture tolerance you need.

Staying Inspired

Not sure what else to do? These ideas will help keep your design fresh:

• If your home has good architecture, draw attention to it. Minimalism loves good lines. Highlight features like exposed beams, high ceilings and beautiful moldings.
• Choose one or two natural materials to showcase prominently. Wood, stone, linen and plants are good foundations. If you go with two, make sure the shades either contrast or compliment for a cohesive look.
• Pay attention to your light fixtures. They’ll stand out in minimal designs, and they’re an easy way to introduce rustic features.
• Remember to stay de-cluttered. Shy away from busy patterns unless they’re going to be complimented by pure surroundings.
• Don’t forget wool, sheepskins and cowhides for throws, rugs and pillows.
• Don’t be afraid to contrast materials. Glossy, manmade countertops look amazing next to a stark, stone backsplash. Hand-scraped hardwood looks regal next to acrylic and chrome.
• Mixing metals, even wood tones, can work if you plan for it. Bring everything together with complimenting upholstery, fittings or accessories.

At Last! Scheduling Wood Floor Installation in Dallas

When you have a design in mind, Peek‘s flooring professionals can help you find the hardwood to match. Stop by one of our showrooms today to browse our incredible selection of hardwood floors.

When it comes to hardwood floors, you know quality when you see it. The colors are deeper, each plank looks handcrafted and you can easily imagine flooring like it in a grand estate or penthouse suite. What makes high end hardwood stand out from the crowd? Our shopping guide will make you a pro at spotting key details when you browse luxury hardwood flooring in Frisco, TX.

What Makes Hardwood “High End?”

If you put good quality and high end hardwood side by side, most people can pick out the upper tier option immediately. Explaining how you can tell is harder. Luxury hardwood seems to radiate grandeur. The subtle perfection of high end hardwoods is part of their expert craftsmanship.

There are a number of factors that set them apart, including:

• Richer, more dynamic colors within each plank
• Better color consistency between planks
• Fewer flaws in each plank
• Magnificent grain lines that exemplify the species
• Exotic species available
• Hand-scraped and distressed textures
• Small details like edge beveling
• Wider, longer plank availability
• Multiple finish options, including matte finishes
• More durable factory finishes on prefinished hardwood
• More durable cores in engineered hardwood
• Better warranties

Clear and Distinct

All lumber is graded based on the “clarity” of the pieces, meaning how often natural defects like knotholes appear in the wood. Fewer defects means “clearer” wood and a higher grade. The lumber isn’t graded based on an inspector’s opinion. They follow a complex series of measurement requirements set by the National Hardwood Lumber Association. High end hardwood tends to use more expensive, higher grade lumber to ensure a consistent look across their planks.

High end manufacturers are also selective about the lumber batches they use. While lower and middle tier hardwood options may show subtle grain differences between species, you’ll see each species’ classic characteristics shine through in upper tier brands. These manufacturers know that if you’re looking at cherry wood, you expect a soft, straight grain. If you’re looking at walnut, you expect a swirling grain with rich tonal variations. They choose lumbar batches that exemplify their species to give you the most impressive visual impact.

Deep and Consistent

Wood stains are a mixture of colorants suspended in oil or solvent that allow them to penetrate wood and set a new, permanent color. Luxury hardwood manufacturers often blend their own stains or use multi-step staining processes that impart deeper, richer tones in stained woods. These custom stains use more pigments, match the right pigments and solvents to the right woods or allow the wood to age to enhance stain absorption.

While you look at different brands of hardwood available in Frisco, TX showrooms, pay close attention to the color from plank to plank. In monochromatic plank styles, where each plank is meant to be the same color, you’ll notice that some brands seem to have more color variation between planks. High end brands use a variety of techniques, from pretreatments to custom staining, to ensure consistent color.

About Distressed Finishes

Nothing sets luxury hardwood apart quite like a hand-textured finishes. These craftsman looks have become a must-have in recent years, especially for rustic interior designs, but few people appreciate the artistry that goes into the process. A true hand-textured finish ensures no two planks look the same. Light plays beautifully across your floors, and their natural beauty shines through.

