Hardwood Flooring in Utah County
Why Choose Hardwood?
Hardwood flooring brings a warmth and beauty to your home that is undeniable. Its sophisticated, timeless look and feel appeals to nearly everyone and transcends generations. Hardwood provides a classic, luxurious feel that elevates your home — and with so much variety in species, grain, color, and plank style, there’s a hardwood floor for every home.
Solid vs. Engineered
Both are genuine hardwood floors — the difference is in construction, stability, and where they can be installed.
Solid Hardwood
Solid hardwood is a single piece of wood, usually about ¾” thick, nailed or stapled down. It can be sanded and refinished many times over its life.
Best for:
- Main living levels
- Homes where longevity matters most
- Rooms without excess moisture
Benefits:
- Can last a lifetime with care
- Can be refinished multiple times
- Natural, environmentally friendly material
- Increases home resale value
Considerations:
- Not recommended for bathrooms or below-grade rooms
- Higher upfront cost
Engineered Hardwood
Engineered hardwood is built from 3–5 layers of wood with the grain running in different directions, laminated together for stability, then topped with a real hardwood wear layer.
Best for:
- Basements and below-grade rooms
- Homes with fluctuating humidity
- Wider or longer plank styles
Benefits:
- More dimensionally stable than solid wood
- Better resistance to moisture and temperature changes
- Typically less expensive than solid hardwood
- Often installed as an easy click-lock floating floor
Considerations:
- Usually cannot be refinished as many times, if at all
Popular Wood Species
The species you choose affects hardness, grain pattern, and overall look. Here are a few of our most popular options.
Oak
A classic, versatile choice with pronounced grain and excellent durability. One of the most popular hardwood species in North American homes.
Best for:
- Traditional and farmhouse interiors
- High-traffic living areas
- Homeowners who want a timeless look
Hickory
One of the hardest domestic species, with dramatic color and grain variation that hides everyday dings and scratches well.
Best for:
- Rustic and farmhouse-style homes
- Busy households with kids and pets
- Homeowners who want bold character
Maple
A hard, durable species with a smooth, subtle grain and light, bright tone that suits modern interiors.
Best for:
- Modern and contemporary homes
- Bedrooms and living rooms
- Brightening smaller spaces
Site-Finished vs. Prefinished
Site-Finished
Installed unfinished, then sanded and finished on location after installation.
Benefits:
- Seamless, perfectly flat surface
- Custom stain color matched to your home
- Boundary gaps between boards are minimized
Prefinished
Sanded, stained, and sealed at the factory before it ever reaches your home.
Benefits:
- Faster installation with less downtime
- No sanding dust or finish fumes in your home
- Consistent, factory-controlled finish quality
Hardwood Patterns & Layouts
How your hardwood is laid changes the entire feel of a room. Most flooring companies only offer pre-cut herringbone or chevron in a handful of specific products — we do it differently. Our installers can take almost any hardwood plank we carry, solid or engineered, and lay it in any of the patterns below. If you fall in love with a specific wood, we’ll figure out how to install it the way you want it to look.
Straight Lay
The classic, timeless layout — planks run parallel to one another in a single direction. It’s the most efficient install, works with any plank width, and never goes out of style.
Herringbone
Planks are cut at an angle and laid in a repeating zigzag pattern. Herringbone adds movement and a custom, high-end look to entryways, kitchens, and statement rooms.
Chevron
Similar to herringbone, but the plank ends are mitered so the pattern forms one continuous, seamless “V” with no offset. It’s a more intricate cut and install, and one of the most dramatic looks in hardwood flooring.
Not sure which layout is right for your space? Bring us the wood you love and we’ll show you what it looks like in each pattern.
Hardwood Compared to Other Flooring
| Feature | Hardwood | LVP | Laminate | Tile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waterproof | ✗ | ✓ | Some products | ✓ |
| Easy Maintenance | Good | Excellent | Good | Excellent |
| Comfort | Good | Good | Good | Firm |
| Can Be Refinished | Yes | No | No | No |
How Long Does Hardwood Last?
Hardwood is one of the longest-lasting flooring options available, especially with proper care.
| Hardwood Type | Typical Lifespan |
|---|---|
| Engineered hardwood | 20–30 years |
| Solid hardwood (well maintained) | 30–50 years |
| Solid hardwood (refinished periodically) | 100+ years |
When Should You Refinish Your Hardwood?
Most homeowners refinish solid hardwood floors every 7–10 years depending on traffic, or sooner if you notice the signs below.
Common signs it may be time to refinish:
- Deep scratches or gouges in the wood
- Graying or fading in high-traffic or sun-exposed areas
- Water stains or dark spots
- Gaps forming between boards
- The finish looks dull no matter how much it’s cleaned
Hardwood Care and Maintenance
Regular care goes a long way toward protecting your investment and keeping your floors looking their best for decades.
Tips for extending the life of your hardwood floors:
- Sweep or vacuum regularly using a hard-floor setting (no beater bar)
- Wipe up spills quickly and avoid excess water when cleaning
- Use felt pads under furniture legs
- Keep indoor humidity between roughly 30–50% to help prevent gaps and cupping
- Use rugs in high-traffic areas and near sun-exposed windows
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does hardwood flooring last?
Engineered hardwood typically lasts 20–30 years, while solid hardwood can last 30–50 years or more — and even a century or longer if it’s periodically refinished.
Is hardwood flooring waterproof?
No. Hardwood is not waterproof and standing water or excess moisture can cause warping, cupping, or staining. It’s best avoided in bathrooms and other consistently wet areas.
What’s the difference between solid and engineered hardwood?
Solid hardwood is one piece of wood throughout and can be refinished many times. Engineered hardwood is layered for extra stability, handles moisture and temperature changes better, and can be installed below grade, but usually can’t be refinished as many times.
Can hardwood be installed over radiant heat?
Engineered hardwood is generally a better fit for radiant heat systems because of its added stability. Solid hardwood is more prone to expansion and contraction with temperature changes. Our team can help you choose the right option for your setup.
How often should hardwood floors be refinished?
Most solid hardwood floors are refinished every 7–10 years depending on foot traffic, though this varies based on the wear layer and how well the floor has been maintained.
Does Design West offer free hardwood estimates?
Yes — contact our showroom in Orem, UT to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate for your hardwood flooring project.
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