How to judge the quality of solid wood flooring? A friend recently rented a house that had simple white floor tiles, which were neither stain-resistant nor non-slip. Disappointed with the flooring, my friend expressed a desire to find a house with wooden floors next time.

In a previous article, I covered various types of flooring, but it's evident that many people still prefer wooden floors. Apart from marble tiles, other materials such as laminate flooring mimic wood grain patterns, and nowadays, even ceramic tiles can replicate wood grain thanks to technological advancements.

When it comes to choosing wooden flooring, many families find themselves at a crossroads. Today, let's delve into the realm of hardwood floors.

1. Engineered Wood vs. Solid Wood Floor

First, let's discuss solid wood floors.

Solid wood flooring, also known as hardwood flooring, is crafted from dried and processed natural wood. As a floor directly processed from raw materials, solid hardwood flooring is often perceived to have low formaldehyde content, making it more environmentally friendly and thus, beloved by many.

• Advantages: Solid oak wood flooring boasts natural wood texture, providing a closer-to-nature feel. Its greatest advantage lies in its ability to offer warmth in winter and coolness in summer, providing a comfortable tactile experience.
• Disadvantages: However, solid wood flooring requires complex maintenance. It's not only prone to moisture and dryness but also lacks wear resistance, easily loses its luster, deforms, and is susceptible to corrosion from chemicals such as acids and alkalis.

Solid wood flooring prices vary, but they're generally more expensive compared to engineered wood flooring. Some solid wood floors made from premium wood species can fetch several thousand dollars.

It's worth noting that since laying solid wood floors requires the installation of joists, this step incurs additional costs. Therefore, after factoring in all expenses, the price of fully installed solid wood floors must be supported by robust economic means.

These days, there are solid wood floors available that don't require joist installation. However, it's advisable to inquire with the store clerk before making a purchase.

2. How to Maintain Solid Wood Flooring

Maintaining solid wood flooring is akin to caring for your face—gentle yet meticulous.

Solid wood flooring is particularly vulnerable to moisture, making it unsuitable for humid environments. However, if you're determined to install it, you'll need to acquaint yourself with some maintenance tips.

Avoid mopping the floor directly while the mop is still dripping. Excessive moisture can cause drastic changes to the floor. During the rainy season, when humidity levels are high, consider using the dehumidification function of your air conditioner to restore the floor to a dry state.

Given the intense summer sun, prevent prolonged exposure of the floor to sunlight to avoid premature aging and cracking.

Solid wood floors lack wear resistance, so refrain from wearing high-heeled or hard-soled shoes indoors. Parents should also ensure that children's toys won't damage the floor. When moving furniture, take care not to drag it across the floor, as solid wood is prone to developing indentations. You can protect the floor by placing rugs or carpets in high-traffic areas.

Solid wood floors should be waxed every six months to prevent moisture damage and maintain their shine. For floors that have become uneven due to long-term use, consider readjusting them at least once a year.

3. How to Judge the Quality of Solid Wood Flooring

Many people mistakenly believe that heavier floors equate to better quality. However, this understanding is flawed. Even with the same wood species, variations in growth area and environment can result in differences in density and weight. Thus, using weight as the sole criterion to judge a floor's quality isn't advisable.

For instance, teak, a common raw material, has a low density and feels light when held. Yet, teak flooring is generally expensive not because of its density or weight but because of its exceptional stability and corrosion resistance. This example illustrates that true floor quality cannot be determined by a single factor.

When selecting solid wood flooring, conduct a comprehensive evaluation across multiple aspects.

• Check if the wood texture is clear and regular rather than chaotic. A good solid wood floor should closely resemble the appearance characteristics of the original wood, including color and grain. Excessively thick surface paint may indicate an attempt by the merchant to conceal wood defects.
• Examine for cracks. While small cracks may be present, especially in mid- to low-end solid wood floors, significant cracks are unacceptable, especially if they penetrate the wood's texture.

Quality floors exhibit stability, corrosion resistance, clear texture, and pleasing appearance. Consider multiple factors and avoid being swayed by merchants' emphasis on "weight and hardness."

4. Is Solid Wood Flooring Suitable for Floor Heating?

The quickest way to find out is to ask the store clerk.

Traditionally, solid wood floors weren't recommended for floor heating. However, there are now solid wood floors specifically designed for this purpose.

The heat from floor heating systems can cause the floor to dry out and deform. As a result, you may need to readjust solid wood flooring annually, incurring both time and monetary losses.

Previously, installing floor heating in homes with solid wood floors was discouraged. However, if you're determined to do so, consider opting for solid wood composite or laminate flooring. Some solid wood floors designed for floor heating actually incorporate solid wood composite.

5. Does Solid Wood Flooring Need to Be Zero Formaldehyde?

This question may stir some controversy. Many people invest in solid wood flooring for its natural, environmentally friendly properties, including zero formaldehyde content. However, it's essential to note that all wood contains formaldehyde, albeit in varying amounts. While solid wood flooring may emit less formaldehyde than other composite floors, it doesn't mean it's entirely free of formaldehyde.

During the wood processing stage, formaldehyde is just one of many "pollution sources." During home renovation, the real culprits harmful to human health are benzene and xylene found in the adhesives used for bonding.

Don't let environmental labels cloud your judgment. Remember, meeting environmental protection standards should be the foundation of the home decoration industry, not a marketing gimmick used to inflate prices.

If you have any questions, feel free to leave a message or visit our official website: www.apolloxydecor.com