Prefinished wood floors come factory-finished and install faster than traditional hardwood. Learn types, installation methods (remove old floor or install over it), pros and cons, and what to check before buying.
Cork flooring is commonly sold as a floating (click-lock) product that installs without glue. Proper subfloor prep - moisture testing on concrete, an appropriate underlayment, and acclimation - makes the installation straightforward and long-lasting.
A modern guide to types of hardwood, installation methods, care, and when to hire a pro. Covers click-lock (floating), nail/glue methods, moisture considerations, cleaning, and allergy benefits.
Modern cork floating floors offer a sustainable, comfortable, and sound-dampening alternative to hardwood. They come in click-lock planks, require finish maintenance, and work well in living areas when sealed properly.
An updated guide to hardwood floor installation: how to choose between plank, strip, parquet, and engineered vs. solid wood; modern tools and methods; site prep and acclimation; and when to hire a pro.
A floating wood floor is an engineered floor that locks together and rests over the subfloor rather than being fully nailed or glued down. Modern options include longstrip panels and engineered planks with click-lock systems; they are more dimensionally stable than solid hardwood and often suitable for basements and over concrete when installed per manufacturer instructions.
Floating engineered wood floors are multi-layer panels that lock or glue together and sit above the subfloor. They offer fast installation, a variety of looks, and flexibility over many existing floors - but suitability depends on subfloor condition and manufacturer requirements.