Welcome to Williford Flooring Company Inc., your trusted destination for premium flooring solutions in Lakeland, FL, and surrounding areas. With a legacy of serving our community since 1946, we take pride in offering top-notch products and expert advice to our valued customers. Today, we're here to shed light on a common question many homeowners face: How can you tell if you have real hardwood floors in your home?
Understanding the Essence of Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors exude timeless elegance and charm, adding warmth and character to any space they grace. Unlike engineered wood or laminate flooring, genuine hardwood is crafted from solid wood planks, making it a durable and long-lasting investment for your home. However, distinguishing between authentic hardwood and its synthetic counterparts can sometimes be challenging. Let us guide you through the process.
The Visual Inspection
One of the first steps in identifying real hardwood floors is through a visual examination. Genuine hardwood typically exhibits unique grain patterns and natural variations in color, reflecting the inherent beauty of the wood species used. Look closely at the surface of your floors for imperfections, knots, and irregularities, as these are common characteristics of solid hardwood.
The Touch Test
Take a moment to run your fingers along the surface of the flooring. Real hardwood tends to feel solid and substantial, with a genuine wood texture that you can sense beneath your fingertips. Unlike laminate or vinyl flooring, which may feel smooth or artificially textured, hardwood often showcases a tactile quality that sets it apart.
Inspecting the Edges
Examining the edges of the floorboards can also provide valuable insight into their composition. Authentic hardwood floors typically feature beveled edges, where each plank is slightly chamfered along its length. This subtle detail adds depth and dimension to the flooring while highlighting the individuality of each plank.
Checking for Wear and Tear
Over time, hardwood floors develop a patina that is unique to their history and usage. Scratches, dents, and wear patterns are a natural part of this aging process and can contribute to the character of the wood. If your floors show signs of distress that reveal layers beneath the surface, such as plywood or fiberboard, they may not be genuine hardwood.
Seeking Professional Guidance
If you're still unsure about the authenticity of your hardwood floors, don't hesitate to seek professional assistance. Our team of flooring experts at Williford Flooring Company Inc. is here to help. With years of experience and a keen eye for detail, we can assess your floors and provide personalized recommendations to meet your needs.
Embracing the Beauty of Authentic Hardwood
In a world filled with imitation and replication, there's nothing quite like the timeless appeal of real hardwood floors. At Williford Flooring Company Inc., we're dedicated to helping you enhance your home with the finest flooring solutions available. By understanding the key characteristics of authentic hardwood, you can confidently enjoy the beauty and durability of your floors for years to come. Visit our showroom in Lakeland, FL, serving Sarasota, Bradenton, Plant City, Winter Haven, Boca Grande, Fort Myers, and beyond, and let us assist you in transforming your space with the elegance of hardwood flooring.