Hand-texturizing uses a variety of tools, including metal brushes and hand scrapers, to distress or scrape hardwood planks. Middle-tier brands may mechanize this process, but luxury hardwood brands employ artisans to finish each plank by hand. The artisans “read” every board and bring out its character with hand-aging and the addition of natural-looking “flaws” like worm holes.

Exotic Hardwoods for Your Frisco, TX Home

If the look of classic hardwoods isn’t for you, high end brands can offer new options in their range of exotic species. You don’t have to have a modern home to enjoy them. Many species, like acacia and teak, can give you a new twist on rustic hardwood floors.

In addition to unique grain patterns, like the swirled cappuccino of acacia and bold sweeps of hickory, many high end hardwoods boast distinctive hues like rich reds you can’t find in other species. Many are also more dense and durable. Brazilian cherry, for instance, is twice as hard as traditional red oak. Your investment practically protects itself.

At Peek‘s, we have one of the widest ranges of high end hardwood flooring available in Frisco, TX. From Italian luxury favorite Bella Cera to Texas native Trinity, you can find brands that set the standard of luxury hardwood. Visit us today to see the difference for yourself.

When you have a lot of space to cover, finding a good price on amazing carpet can be a lifesaver. From new builds to home remodels, it can be hard to go hunting for good carpet deals when your hands are full with other projects. Getting that whole-home carpet you want doesn’t have to be difficult. Shopping prepared and choosing the right supplier will set you on the right track to stress-free carpeting buying.

Have Accurate Measurements

Nothing is worse than having picked the perfect carpet for your budget only to find out you made a mistake. Your square footage estimate was off, and there isn’t enough of the special, discontinued color you fell in love with for your rooms. Accurate measurements can save you from headaches, heartaches and hassle.

Professional measurements are the best way to ensure you have the right numbers. If you plan in installing your carpet yourself or want to be able to order any carpeting on-the-spot, it may be worth having professional measurements done before you shop. In other cases, online calculators and guides to tricky areas will help you generate a more accurate ball park number. Your installer can take more precise measurements after you’ve chosen your carpet.

Have Multiple Rooms Done At Once

Most families have at least a few rooms that either need new flooring now or will in the near future. When the budget is tight, you might be tempted to have some rooms updated now and save the rest for later. It sounds good on paper, but it can end up costing you a pretty penny in the long run.

Carpet installation is a simple process with a lot of considerations. Your installation costs reflect necessities like cleanup, hauling and disposal fees for old flooring. If you update your carpeting in three installations over a year, you’ll end up paying three sets of hauling and disposal fees. All that money adds up, and you could be spending it on upgraded carpeting or other household projects instead. You can also end up missing out on carpet deals like multi-room price breaks, brand specials and discontinued products.

Multi-room installation is ideal whenever possible, so take a look around your home before you shop. It might be worthwhile update even mildly stained, damaged, worn or outdated carpeting while you’re at it.

Play Matchmaker

No one says you have to put the same carpet throughout your entire home. In fact, the ideal carpet for your bedroom might not be the best choice for your living room. You can maximize your budget and carpet longevity while minimizing maintenance concerns by matching the right carpet to the right area.

Focus your budget in high-traffic rooms that need maximum stain resistance and durability. Carpeting that’s easy to maintain but feels good underfoot is worth the splurge in these areas, especially if you have pets or kids. Off-the-beaten path rooms like guest rooms and offices, on the other hand, will be just fine with a budget-friendly choice.

Room by room, ask yourself:

• How much foot traffic does this room see?
• Are stains a concern? Do you want a warranty to cover staining?
• Will this carpet see a lot of dirt?
• Is fading due to sun exposure a concern?
• Do pets and kids regularly access this room?

Flooring Specialists Have the Best Carpet Deals
It’s easy to think that only your carpeting matters, not where it comes from, but your supplier can make a big difference in your buying experience. With years of experience in just flooring, you can count on a flooring specialist to:

• Be able to answer all of your questions
• Help you find ways to accommodate your budget, needs and style
• Offer solutions to unique challenges, like water problems, more efficiently
• Carry the widest selection of products
• Provide a trustworthy, reasonable estimate upfront, not hide inflated material costs behind deceptive “flat fee installation” promises

You’ll notice a difference in installation, too. Carpet specialists like Peek‘s keep a number of brands and colors in stock for quick installation scheduling. Specialized installers know how to tackle challenges that arise on job sites, and you won’t see sloppy work like bubbling or obvious seams. Flooring specialists stand behind their products. If you have a problem or need help filing a claim under your carpet’s warranty, they’ll know exactly what to do.

