Woodbury’s U.B. Hardwoods & Flooring refinishes 300 floors every year. For homeowners looking to redo their flooring, owner Robert Miller says, “The best thing to do is to educate yourself about each product. Each home has its own story.” Photos: U.B. Hardwoods & Flooring
A local expert provides guidance on choosing the right flooring.
Like so many elements of home design and construction, today’s flooring options—from hardwood to vinyl—can seem more complicated than ever. Robert Miller, owner of U.B. Hardwoods & Flooring, which has locations in Woodbury and Plymouth, says that’s why education is at the heart of how his team works. “We are a full-service flooring company. When customers walk in, we’re here to educate them, so they choose the right product for their home,” Miller says.
First, let’s talk hardwood. If you have solid hardwood or engineered wood flooring (where a real wood veneer covers a multilayered core), refinishing is often a better option than replacing. U.B. Hardwoods performs more than 300 refinishing jobs every year. And, according to Miller, the modern process is less intrusive and messy than people expect. “We run dust containment systems with HEPA filters and are able to [sand down] all the way to the raw wood,” Miller says. After sanding, the team applies a new finish that’s durable, fast drying and low odor. It’s a chance to change the color and aesthetic of the floor.
In some situations, replacing your hardwood flooring is the way to go. “Maybe it’s been sanded too many times; maybe there’s been some kind of water damage; or maybe you want an updated width or species of plank,” Miller says.
From hardwood and engineered wood to luxury vinyl plank and laminate, there are more options than ever when it comes to flooring. Overwhelmed homeowners can talk to experts about their lifestyle and long-term plans to determine which flooring is right for their home.
If you’re searching for a new flooring material, there are more choices than ever, each with its own strengths and drawbacks. Hardwood, which is solid wood all the way through the plank, remains a lasting investment. It looks timeless, and, because it can be refinished every few decades, it can easily last the entire life of a home. It’s also much easier to match if you want to add it to a new room in your home or replace a few boards.
Engineered wood—a veneer on top of plywood layers—offers the look of hardwood at a lower price point. This kind of flooring can be refinished, too, as long as it is an extremely high-quality product and the top veneer layer is thick enough to sand, Miller says.
Luxury vinyl plank—often marketed as “waterproof flooring”—has surged in popularity due to its durability and affordability. But Miller cautions homeowners to consider longevity. “It is a one-life floor. It’s great in many situations, but it is harder to salvage down the road,” Miller says. If you ultimately want a different color or your floor becomes worn, it will necessitate a complete replacement.
A final option for wood-look floors is laminate, which has evolved dramatically since early products earned a bad reputation for looks and durability. “The only thing stronger than laminate is porcelain. Laminates have 72-hour guarantees for water on top, and, structurally, they’re actually more durable than a vinyl plank,” Miller says. Laminate, like vinyl, can’t be refinished down the road, but it’s a great option for areas prone to dampness or high traffic.
For homeowners overwhelmed by choices, Miller suggests visiting a local flooring showroom and talking with an expert about your lifestyle and long-term plans. “How long are you going to live in your house?” he asks. “If you’re going to live in your house for three to five years, I think vinyl plank’s a great way to go. If you think you’re going to live in your house for decades and raise your family, hardwood is a good investment.” He emphasizes that there’s no “right” option. “The best thing to do is to educate yourself about each product. Each home has its own story,” Miller says.
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