Looking for the best hardwood flooring in Allentown, Pennsylvania? Bastian Carpet One Floor & Home is your trusted local source for premium hardwood floors. Our friendly, knowledgeable team is here to guide you through every step, from selecting the perfect flooring to design and professional installation. Visit our showroom in Allentown, PA, today and discover the hardwood floors that will transform your home!
Choosing between solid hardwood and engineered hardwood flooring? Here’s what you need to know to pick the right one for your home.
Solid hardwood is the classic choice. Made from a single piece of wood like oak, maple, or mahogany, it’s known for its timeless beauty and durability. At ¾” thick, it can be refinished multiple times, so it’s built to last. However, it’s a bit finicky when it comes to humidity. Too much moisture can cause it to swell, warp, or cup, while dry air can lead to cracks or gaps. Solid hardwood is best for dry, above-grade spaces with stable conditions.
Engineered hardwood, on the other hand, is all about versatility and stability. It’s made from layers of composite wood with a real hardwood veneer on top, so it looks like solid wood. Its layered construction handles humidity and fluctuating moisture levels much better, making it an excellent choice for basements, kitchens, or high-traffic areas. The trade-off? Engineered hardwood can’t be sanded and refinished as often as solid hardwood, so it might not last as long. Here’s a quick overview of the differences between the two:
Hardwood flooring remains popular for homeowners, but managing moisture is essential, especially with Pennsylvania’s rainy springs, humid summers, and chilly winters. The key to enjoying beautiful hardwood floors year-round is selecting the right product and maintaining a simple care routine.
Seasonal changes in your home’s relative humidity—the amount of water vapor in the air—can significantly impact your flooring over time. High humidity can cause the wood to absorb moisture, leading to swelling and warping, while low humidity can make the floorboards shrink and create gaps.
Luckily, protecting your hardwood floors doesn’t require much effort. A humidistat or hygrometer can help you easily monitor your home’s humidity levels. Tools like window coverings, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and air conditioners can help regulate indoor conditions, ensuring your hardwood floors stay in top shape no matter the season.
Absolutely—especially engineered hardwood- well-suited to handle Allentown’s humid summers and chilly winters. Unlike solid wood, engineered hardwood resists warping and expansion caused by seasonal moisture fluctuations common in the Lehigh Valley.
Due to their durability and timeless appeal, oak, hickory, and maple are local favorites. In neighborhoods like West End, Old Allentown, and South Whitehall, homeowners often choose natural or light stains to brighten interiors. Meanwhile, newer developments are embracing wide-plank designs and matte finishes for a modern touch.
Absolutely. Many of Allentown’s historic homes, particularly near Liberty Street or Old Allentown, already feature original hardwood that can be refinished to restore its beauty. If replacing floors, hardwood is an excellent choice to preserve the architectural charm and boost the resale value of these older properties.
It depends. Solid hardwood isn’t recommended for basements due to moisture risks. However, engineered hardwood is a much better option, as it’s designed to handle the dampness and temperature fluctuations often found in Lehigh Valley basements.
Yes. Hardwood flooring is a sought-after feature in Allentown’s competitive housing market. Homes with hardwood tend to sell faster and at higher prices. Buyers favor move-in-ready homes with hardwood floors, especially in family-friendly neighborhoods like Parkway or Hamilton Park.
While luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and laminate are more affordable, hardwood offers unmatched longevity, resale value, and aesthetic appeal. Many homeowners opt for vinyl in basements or laundry rooms but stick with hardwood in main living areas and bedrooms to elevate their home’s design.
Hardwood flooring is commonly found in bedrooms, living rooms, and home offices, but waterproof hardwood options are also available. These feature a durable vinyl sublayer, making them suitable for bathrooms and kitchens. Once you’ve selected your hardwood product, our team of Allentown hardwood installers will ensure your floors are level, beautiful, and long-lasting. We hand-select each plank to expertly install your chosen pattern while optimizing floor performance for years to come. With your satisfaction as our top priority, we back every installation with The Beautiful Guarantee. Our modern wood floors are built with quality and style, offering everything from contemporary light wood options to traditional, European-inspired collections. Visit us today for the best wood flooring selection in the area. Read our testimonials and see why so many customers trust us for their hardwood flooring needs.
"Very happy with the selection, service, and price" - Richard S.
"Excellent service. Fast, in-and-out installation in 3 rooms. Highly recommended, and would use again."—Del H.
Contact us today to start your hardwood flooring renovation! We proudly serve Allentown, PA, and the surrounding communities of Alburtis, Bethlehem, Breinigsville, Center Valley, Easton, Emmaus, Fogelsville, Germansville, Hereford, Kutztown, Limeport, Macungie, Mertztown, New Tripoli, Orefield, Schnecksville, Topton, Whitehall, and Zionsville, PA.
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