What is solid hardwood flooring?

Solid hardwood flooring consists of milled planks cut from a single piece of wood, running the full thickness from surface to subfloor. These planks are typically 3/4 inch thick and come in various widths and species like oak, maple, cherry, and walnut. The entire depth is usable wood, which sets it apart from engineered hardwood, where only a thin veneer of hardwood sits atop a plywood or high-density fiberboard core.

One key advantage of solid hardwood is refinishability. Because the plank is solid wood throughout, it can be sanded and refinished multiple times over decades, allowing homeowners and contractors to restore the floor's appearance or change its finish color repeatedly. Engineered wood, by contrast, has a limited veneer that may not tolerate heavy sanding.

Solid hardwood is moisture-sensitive. Wood naturally expands when humidity rises and contracts when it drops, which can cause cupping, crowning, or gaps between planks if indoor humidity fluctuates significantly. Connecticut's seasonal climate and coastal humidity require careful acclimation before installation and stable climate control afterward. This sensitivity also means solid hardwood works best on on-grade and above-grade subfloors, not below grade where moisture is high.

Contractors in Connecticut specializing in hardwood typically recommend solid hardwood for living spaces with controlled humidity and rooms above grade, while engineered hardwood may suit basements or kitchens with higher moisture exposure. Find hardwood flooring providers experienced in Connecticut installations.