Why Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring is perhaps the most classic, lovely, and long-lasting choice you can have for your home. Upon stepping into a hardwood-floored room, you typically feel warmth, elegance, and a sense of natural charm. But it's not perfect — there are trade-offs. In this article, we will talk about:

• What hardwood flooring is (and its main types)
• Characteristics and benefits — what makes it special
• Some disadvantages and things to watch out for
• Tips for choosing and caring for hardwood
• Examples from Windsor Plywood’s offerings (including Wickham Hardwood Flooring)

Our goal is that you’ll walk away more confident about whether hardwood is right for your home.

What Is Hardwood Flooring?

"Hardwood flooring" refers to flooring made of real wood — not vinyl, laminate, or tile. The term “hardwood” comes from broad-leaf trees like oak and maple rather than softwoods like pine, though many hardwoods are quite durable.

There are two main construction methods:

1. Solid hardwood — planks made entirely from one piece of solid wood.
2. Engineered hardwood — a hardwood veneer layer over plywood or composite layers for enhanced stability.

Windsor Plywood carries both types, including Wickham Flooring collections. Solid hardwood can be refinished many times and last for decades, while engineered hardwood offers greater stability in areas prone to moisture, like basements or kitchens.

Hardwood Flooring Features

Wood Species

Different species such as oak, maple, walnut, and hickory vary in hardness, grain pattern, and color. Some are more resistant to dents and wear. Wickham’s Domestic Collection offers several species and finishes — with Red Oak remaining a top choice among Windsor customers.

Grade / Character

Wood flooring is graded based on features like knots, mineral streaks, and color variation. Higher grades appear more uniform, while lower grades showcase more natural character.

Finish & Surface

The finish protects the surface of the wood. Common finishes include polyurethane, UV-cured coatings, or oil-based products. Wickham’s Red Oak (Cottage Collection) comes with a seven-coat finish and antimicrobial Ultrafresh protection, available in matte, satin, and semi-gloss finishes. Surface textures — such as hand-scraped or wire-brushed — add visual depth and help conceal wear.

Dimensions & Widths

Boards are available in a variety of widths and lengths. Wider boards display more of the wood’s grain and fewer seams, but may expand or contract more with humidity changes.

Environmental / Certification

Wickham Hardwood Flooring is FSC certified and CARB2 compliant, using 100% North American wood. These certifications support sustainable sourcing and low-emission production.

Stability & Moisture Resistance

Engineered hardwood provides greater dimensional stability and resistance to warping, cupping, or gapping in changing humidity compared to solid hardwood.

Benefits of Hardwood Flooring

1. Beauty & Warmth: Natural wood adds warmth and timeless charm to any room.
2. Long Lifespan & Renewability: With proper care, hardwood can last decades and be refinished multiple times.
3. Adds Value: High-quality hardwood increases your home’s resale appeal.
4. Health & Indoor Air Quality: Hardwood doesn’t trap allergens or dust, unlike carpet.
5. Versatility & Customization: Choose from countless stains, finishes, widths, and textures.
6. Durability: Well-finished hardwood withstands heavy traffic and wear.

Disadvantages & Considerations

1. Sensitivity to Moisture: Solid hardwood expands and contracts with humidity changes. Engineered hardwood performs better in variable environments.
2. Higher Cost: Material and installation costs are higher than laminate or vinyl.
3. Installation Complexity: Requires a level subfloor, proper acclimation, and experienced installers.
4. Maintenance: Needs periodic refinishing and care to prevent scratches and dents.
5. Sound & Hardness: Hardwood floors can be noisy and firm underfoot.

Choosing Hardwood — What to Ask & How to Choose

Here are a few helpful questions and tips for choosing hardwood flooring:

• Will solid or engineered hardwood better suit your environment?
• Is your subfloor flat, dry, and ready for installation?
• Will the installer acclimate the flooring before installation?
• How thick is the wear layer for future refinishing?
• Are the products FSC or CARB2 certified?

The experts at Windsor Plywood can help you choose the right style, species, and finish for your project and lifestyle.

Care & Maintenance Tips

• Maintain indoor humidity between 35–55%.
• Sweep or vacuum regularly using a soft brush head.
• Clean spills immediately — water is hardwood’s biggest enemy.
• Use rugs or mats in high-traffic areas.
• Add felt pads under furniture legs.
• Refinish or touch up worn areas when needed.

Wickham Hardwood Highlights:
• 100% North American hardwood
• Precision milling
• 7-coat Ultrafresh antimicrobial finish
• FSC & CARB2 certified

Summary: Is Hardwood Right for You?

Hardwood flooring remains one of the most desired options for its beauty, longevity, and value. Choosing the right product and maintaining it properly are key to success.

Benefits of Hardwood Flooring

• Natural beauty and warmth
• Long lifespan and refinishable surface
• Adds home value
• Cleaner indoor air quality
• Flexible styles, species, and finishes
• Durable with proper care

Considerations

• Sensitive to moisture and humidity
• Higher material and installation cost
• Requires maintenance and care
• Can be noisy or firm underfoot
• Wide boards may develop gaps over time

Visit your nearest Windsor Plywood location to explore our hardwood and engineered flooring collections, including Wickham Flooring. See and feel the difference for yourself, and let our team help you choose the perfect floor for your space.