Hardwood flooring is one of the most popular choices for homeowners seeking warmth, elegance, and long-lasting value. At Genix Flooring, we help customers navigate the many options available, ensuring the final result matches both their vision and practical needs.
If you’re considering hardwood, here’s what you need to know to make the right choice:
1. Choose the Right Wood Species
Each species has its own grain pattern, color range, and hardness level. For example:
Oak is durable and widely available, with a classic grain pattern.
Maple offers a smooth, modern appearance and is highly resilient.
Hickory has a bold, rustic look and is one of the hardest domestic woods.
Think about your lifestyle. High-traffic homes with kids or pets may benefit from harder woods.
2. Decide Between Solid and Engineered Hardwood
Solid Hardwood is made from a single piece of wood and can be sanded multiple times.
Engineered Hardwood consists of a hardwood top layer over plywood, offering more stability in humid environments.
We typically recommend engineered hardwood for basements or areas with varying humidity, while solid hardwood is perfect for above-grade floors.
3. Pick the Right Finish
You can choose between:
Pre-finished: Comes factory-finished and ready to install.
Site-finished: Sanded and finished on-site, allowing for a more customized look.
Matte, satin, and glossy finishes all offer different levels of sheen and wear resistance. Matte finishes are more modern and hide scratches better, while glossy finishes reflect light and provide a more traditional shine.
4. Select the Ideal Plank Width and Length
Wide planks (5” and up) create a spacious, luxurious feel, while narrow planks work well in more traditional or smaller rooms. Random-length boards offer a more natural, rustic look.
5. Understand the Installation Options
At Genix Flooring, our experts handle all types of installation, including:
Nail-down (for solid hardwood)
Glue-down (for engineered wood)
Floating (click-lock systems, great for DIY or faster installs)
We’ll help you choose the best method based on your subfloor and home conditions.
6. Don’t Forget Maintenance
Hardwood is relatively low-maintenance, but you’ll want to:
Sweep regularly to prevent scratches
Use wood-safe cleaners
Refinish every few years (for solid wood)
Keep moisture levels balanced
Our team will walk you through a full care guide after installation.
Conclusion
Hardwood flooring is a big investment—but when done right, it can transform your home and last a lifetime. At Genix Flooring, we offer expert guidance, premium materials, and professional installation to help you achieve the perfect look.
Contact us today or visit our showroom to explore your hardwood flooring options!
