Solid Hardwood

Solid hardwood floors are milled from a single piece of wood—usually ¾" (18–19mm) thick—with no composite or plywood layers. The entire board, from top to bottom, is the same species of wood. Common species used in Denver-area homes include red oak, white oak, maple, hickory, and Douglas fir.

The defining advantage of solid hardwood is its longevity. Because the board is thick and composed entirely of wood, it can be sanded and refinished many times over its lifetime. Well-maintained solid hardwood floors installed in the early 1900s are still in service today after multiple refinishing cycles.

Solid hardwood is more sensitive to moisture and humidity changes than engineered hardwood. It should not be installed below grade (in basements) or directly over concrete, as moisture from the subfloor can cause expansion, cupping, or buckling. It is typically installed via nail-down or glue-down methods.

For homeowners with original solid hardwood floors, preserving as much wood as possible through recoating (rather than aggressive sanding) is the best long-term strategy. Each sanding cycle removes a layer of wood; regular recoating delays the need for sanding and extends the floor's remaining refinishable life.