Thinking about installing hardwood floors in your home? With so many choices—solid vs. engineered, light vs. dark, smooth vs. textured—it can be hard to know where to start. The good news is that the right questions can help you narrow down your options and feel confident about your investment.
At Pocatello Flooring, we’ve helped countless homeowners throughout southeast Idaho find hardwood floors that not only look great but also hold up to their day-to-day lives. Here’s a helpful guide to the questions you should ask when deciding on hardwood flooring for your home.
What type of hardwood is best for my lifestyle?
Start by thinking about how each room is used. Do you have pets? Young kids? A high-traffic entryway? These factors can influence whether solid or engineered hardwood is the better fit.
- Engineered hardwood is a popular choice in Pocatello homes because it handles our region’s seasonal humidity swings better than solid hardwood. Its layered construction makes it less likely to expand or contract, especially in basements or homes without consistent climate control.
- Solid hardwood, on the other hand, can be refinished multiple times and may be preferred for homeowners wanting a floor that can last for generations—especially in low-moisture rooms like bedrooms or dining areas.
How much maintenance am I comfortable with?
Hardwood floors are generally easy to maintain, but different finishes and wood species will affect how often you’ll need to clean or refinish them.
- If you want a floor that hides minor scratches and dust, consider a wire-brushed or matte finish. These textures are more forgiving in active households and can help extend the time between refinishing.
- Harder woods like oak and hickory are better suited to homes with lots of foot traffic. Softer species like pine may show dents and dings more easily but offer a rustic, timeworn charm.
What color and finish work best in my space?
Light, medium, or dark tones—each brings its own character.
- Lighter woods like white oak or maple can make a space feel larger and brighter, ideal for smaller rooms or homes with less natural light.
- Rich, dark stains create contrast and warmth but may show more dust or pet hair, depending on your home’s lighting and lifestyle.
Come by our Pocatello showroom to see full-size samples in person. It helps to compare tones under different lighting conditions and next to your cabinetry or furniture finishes.
Can the floors be refinished later on?
This is a key question, especially if you want flooring that can last for decades.
- Solid hardwood can usually be sanded and refinished several times, allowing you to update the color or remove signs of wear down the line.
- Engineered hardwood can also be refinished, though typically only once or twice depending on the thickness of the top wood layer.
If you already have hardwood floors and are considering bringing them back to life, Pocatello Flooring also offers professional hardwood refinishing services—perfect for restoring beauty without replacing your floors.
What’s my budget—and what’s included in the estimate?
Prices can vary depending on species, board width, finish, and installation method. Be sure to ask what’s included in your quote. Are transitions and moldings covered? What about removal of old flooring or subfloor prep?
We’re happy to walk you through these details at Pocatello Flooring so there are no surprises during your project.
Visit Our Showroom in Pocatello
Choosing hardwood is about more than just looks—it’s about finding the right floor for your space, needs, and lifestyle. If you’re planning a flooring update in Pocatello or nearby areas, stop by our showroom to explore samples and speak with our team.
Contact us to request an estimate and get expert guidance for your hardwood flooring project.
