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What is hardwood flooring?

Hardwood flooring is a floor surface made from hardwood, such as oak or maple. Solid strips and planks traditionally measure 0.75 in. (19.0 mm) thick; engineered flooring uses wood layers joined with adhesive. Ask the written bid to identify construction, species, width and thickness so you know which flooring is proposed.

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By InstaBids editorial team with AI research agents. Updated

What this means for your home project

  1. Read the proposed product description for its species, grade, width, thickness and finish; request any missing item in the written flooring scope. Source: USDA Forest Products Laboratory, read 2026-11-06.
  2. Ask the installer to record random-board moisture readings at delivery and before installation, so both checkpoints are documented. Source: USDA Forest Products Laboratory, read 2026-11-06.
  3. Check the delivery schedule against masonry and plaster drying; ask where flooring will be stored if those materials are still wet. Source: USDA Forest Products Laboratory, read 2026-11-06.
  4. Request a written answer identifying the final coating on the proposed flooring, so the scope specifies what prefinishing includes. Source: USDA Forest Products Laboratory, read 2026-11-06.
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What is the difference between solid hardwood and engineered hardwood?

Solid hardwood flooring is milled from lumber into strips or planks; engineered flooring is assembled from wood layers joined with adhesive. USDA (read 2026-11-06) describes engineered boards as “several layers of veneer (solid wood)”. Ask the supplier to identify the construction in writing before treating the two products as interchangeable. (source)

“The output of the moulding process is unfinished, solid strip or plank, tongue and groove flooring.” (source) “Engineered wood flooring consists of several layers of veneer (solid wood) bonded together with an adhesive under heat, pressure, or both.” (source)

What are the different hardwood board widths offered?

Solid hardwood widths distinguish strip, plank and wide plank. USDA (read 2026-11-06) classifies wide plank as having a “face width wider than 5 in. (127 mm)”. The report’s traditional thickness specification 0.75 in. (19.0 mm) describes both strips and planks; ask the written bid to state width and thickness separately. (source)

“It is considered to have face widths less than 3 in. (76.2 mm) (NWFA 2022).” (source) “Plank flooring is classified as having a face width between 3 and 5 in. (76.2 and 127 mm) (NWFA 2022).” (source) “Wide plank flooring is classified as having a face width wider than 5 in. (127 mm).” (source) “Both strip and plank flooring share traditional thicknesses of 0.75 in. (19.0 mm).” (source)

What is the difference between unfinished and prefinished hardwood?

Unfinished hardwood leaves the mill without the final coating; prefinishing adds that coating during manufacture. USDA (read 2026-11-06) describes materials “such as stains or protective emulsions” and says the finish is then cured. Ask whether the proposed flooring arrives with its coating applied or needs finishing included in the installation scope. (source)

“Prefinishing refers to the application of any final coating material such as stains or protective emulsions.” (source) “After the flooring has received its finish, it is cured.” (source) “Popular methods for curing include radiant heat, drying ovens, or exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light.” (source)

How do I acclimate my hardwood floor?

Hardwood acclimation requires attention to moisture before installation. USDA’s Wood Handbook (read 2026-11-06) calls for a “nonpenetrating meter” to check random boards on arrival and before installation. Delivery also depends on masonry and plaster being dry unless dry storage exists; ask the installer to document moisture readings and delivery readiness. (source)

“Measure random pieces of flooring using a nonpenetrating meter to ensure that moisture content is correct upon arrival and prior to installation.” (source) “Have flooring delivered after masonry and plastering are completed and fully dry, unless a dry storage space is available.” (source) “Break open flooring bundles and expose all sides of flooring to the atmosphere inside the structure.” (source)

What type of wood is hardwood flooring?

Oak and maple are hardwoods used for flooring. USDA’s Wood Handbook (read 2026-11-06) lists “hardwoods, such as oak and maple” alongside harder softwoods used in wood flooring, including Douglas-fir and Southern Pine. Ask for the species in the product description rather than relying on the broader label wood flooring. (source)

“Flooring is made chiefly from hardwoods, such as oak and maple, and the harder softwood species, such as Douglas-fir, western larch, and Southern Pine.” (source)

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