If you’re overwhelmed by your options, the best thing you can do is talk to a flooring specialist. The pros you’ll meet at Peek‘s showrooms have years of experience helping families in the DFW Metroplex find the right flooring fit. Stop by today and talk to one of our specialists about your carpeting project.

You’ve chosen the perfect wood flooring from our Frisco TX showroom, had it installed and are loving every inch of it. Now it’s time to clean it, and you want to do everything you can to keep it lustrous and scratch-free. Yes, there is a wrong way to mop a floor! But with our Peek’s pro tips, you can keep your floors in fabulous condition.

Protection Comes First

Once you’ve installed new wood flooring in your Frisco TX home, put down your first line of defense. Door mats outside and floor mats inside will catch water and grit before it gets all over the floor. Grit will scratch up your finish, and water will make your planks swell up and warp. Be quick to mop up spills when they happen as well.

Sweeping

Invest in a good quality broom to pick up dirt and dust on a daily or weekly basis. Avoid dusting cloth “sweepers” that collect dirt and dust on a pad. The pads can drag grit over the surface of the hardwood, scratching up the finish and pushing the grit into the spaces between planks.

Your vacuum cleaner won’t do the best job on a flat floor, but the hose attachment can be your best friend. Use it to suck up stubborn dirt around baseboards, under furniture and deep between planks.

Mopping

To tackle stubborn dirt and bring the shine back to your floors, mopping is often necessary. Good technique is essential for protecting the health of your floor’s finish and the planks themselves.

• Choose a flat, swivelhead mop with terrycloth pads. They’re washable, easy to change out and environmentally safe.
• Use a spray bottle of cleaning solution instead of a bucket. Prolonged moisture exposure can dull finishes, cause cracks and warp planks. Using a spray bottle gives you control over how much liquid is put down so you can mop it all up as you go. You want to leave dry hardwood behind you.
• Change out our pad for a fresh one as soon as the old one looks grimy.

Cleaning Solutions

For finish-in-place hardwood, plain old water or a specialized floor cleaning solution is the best choice to keep your hardwood looking brilliant. Prefinished floors each have their own manufacturer recommendations. If you purchased your prefinished wood flooring at our Frisco TX showroom or another location, feel free to give us a call and ask us which cleaner to use.

DO use:

• Plain water: When in doubt, always use water.
• Specialized hardwood floor cleaner: Brands recommended by your installer are best. Check to make sure if there are types recommended by your floor’s manufacturer. Eco-friendly options are usually available

DO NOT use:

• Vinegar: Even diluted, the acid in vinegar will eat way at your finish.
• Ammonia or Bleach: Ammonia and bleach can tear up your floor’s finish. Don’t use them directly on your floors, and try not to use cleaners containing bleach or ammonia on windows or other surfaces directly above your hardwood.
• Oil soap: All oil soaps, including Castile soap, can destroy your finish.
• Wax-based cleaners: In addition to dulling the finish, waxy buildup can trap dirt and make it harder to refinish your floors later.
• Mineral oil cleaners: These make your floors look shiny for a day or two, but it also makes them dangerously slick. These cleaners often have words like “glow” in the name.
• Olive oil: Like mineral oil, olive oil’s temporary glow also means temporary slickness. Olive oil also tends to “dry down” sticky, meaning you’ll have even more work to do later.
• DIY wood polishes: Factory sealants and finish-in-place urethane don’t mix with DIY “polishes,” which are usually wax- or oil-based. They can dull the finish, cause buildup and potentially ruin your flooring.

Restoring the Glow to Wood Flooring in Frisco TX

If you notice your floor’s finish is looking worse for wear, ask a floor services pro about screening and recoating. This process restores just the protective topcoat, revitalizing luster and prolonging the life of your hardwood with minimal work.

