How to Choose Hardwood Flooring in Inman

Choosing the right hardwood flooring for your Inman home means finding the perfect balance of beauty, durability, and value that will serve you well for decades to come.

The most popular hardwood choices in Inman are solid oak, engineered hardwood, and maple flooring. Oak remains the top choice because it handles our South Carolina humidity well and offers excellent durability for busy families. You'll want to consider your lifestyle when making this decision - homes with children and pets often benefit from harder wood species like hickory or maple.

Engineered hardwood has become increasingly popular in Inman because it's more stable in our changing weather conditions. It consists of a real hardwood top layer over a plywood base, which helps prevent the expansion and contraction that can cause problems with solid wood. This makes it an excellent choice for areas like kitchens or basements where moisture levels might fluctuate.

Your finish choice will determine both the look and maintenance requirements of your floors. Polyurethane finishes offer the best protection for high-traffic areas and come in different sheen levels - from matte to high gloss. Most Inman homeowners prefer satin finishes because they hide scratches well while still showing off the wood's natural beauty.

Oil-based finishes penetrate deeper into the wood and give a more natural appearance, but they take longer to cure. Water-based finishes dry faster and have less odor during installation, making them ideal if you need to stay in your home during the project. Consider your family's schedule and sensitivity to fumes when making this choice.

The quality of installation matters just as much as the wood itself. Look for installers with extensive local experience who understand how Inman's climate affects wood flooring. A good installer will always check your subfloor condition, discuss acclimation time for your wood, and explain their installation process clearly.

Ask to see recent work and speak with past customers in the area. Professional installers will provide detailed estimates, use proper moisture testing equipment, and stand behind their work with solid warranties. They should also handle permits if needed and clean up completely when finished.

Inman's humid summers and occasional temperature swings mean your hardwood choice needs to handle moisture changes well. Engineered hardwood often performs better than solid wood in our climate because its construction prevents excessive movement. If you prefer solid hardwood, wider planks may show seasonal gaps more than narrower ones.

Proper acclimation is crucial in our area - your wood should sit in your home for at least 48-72 hours before installation to adjust to your indoor conditions. This prevents issues like cupping or crowning that can happen when wood expands or contracts after installation.

At Canopy Hardwood Flooring, LLC, we've been helping Inman families choose the perfect hardwood floors for over 30 years. Our experience with local conditions and quality installations ensures you'll get floors that look beautiful and perform well for decades. For expert guidance on your hardwood flooring installation project, or if you need floor sanding services for existing floors, call us at (864) 595-3850.