Hardwood

Essentially, there are two types of hardwood, solid and engineered. They type of hardwood you choose will depend on different factors. But first, let’s have a look at the difference.

Solid Hardwood:

This is a solid piece of wood and is usually ¾” thick. It comes with either a prefinished color or unfinished that can be stained to the color of your choice.

Engineered Hardwood:

This is similar to plywood, and comes in various thicknesses, but is usually ⅜” or ½” thick. Engineered hardwood flooring is constructed in layers. It has a top layer that is a hardwood veneer. Beneath that, there are layers of wood. Usually, these are layers of wood (although they are not necessarily the same species as the top layer. The top veneer can vary in thickness. Thicker is usually better.

Choosing the right hardwood:

Subfloor – The first thing to consider is the type of subfloor you have. If you have a concrete subfloor, then engineered hardwood is usually the best choice. Otherwise, your would need to add plywood before installing solid hardwood, which adds to the cost.

Height – The height of the floor relative to other things such as cabinets and doors may have an impact on your decision.

Moisture – Do you live in an area of high humidity? Are you wanting to install hardwood in your kitchen? It is important to note that solid hardwood is more prone to warping when exposed to moisture. Solid hardwood also expands and contracts more, so you may see changes depending on the humidity; especially the wider the boards.

Installation method – Engineered hardwood is more versatile, and can be glued, stapled or nailed, or can be “floated” (fold and lock). Solid hardwood can only be stapled or nailed, and it can not be installed in areas below the ground (i.e. basements).

Sanding and refinishing – This is probably the biggest difference between solid and engineered hardwood. Solid hardwood can be sanded and refinished many times. This means that not only can the color of your floors be changed, they can be kept looking like new forever. Engineered hardwood can only be sanded once or twice, and only when glued or securely nailed.

Durability – While solid hardwood may not hold up as well to moisture, it is more durable than engineered because it is thicker. Well maintained solid hardwood can last a lifetime.

Cost – While it depends on the species and the quality of the wood you choose, in general, engineered hardwood is less expensive. Also, the cost of labor is usually more expensive for solid hardwood. Not to mention, engineered hardwood is easier to install in case you were considering doing it yourself.

Hardwood is still a great long term choice for those who want a return on their investment. Though it is generally one of the more expensive types of flooring, Columbia Floor Source is a great place to find the latest deals on hardwood. We work directly with the manufacturers and we often come across specials, and pass the savings along to you!

West Columbia, SC
2744 Emanuel Church Road
West Columbia, SC 29170
View Map

Phone: 803-520-0044
Fax: 803-520-0043
Email: acdflooring@gmail.com
Hours: M-F: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Hub Plott
Hub Plott
19:52 22 Apr 20
Great price and quick installation. They made it as painless as possible. The work was completed quickly and expertly. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for flooring. You will get good work and products done at a very fair price!read more
Kinsey Faucette
Kinsey Faucette
15:29 02 Oct 19
Great prices and friendly staff!
Private Review
Private Review
02:29 30 Jul 19
Unfortunately, this was a terrible experience. I met with the owner and he lied to me on numerous occasions, and proceeded to blame is staff every time he was confronted. He spent the entire time I was at his store trying to spend thousands of dollars with him on his phone not even paying attention to me. He is only after money and making himself look good. Do yourself a favor and find somewhere else. Don’t be pulled in by the cheap prices. The service you get is not worth. I am still waiting on my floors to be installed this to paid for weeks ago, and was promised they would be installed on a certain date. That date has been moved 3 times and now won’t take my calls. I will be going to the better business bureau. Stay away.read more
Hugh Hugh
Hugh Hugh
13:28 25 Jun 19
Great costumer service, affordable price. Quality materials
mona norris
mona norris
15:08 10 Jun 19
Excellent service and materials. Good prices.
Xaque Williams
Xaque Williams
23:57 01 May 19
This really needs to be a 6/5 stars! From the moment I walked in the door Steven was helpful and welcoming. He was able to show me a product that was in my price range and gave me a quote. I left and came back later that day to purchase and they had all my info on hand. They actually got me a better carpet for a few dollars less than originally quoted! They were able to set up for installation within the short time frame I needed without extra cost. The guys who came out to install did a very fast and professional job! Excellent work! Excellent experience with this company! Would buy here again and recommend to a friend or family member 11/10! Thanks Columbia floor source!!!read more
Brooke Beach
Brooke Beach
23:00 28 Feb 19
Columbia Floor Source did an excellent job replacing all the floors downstairs and my hallway upstairs. The wood floors were completed in two days. They moved our furniture and put everything back properly. Everyone was extremely nice and polite. I highly recommend this company if you are replacing your floors. The price was extremely low compared to other companies and they did an EXCELLENT job!read more
Amy Holland
Amy Holland
21:01 22 Feb 19
I drive by this place every day. Looks like a warehouse but I decided to go in. It's very nice inside. Very friendly staff. Selection was great! They came out free of charge and gave me an estimate the same day. Their price was the best by far!read more
Gary Johnson
Gary Johnson
17:31 05 Feb 19
After wasting a month dealing with Lowes, we decided to try a locally owned shop. Wow! Great customer service! They are extremely knowledgeable, honest, and fairly priced. The flooring looks great, and the workmanship was above and beyond our expectations. Highly recommended!read more
Craig Jackson
Craig Jackson
17:16 31 Jan 19
This place was very clean and the owner made .me feel welcome.they had very reasonable prices.very nice people.
Blane Mays
Blane Mays
14:30 06 Dec 18
Great price and selection. Dustin Carlsen is professional and very informative. Great place for all your flooring needs.
Next Reviews