If the damage has gone through the stain to the bare wood, refinishing can bring your floors back to life. Refinished floors are sanded to bear wood, restained and sealed again. You have the opportunity to change up your stain color, and even some engineered wood can be refinished. You can also replace just a few boards if the damaged area is limited.

Hardwood floors aren’t tough to take care of once you establish a routine. Keep grit off, water away and the right tools on-hand. If you have any questions, just drop us a line. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have about caring for hardwood flooring.

What Flooring Can I Use In My Kitchen, Bathroom and Basement?

We want every room in our house to be welcoming and stylish. Kitchens, bathrooms, basements and laundry rooms are all higher humidity areas that need moisture-tolerant flooring, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice design. At Peek’s Floor Co., we want you to have the decor you crave throughout your home. We’ve put together a unique selection at our Richardson flooring showroom that will let you have practically any look in any room. Take a look at these great options and see which one suits your needs.

Why Is Moisture A Problem?

High humidity can cause certain flooring types, especially hardwood, to expand and shrink has moisture levels fluctuate. Some fluctuation is fine, but drastic, daily changes like steamy showers or water seeping into damp basements can put stress on the floors. This can result in warping, cracking and buckling that can only be repaired by replacing the affected area.

Some floor types are more suited for moisture than others. From lowest to highest tolerance, they are:

1. Engineered hardwood
2. Laminate
3. Luxury vinyl
4. Tile

Engineered Hardwood

Engineered hardwood gives the look of genuine hardwood with a little extra moisture tolerance. In terms of price, it’s usually on the higher end of the scale.

It’s made using a thin layer of real hardwood over a more durable base like fiberboard or strandwood. This core material is denser and less porous, meaning it absorbs less water than pure hardwood. It can withstand some extra humidity when taken care of.

Engineered hardwood can be used in:

• Well-sealed basements
• Some kitchens

Engineered hardwood can’t withstand constant high humidity or standing water. It should only be used in watertight basements and kitchens were appliances like the dishwasher are in good working order. The surface hardwood is still susceptible to moisture damage, so spills need to be wiped up immediately. Ask one of our Richardson flooring melamine infused into the core layer, and most are further bolstered with aluminum oxide in the topmost layer.

Laminate can be used in:

• Well-sealed basements
• Kitchens

Laminate is still susceptible to damage from constant humidity, but some varieties are more spill-tolerant than engineered wood. These options have their sides sealed with wax or other coatings to resist damage from water that seeps into the gap between floorboards. Ask a Richardson flooring specialist for more details.

Luxury Vinyl

To get the most authentic hardwood look with the highest moisture tolerance, luxury vinyl is the way to go. The newest options feature gorgeous printing and texturing at a price lower than hardwood and even most laminates.

Because it’s made of a polymer material, vinyl offers superior moisture resistance. It’s also soft, comfortable and not as cold underfoot as other flooring.

Luxury vinyl can be used in:

• Kitchens
• Basements, even damp ones
• Laundry Rooms
• Mud rooms
• Bathrooms

Vinyl is available in three styles and two price points. Luxury tiles and planks offer the most authentic look. Vinyl sheeting is the least expensive out of all options, and it’s a great choice if you need something temporary.

Tile

Think outside the bathroom. Tile is perfect for any room that sees a lot of humidity and a lot of mess. It’s not only about glazed porcelain. Think stone, patterned tile planks and more.

Tile is easy to clean and looks gorgeous when carried over large spaces. It can even flow from the outdoors in. It never warps due to moisture exposure, but you will want to make sure you use stain-resistant types in areas like the kitchen.

Tile can be used in:

• Kitchens
• Basements
• Laundry Rooms
• Mud rooms
• Bathrooms

Glazed tile is the most stain-resistant, and porcelain and quartz are the most durable. If you don’t want to worry about dirty grout, opt for tile shades that look good matched with darker grout and tiles that can be installed with minimal grout lines.

It can be frustrating when we have our heart set on a flooring choice, like hardwood, only to find out it doesn’t perform well in certain conditions. Luckily, today’s options mean you never have to choose between form and function again. Come check out the choices at Peek’s Floor Co.’s Richardson flooring showroom today.

