Click lock: a modern take on traditional tongue and groove
Here, the pieces snap together to mat.
Traditional tongue and groove also form a mat, but it needs to be nailed to the subfloor. Then, when floors float, the mat hovers over them without adhesives or nails.
Floating engineered wood flooring can also be installed over any subfloor. It just needs to be clean, dry, and level.
Underlayments are usually used with floating hardwood floors; your flooring expert will advise you on the best.
Solid vs. engineered wood flooring
On the surface, solid and engineered hardwood flooring looks similar. But, with engineered, you'll have your beautiful oak (or whatever your species of choice is) floors with knots, undertones, swirls, and raised grains.
The only difference is the construction underneath. Solid has one slab, but engineered is layered with some resin.
The layers are then placed in a crosswise position. This makes your engineered hardwood stable and better able to handle water.
Pros of both solid and engineered hardwood floors:
- Both solid and engineered wood flooring in Portsmouth, NH, last decades. Solid has been known to last up to 100 years, while engineered can last up to 50.
- Both can be refinished. Keep in mind, however, that thickness matters, especially with engineering. Thickness affects the number of times the floor can be sanded. Therefore, it's recommended that the engineered floor be at least ¾-inch to ⅝- inch.
- Engineered wood is less prone to warping, cupping, and crowning. Solid can be affected by damp and humid conditions.
Over 30 years of flooring experience in New England
It doesn't matter if you plan to install hardwood flooring, carpet, tile, vinyl, or another surface; you can always count on the professionals at Portsmouth Quality Flooring to stay with you from start to finish.
Visit us in Portsmouth, NH. Our inventory includes top brands like Fabrica, Bruce, Hallmark, and more. We work with homeowners and businesses in Portsmouth, Greenland, New Castle, Rye, North Hampton, Newmarket, Exeter, Stratham, NH, and York and Kittery, ME.
