In a world of rapidly changing trends, few things remain as consistently desirable as hardwood flooring. Since Lincoln Trail Decorating Center opened its doors in 1970, hardwood has remained our most requested high-end flooring option. There is an inherent prestige and a tangible warmth that comes with real wood. For homeowners in the Vincennes area, hardwood is more than just a floor; it’s a piece of furniture you walk on, a living material that tells the story of your home over generations.
Solid vs. Engineered Hardwood: Making the Right Choice
The first step in any hardwood journey is understanding the difference between solid and engineered products. Solid hardwood is exactly what it sounds like—a single, solid piece of wood from top to bottom. It is prized for its longevity, as it can be sanded and refinished multiple times. However, it is sensitive to moisture and humidity, which can be a concern in our Indiana climate.
Engineered hardwood, offered by world-class brands like Hallmark and Anderson Tuftex, consists of a real wood "wear layer" on top of a multi-layer core. This construction makes it much more stable than solid wood, meaning it is less likely to gap or buckle when the humidity spikes in the summer. At Lincoln Trail Decorating Center, we often recommend engineered wood for its versatility, as it can be installed on any level of the home, including basements.
Selecting the Right Species and Finish
The "look" of your hardwood is defined by the species of tree and the finish applied to it. Oak remains a favorite in Vincennes for its prominent grain and incredible durability. Maple offers a smoother, more contemporary look, while Hickory is celebrated for its dramatic color variations and extreme hardness.
Finish technology has also come a long way. Many of the products in our showroom feature "aluminum oxide" finishes, which are incredibly resistant to scratching. We also carry "wire-brushed" and "hand-scraped" textures. These aren't just for show; they are practical. In a busy home, a textured floor hides the small dings and scratches of everyday life much better than a high-gloss, smooth finish.
Hardwood in the Modern Interior Design Scheme
Hardwood serves as a neutral canvas for your home’s interior design. Whether your style is "Traditional Vincennes" or "Modern Industrial," there is a wood tone that fits. Our interior design services can help you choose between wide planks, which can make a small room feel larger, or more traditional narrow strips.
We often see customers who want to mix materials—perhaps hardwood in the living room and a coordinating carpet or tile in the bedrooms. We specialize in creating these transitions, ensuring that the heights of the different floors match perfectly and that the colors complement one another.
The Investment and Resale Perspective
While the initial cost of hardwood is higher than vinyl flooring or laminate, the return on investment is unmatched. Real estate experts consistently agree that hardwood floors are one of the top features home buyers look for. They are perceived as a permanent fixture of the home, rather than a temporary surface.
Furthermore, hardwood is an eco-friendly choice. When sourced from reputable brands like those we carry, it is a renewable resource that can last for 100 years or more. Unlike synthetic floors that may end up in a landfill after 15 or 20 years, hardwood stays in the home.
Professional Installation: The Key to Longevity
Installing hardwood is as much a science as it is an art. It requires proper acclimation—letting the wood sit in your home for several days to adjust to the moisture levels before it is laid. Our team of installers second to none handles every detail, from the moisture testing of the subfloor to the precision nailing or gluing of each board.
If you are ready to invest in the lasting beauty of wood, we invite you to Browse our catalog for inspiration. At Lincoln Trail Decorating Center, we combine old-world craftsmanship with modern products to give you a floor you’ll love forever. Contact us today for your free estimate and let us help you select the perfect hardwood for your space.