When you have a home project to do, how do you like to approach it? Do you want maximum control over every factor? Or do you want it to look fantastic in the quickest way possible? This is the basic choice you face when choosing between prefinished and unfinished hardwood flooring. As you shop for hardwood floors in Flower Mound, both types will be readily available to you. It’s up to you to weigh the pros and cons.

What’s the Difference?

Unfinished hardwood is sold as unsanded, unstained and unsealed planks waiting for customization. It’s also called “finish-in-place” hardwood because it’s installed before it ever sees sandpaper. It’s upfront costs are less expensive, but it’s more expensive to have installed professionally and harder to DIY.

Prefinished hardwood is sanded, stained and sealed in a factory. Each plank is ready to walk on as soon as it’s installed. It’s more expensive upfront, but it’s less expensive to have installed professionally and easier to DIY.

Both types are available in practically every type of wood you can imagine. If you have a wood species in mind, you’ll be able to find it in Peek’s selection of hardwood floors in Flower Mound.

Finish-In-Place: Pros and Cons

Finish-in-place is widely considered the gold standard for home hardwood flooring. It looks virtually seamless once installed, and many believe the subtly of color possible and thinner sealants used bring out wood’s natural beauty the best. However, it’s time consuming and expensive to install, and the finishes aren’t as durable.

Pros:

• Unparalleled customization: Any stain colors you want can be installed in any pattern you want with whatever finish you want.
• Match existing wood: Custom-blended stains can be made to match existing moldings, furniture in nearby rooms or historical models.
• Flush finish: Wood that’s sanded in place has a uniform look without the micro-bevels of prefinished wood.
• Great for new construction or big renovations: Flooring can be installed but left unfinished until all risk of construction damage has passed.
• Cheap out of the box: You’re only paying for the wood out of the box, not stain or finishes. You have the freedom to explore price options for finishing yourself.
• Dynamic color: Some factory finished floors have dark, saturated colors that aren’t as dynamic as hand-applied stain.
• More base options: Certain plank sizes and wood species may only be available unfinished.

Cons:

• Time-consuming installs: Depending on your stains and patterns, it can take a few days to get your flooring in place. Then, it can take stains and finishes over a week to fully cure and be ready for feet and furniture.
• Thinner finishes: Finishes applied on-site are rarely as durable as factory finishes.
• Dust: Sanding is a messy process, and the dust will travel to other rooms.
• Bigger installation fees: Longer installs cost more to begin with, and extras like custom stains further add to costs.

Prefinished: Pros and Cons

Because it arrives ready to go, prefinished is fast becoming one of the most popular hardwood floors in Flower Mound. It installs quickly and is ready to walk on the moment it goes in. Plenty of colors and styles are available, even some with distress textures.

Pros:

• Ready to go: As soon as it’s laid, it’s ready to walk on.
• One-day installs: With no extra steps involved, even a large room can be finished in just one day.
• Tougher finishes: Factory finishes can be UV-cured or mixed with specialty ingredients, making them stronger, longer-lasting and often protected by manufacturer warranties.
• Low order, low VOC: Because there’s no polyurethane involved, there’s no odor and better indoor air quality associated with prefinished installs.
• No dust: No sanding means no dust. The most that will need to be cleaned up are some boxes and trimmed planks.
• Great for high traffic areas: Because it’s tough, ready instantly and installs without a big mess to clean up, it’s perfect for areas that see a lot of foot traffic.

Cons:

• Micro-bevels and dark coloring: Factory finishing gives the edges of prefinished planks a slight bevel and more saturated coloration. Some people don’t mind or even like this look, but others find it inauthentic.
• Fewer options: Your choice is limited to what woods, plank sizes and stains the manufacturers offer. Some colors are staple, but others are determined by current trends.
• More expensive out of the box: Because most of the work is already done, the planks can be pricy.

Installing Hardwood Floors in Flower Mound

No matter which type you choose, professional installation will give you the cleanest look and best results. Peek’s Floor Co. has experienced hardwood, carpet, and tile installers ready to help you with your next flooring project. Give us a call today to schedule your in-home estimate or stop by our showroom to browse our range of hardwood choices.

