Hardwood floors in Sarnia, London, and Chatham, ON bring warmth, character, and value to a home. But with so many convincing imitations on the market, it can be tricky to determine if your floors are the real deal.
Whether you're considering buying a home with existing floors or simply curious about your own, here are seven reliable ways to tell if your floor is genuine hardwood:
How to tell if your floor is real wood
#1 Inspect the grain pattern
Real hardwood floors have unique, naturally occurring grain patterns that vary from plank to plank. Look closely for subtle differences in color, knots, and lines. If the pattern appears too uniform and repetitive, it's likely an engineered wood or laminate floor.
#2 Check the edges and seams
Examine the edges and seams between the planks. Real hardwood typically has square edges or tongue-and-groove joints, while laminate and vinyl often have more rounded or beveled edges.
#3 Feel the surface
Genuine hardwood feels solid and warm underfoot, while laminate can feel thinner and slightly hollow. Run your hand over the surface – real wood has a distinct texture with subtle variations, unlike the smoother, more uniform feel of laminate.
#4 Look for nail holes or staples
Real hardwood floors are often installed using nails or staples, particularly in older homes. If you can find a discreet area to check under the floorboards or along the baseboards, you might spot these telltale signs. Laminate floors, on the other hand, are usually installed using a click-lock system.
#5 Test the sound
Tap your heel lightly on the floor. Real wood produces a deeper, more resonant sound, while laminate often sounds hollower and less natural.
#6 Examine the underside
If you have access to a spare plank or an inconspicuous area to lift a board, check the underside. Real hardwood will be solid wood throughout, while engineered wood has a layered construction with a thin veneer of real wood on top.
#7 Ask a flooring professional
When in doubt, the easiest way to know for sure is to consult a flooring professional. They can quickly identify the type of flooring and provide valuable insights into its condition and maintenance needs.
The benefits of real wood flooring
If you do have real wood floors, you're in luck! They offer numerous advantages over other types of flooring:
- Timeless Beauty: Hardwood's natural elegance never goes out of style.
- Durability: With proper care, hardwood can last for generations.
- Increased Home Value: Hardwood is a sought-after feature that can boost your home's resale value.
- Healthier Environment: Unlike some synthetic flooring materials, hardwood doesn't trap allergens or release harmful VOCs.
- Refinishing Potential: Real wood can be sanded and refinished multiple times to restore its original beauty.
Sacwal Flooring Centres is your flooring expert in Chatham, London, and Sarnia, ON
Whether you're looking to install new hardwood floors or need help identifying the type of flooring you already have, Sacwal Flooring Centres is here to help. We proudly serve Chatham, ON, London, ON, and Sarnia, ON. Our team of experts can answer your questions, provide professional advice, and guide you through the entire flooring process.
Call or visit one of our showrooms today to learn more about the beauty and benefits of real wood flooring and discover the perfect option for your home.
