What Is Hardwood Flooring?
Hardwood flooring is a natural wood flooring product manufactured from real wood. It is commonly categorized by its construction method and surface finish rather than by a single standardized format.
Hardwood products vary widely in how they are built, finished, and installed. Understanding how these characteristics are described helps clarify product listings and technical data sheets.
Reference-only explanations of hardwood construction, finishes, and specifications.
Hardwood construction types
Hardwood flooring is primarily categorized by how the planks are constructed. Construction affects stability, thickness, and how products are specified.
Solid Hardwood
Solid hardwood is manufactured from a single piece of wood throughout the full thickness of the plank.
Specifications commonly focus on species, thickness, width, and milling rather than layered construction.
Engineered Hardwood
Engineered hardwood uses a layered construction with a real wood surface bonded to a multi-layer core.
Product data often emphasizes veneer thickness, total thickness, and core composition.
Surface finish types
Hardwood flooring is also described by when and how the surface finish is applied. Finish type affects appearance, site preparation, and post-installation treatment.
Hardwood installation methods
Installation method describes how a hardwood product is attached or supported. Many hardwood products are approved for more than one installation method, depending on construction and manufacturer specifications.
Nail-down
Planks are mechanically fastened through the tongue into the subfloor.
Staple-down
Similar to nail-down, using staples as the fastening method.
Glue-down
Planks are bonded directly to the subfloor using an adhesive system.
Floating
Planks are connected to each other and rest above the subfloor.
Staple / glue assist
Combination method using mechanical fasteners with adhesive support.
Installation method approvals vary by product and are documented in technical data sheets rather than defined by category.
Common hardwood specifications (glossary)
The specifications below commonly appear in hardwood product listings and technical documentation. Each term links to a deeper explanation.
| Specification | What it describes | Learn more |
|---|---|---|
| Species | The wood species used for the surface material. | In-depth explanation |
| Veneer Thickness | The thickness of the real wood surface layer. | In-depth explanation |
| Total Thickness | The overall thickness of the hardwood plank. | In-depth explanation |
| Janka Rating | A standardized measure of wood hardness. | In-depth explanation |
| Finish Type | The surface treatment applied to the wood. | In-depth explanation |
Reference note: This page provides general informational reference about hardwood flooring types, finishes, and specifications. It does not provide installation guidance, professional advice, or product recommendations.