Your Complete Hardwood Flooring Guide

When it comes to choosing the right flooring for your home, hardwood flooring stands out as a timeless and elegant option. With over 30 years of experience in the flooring industry, we’ve seen firsthand how hardwood can transform a space while adding both beauty and value.

In this article, we want to share with you the numerous benefits of hardwood flooring and why it might be the perfect choice for your home in Placer County or the Northern Sacramento Valley area.

Before diving into the benefits of hardwood flooring, let’s first look at how the features of hardwood flooring compare to some other flooring types:

Table Comparison Features of Hardwood, Vinyl and Laminate

Aesthetic Appeal

One of the first things that capture anyone’s attention about hardwood flooring is its breathtaking beauty. The natural grains and colors of wood create a warm and inviting atmosphere that can enhance any room.

Whether you prefer the rustic charm of oak or the sleek sophistication of walnut, there’s a hardwood option that will complement your style.

We recently helped a family in Roseville choose a rich mahogany for their living room. The transformation was stunning! The rich color and unique grain patterns added a touch of elegance and warmth that made their space feel more like home.

Solid vs. Engineered Hardwood Flooring

When considering hardwood flooring, it's important to understand the difference between solid and engineered hardwood.

• Solid Hardwood: Made from a single piece of wood, solid hardwood flooring is known for its durability and the ability to be sanded and refinished multiple times. It provides a classic look and feel and is an excellent choice for areas where you want to showcase the natural beauty of wood.
• Engineered Hardwood: This type of flooring consists of a top wear layer of wood species applied to a plywood base. Some Engineered hardwood is more resistant to moisture and temperature changes, making it ideal for all areas of your home. It offers the same appearance as solid hardwood and can be installed over various subfloors including concrete. In many ways engineered hardwood is superior to solid hardwood.

Engineered hardwood flooring is mostly the type of wood floor installations we install because it stands up well to pets, kids, heavy traffic and even moisture in some cases.

At Nielsen Fine Floors we only install quality engineered hardwood with a wear surface thick enough to be sanded and refinished, although that should never be necessary.

Durability and Longevity

Engineered Hardwood flooring is known for its impressive durability. Unlike carpet or vinyl, which can wear out quickly, engineered hardwood can last for decades with proper care.

We worked on a project for a couple in Auburn who had original solid hardwood floors from the 1920s. After a thorough refinishing, those floors looked as beautiful as ever, showcasing the durability and timeless quality of hardwood.

Value Addition to Your Home

Investing in hardwood flooring is also a smart financial decision. Studies show that homes with hardwood floors often sell for higher prices compared to those with carpet or laminate. Hardwood flooring is highly sought after by buyers, making it a great way to increase your property’s value.

According to an article published by homelight.com: What Kind of Flooring Increases Home Value, a study showed that installing new wood floors yielded 118% cost recovery in terms of the increased resale value as compared to the cost of the project.

Ease of Maintenance

Maintaining hardwood flooring is straightforward, making it an attractive option for busy families. Regular sweeping and occasional mopping are typically all it takes to keep these floors looking great.

Unlike some carpets that trap dirt and allergens, hardwood floors promote healthier indoor air quality, which is especially beneficial for allergy sufferers.

One customer in Rocklin shared with us how easy it was to maintain their new hardwood floors after they replaced their old carpet. They loved how quickly they could clean up spills and that they didn’t have to worry about lingering odors from pets or spills.

Environmental Considerations

In today’s world, sustainability is more important than ever.

Our hardwood flooring options are sourced from responsibly managed forests, ensuring that the environment is protected while providing you with a beautiful product.

Additionally, hardwood floors can last for generations, reducing the need for replacements and the environmental impact that comes with it.

We take pride in offering eco-friendly options and always ensure that the products we sell adhere to sustainable practices.

When you choose hardwood, you’re not only enhancing your home but also making a responsible choice for the planet.

Comfort and Insulation

One of the often-overlooked benefits of hardwood flooring is its natural warmth and comfort underfoot.

Unlike tile or laminate, hardwood retains heat, making it a cozy choice for your home, especially during the colder months. Some homeowners even opt for underfloor heating, which works beautifully with hardwood, providing a comfortable living environment year-round.

Generally, our clients love the comfort underfoot and the way it dramatically enhances the look of a room. There's nothing like wood to make your space feel more homey!

Professional Installation Benefits

While hardwood flooring can be a DIY project for some, we highly recommend professional installation to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Proper installation is crucial for minimizing gaps and ensuring a perfect fit, which can prevent issues like warping or buckling.

Our team takes great pride in our workmanship and is dedicated to providing the best possible installation experience.

When you choose to work with us, you can trust that you’re getting quality service from start to finish. Book a consultation for a free estimate today!

Local Customer-First Approach

One of the aspects we love most about our job is the relationships we build with our customers in Placer County and the surrounding areas. We believe in a personalized approach, where each client can voice their preferences and ideas. There are no high-pressure sales tactics here—just genuine advice and support.

“We take the time to explain the differences between various hardwood options and guide you through the process. We want you to feel confident and excited about your choice!”

- James Nielson, Owner Nielson Fine Floors

Are You Searching For Hardwood Flooring Near You?

Look no further, hardwood flooring offers a wealth of benefits, from its timeless beauty and durability to its positive impact on your home’s value and health. If you’re considering new flooring, we encourage you to explore the wonderful world of hardwood at Nielson Fine Floors.

If you’re ready to take the next step or have questions about hardwood flooring, feel free to reach out! We’re here to help you find the perfect solution for your home, and we’d love to assist you in your flooring journey.

Together, we can make your home in Placer County or the Northern Sacramento Valley area more beautiful and inviting!