If you’re shopping for hardwood floors in Dallas TX you’ve likely come across the term “engineered hardwood.” It’s often sold right alongside regular hardwood, but what’s the difference? Engineered hardwood is a more eco-friendly, moisture-friendly and temperature-flux tolerant alternative to regular hardwood. They’re about the same price, so if you’re set on the warmth of wood flooring for your home, engineered flooring is an option worth exploring.

What is Engineered Hardwood?

Engineered hardwood is the flooring version of veneer furniture. A thin layer of regular hardwood, like oak or walnut, is cut and placed on a sturdier base material. The base material is often treated, man made or otherwise manipulated to make it more resilient than any natural wood is alone. The resulting planks look like hardwood but withstand temperature and moisture fluctuations far better than plain hardwood.

What are the Benefits?

Engineered wood offers the same surface durability and longevity that traditional hardwood does, but the benefits don’t end there. Engineered wood has a few extra tricks up its sleeve.

With base prices comparable to traditional hardwood, engineered wood is:

• Warp-Resistant: Engineered wood is designed to hold its shape over time better than traditional hardwood. Maintaining traditional hardwood floors in Dallas TX can take some work. Extreme, dry heat can cause boards to buckle and crack over the years. Because engineered hardwood has only a thin veneer of its primary wood, it can more readily withstand temperature extremes.
• Moisture-Resistant: The core of engineered wood can withstand moisture more readily than hardwood, making it a great choice for kitchens and even some basements.
• Cheaper To Install: Interlocking and “floating” engineered choices are often significantly cheaper and faster to install than traditional hardwood
• Real Wood: Unlike laminate hardwood, which just replicates the look of wood, engineered wood uses a layer of real wood. You can’t beat the real thing.
• Eco-Friendly: Dozens of veneer strips for engineered wood can be made with the same amount of hardwood it takes to make one traditional plank. It conserves trees and gives slow-growing hardwood groves more time to recover from harvesting.
• Hundreds of Options: The wood options for engineered wood are almost limitless. Because it only takes a thin sheet of the real wood, luxury wood options may be more affordable than they would be as a solid hardwood plank.

Are There Disadvantages?

If you’re liking what you’ve heard so far, you’re in luck. There are no major disadvantages to engineered hardwood. For many people, the decision often comes down to a sense of authenticity. Some people simply like knowing that they have solid hardwood floors. If it makes no difference to you, or you prefer to stay eco-friendly no matter what, engineered wood is likely your best choice.

There are a few factors that can come into play between different brands and price points of engineered wood. These factors may never be an issue when you shop high quality brands, but it’s important to be aware of them.

• Veneer Thickness: Value brands sometimes have ultra-thin veneers that can’t be sanded and refinished to buff out scratches or change the color. Even thick veneers can only be refinished a limited number of times, but most people will never refinish their floors often enough for it to matter.
• Core Layers: Your veneer is all about appearance. The base is what makes it good, solid floor. The base the veneer is laid on must be made out of a quality material for your floor to have longevity. Low quality brands cut corners on discount materials that are more likely to warp.
• Off-Gasing: All engineered wood is made with glues, resins and finishes that can potentially off-gas. If indoor air quality is a concern for you, it’s important to choose higher grade brands that are properly sealed and possibly certified low-VOC.

At Peek’s, we understand the quality local homeowners expect and the weather conditions your flooring will have to withstand throughout the seasons. We stock premium, worry-free engineered hardwood floors for Dallas TX homes.

What About Maintenance?

Like traditional hardwood, engineered hardwood can’t be wet mopped. Sweeping and polishing are the way to go. Good quality veneer can be refinished when it starts looking dull and scuffed. Interlocking brands have an added bonus. If one panel gets seriously damaged, you may be able to remove and replace just the damaged area. It’s a good idea to buy an extra box of planks if you opt for this type of floor. Ask about interlocking options at our showroom for more information.

If longevity or conservation are your top priorities, engineered hardwood is an ideal choice for your home. If you’re interested in browsing engineered hardwood floors in the Dallas TX area, stop by Peek’s Floor Co. today.