Somerset offers two types of flooring construction: solid and engineered.

Somerset solid hardwood flooring is a single piece of solid wood that is crafted into a strip or plank flooring through an advanced milling and finishing process.

Somersets engineered hardwood flooring has a solid top layer, or face, supported by six additional layers that are cross-grained and laminated together to form a 1/2" thick piece of plank flooring. This cross graining provides greater dimensional stability, minimizing the expansion and contraction that natural wood exhibits when exposed to varying moisture levels and temperatures.

Both are excellent choices to install on or above grade (ground level), depending on the type of subfloor you have. If you choose to put hardwood flooring below grade, in a basement, for example, you will need to install engineered flooring.

The main considerations for choosing solid or engineered flooring have to do with where and how the flooring will be installed.

Thickness: 3/4" Installation: Nail or staple on or above grade (ground level) only over wood subfloors. (solid boards, plywood, or OSB)

Thickness: 1/2", 7-ply, 3mm thick sliced face Installation: Glue, staple, or nail down on, above or below grade (ground level) over wood, vinyl and even concrete subfloors (including basements). Note: Because the top layer of Somersets engineered flooring is "sliced," you get the same appearance of a solid wood floor with the dimensional stability of engineered, cross-layered construction.

Many people believe that solid flooring is a better value because its 3/4" thick. Keep in mind, however, that the usable part of the flooring is only that wood thats above the tongue and groove. Somersets engineered flooring features a 3mm thick solid top layer that can be professionally sanded and refinished. Either is an excellent, natural choice that will add to the value of your home and will give you a lifetime of enjoyment.

Wood is an extraordinary, beautiful, natural material that is proven to add value to your home — both as a financial investment, and from an enjoyment standpoint. Because it is a natural element, there are things you should know and expect from real hardwood flooring:

• Natural Color Changes: Just as your own skin “tans” with exposure to sunlight, wood flooring will undergo color changes with exposure to both artificial and natural light. Some color change may be dramatic — exotic species are especially prone to color change. Brazilian Cherry and Tiger Wood, for example, will become deeper and more red over time and with exposure to light. You should occasionally move area rugs and furniture that block light and may give the appearance of discoloration underneath.

• Natural Movement: Wood will expand and contract with seasonal moisture level changes. This may give the appearance of gaps or cracks in your floor — this is not a product defect. The wider the flooring, the more each individual piece will expand or contract with changes in moisture content. This movement can be minimized with proper use of HVAC including humidity control. Engineered flooring is less prone to natural movement, because it is “engineered” for dimensional stability.

• Natural Characteristics: Naturally occurring wood characteristics such as mineral streaks, knots, variations in grain and color are part of every hardwood floor. These characteristics are what make each floor unique.

DUE TO MANY OF THESE NATURAL CHARACTERISTICS, YOUR NEWLY INSTALLED FLOOR WILL VARY FROM SAMPLES OR PICTURES SHOWN.

Probably the most important strength property for wood used in flooring applications is its side hardness — also known as Janka hardness. The Janka hardness rating represents the resistance of wood to wear, denting, and marring. The higher the number, the harder the species, and the more resistant to denting, marring, etc., HOWEVER, all wood flooring, because it is a natural material, will wear, dent, or mar under various circumstances, and these ratings should only be used as a general guide for comparing various species of wood flooring.

Below are the relative Janka hardness rankings for wood species that are offered by Somerset Hardwood Flooring.

JANKA Hardness Rating*: (Measures resistance to indentation.)