What is the difference between solid and engineered hardwood?

Solid hardwood is milled from a single piece of wood and can be sanded multiple times over its life. Engineered wood uses a thin hardwood veneer over a plywood core, which resists moisture better and works in basements or over radiant heat.

How long does hardwood need to acclimate before installation?

You typically store the wood inside your Rochester home for at least three days so it adjusts to your indoor humidity and temperature. This prevents planks from expanding or shrinking after they are nailed or glued down.

Why do some wood floors feel softer underfoot than others?

Softer species like pine or fir dent more easily than oak or maple. The subfloor condition and underlayment thickness also affect how much flex you feel when you walk across the room.

When should I refinish hardwood instead of replacing it?

You refinish when the finish is worn but the wood itself remains structurally sound and thick enough to sand. If planks are cupped, gaps exceed a quarter inch, or water damage has penetrated the core, replacement makes more sense.

How do I match new hardwood to existing floors in another room?

You bring a sample of your current flooring to the showroom so the team can compare species, plank width, and finish gloss. Exact matches are rare, but you can create intentional transitions using thresholds or borders.

Hardwood Flooring | Tile Superstore & More

When you walk through a home in Rochester and the flooring creaks, shows visible wear between planks, or no longer matches the way you use your space, hardwood flooring gives you a surface that adapts to both remodels and new construction. You select from solid hardwood or engineered wood based on the room's moisture levels, subfloor type, and how much foot traffic moves through daily.

TILE SUPERSTORE & MORE provides design guidance on wood species, finish types, and plank widths so your selection aligns with your layout and lighting. You review samples in the showroom, compare grain patterns, and understand how different finishes respond to sunlight and scratches over time. The team coordinates installation planning and helps you determine whether your project needs acclimation time, underlayment adjustments, or transitions between floor heights.

Visit the showroom in Rochester to walk on installed samples and discuss your project timeline.

You begin by identifying which rooms will receive hardwood and whether the subfloor in Rochester requires leveling, moisture barrier installation, or fastener compatibility checks. The installation method varies depending on whether you choose solid planks that need nailing or engineered boards that can float or glue down. You coordinate delivery timing so the wood acclimates to your indoor humidity before installation begins.

After installation, you see consistent plank alignment, uniform gaps for seasonal expansion, and a finish that reflects light evenly across the room. The floor feels solid underfoot without bounce, and transitions to tile, carpet, or vinyl sit flush without lips or gaps.

You also receive care instructions that explain how to clean the finish without damaging the sealant and when to add felt pads under furniture legs. If your project includes stairs, the team helps you match tread depth and riser height so the wood integrates with existing structure. The selection process includes samples you can take home to compare against trim, cabinetry, and wall color under your actual lighting conditions.

What is the difference between solid and engineered hardwood?
Solid hardwood is milled from a single piece of wood and can be sanded multiple times over its life. Engineered wood uses a thin hardwood veneer over a plywood core, which resists moisture better and works in basements or over radiant heat.
How long does hardwood need to acclimate before installation?
You typically store the wood inside your Rochester home for at least three days so it adjusts to your indoor humidity and temperature. This prevents planks from expanding or shrinking after they are nailed or glued down.
Why do some wood floors feel softer underfoot than others?
Softer species like pine or fir dent more easily than oak or maple. The subfloor condition and underlayment thickness also affect how much flex you feel when you walk across the room.
When should I refinish hardwood instead of replacing it?
You refinish when the finish is worn but the wood itself remains structurally sound and thick enough to sand. If planks are cupped, gaps exceed a quarter inch, or water damage has penetrated the core, replacement makes more sense.
How do I match new hardwood to existing floors in another room?
You bring a sample of your current flooring to the showroom so the team can compare species, plank width, and finish gloss. Exact matches are rare, but you can create intentional transitions using thresholds or borders.