Subfloor in Frisco TX, Laminate as one of the most durable flooring options in a family room

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Choosing subfloor for hardwood, tile and laminate floors

August 24, 20170

Choosing the Right Subfloor for Hardwood, Tile, and Laminate Floors

Choosing the right subfloor for hardwood, tile, and laminate floors is essential for a stable and long-lasting flooring system. Your flooring is only as good as the surface beneath it. A strong, well-built subfloor provides stability, prevents squeaks, and protects your investment for decades. Whether you’re installing hardwood, tile, vinyl, or laminate, the right subfloor material ensures lasting durability and performance.

What Is a Subfloor?

The subfloor is the foundation of your flooring system, the sturdy base that sits directly on the floor joists. Once your finished floor is installed, it remains hidden but plays a critical structural role. According to the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA), proper subfloor preparation is essential for long-term flooring performance.

Common Subfloor Materials

The two most common subfloor materials are plywood and oriented strand board (OSB).

Plywood Subfloor: Usually ½-inch or ¾-inch A/C-graded plywood, with a smooth top surface (“A”) and a rough underside (“C”). It’s known for strength and stability.
OSB (Oriented Strand Board): Made from compressed wood flakes bonded with phenolic resin. OSB subfloors are cost-effective, moisture-resistant, and perform comparably to plywood when properly sealed.

Because the subfloor is installed during a home’s original construction, replacing or modifying it later is labor-intensive and costly, so choosing the right material from the start matters.

Subfloor vs. Underlayment: What’s the Difference?

A subfloor supports your entire flooring system, while underlayment is a thin layer between the subfloor and the visible floor finish. Underlayment smooths out minor imperfections, adds cushioning, and reduces sound or moisture transfer.

Common Underlayment Types

1. Cement Board Underlayment

Used beneath tile flooring, cement board strengthens the base and prevents flexing or cracking. It’s ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, or areas with high moisture.

2. Foam or Cork Underlayment

Perfect for laminate floors, foam or cork adds comfort and sound absorption. Because laminate can feel rigid underfoot, this underlayment helps cushion each step while masking slight subfloor imperfections.

3. Plywood Underlayment

When extra height or rigidity is needed, a second layer of plywood may be installed above the subfloor. This “double-plywood system” helps align floor heights between rooms and adds strength for heavy finishes like stone or tile.

Best Subfloor Options by Flooring Type

Subfloor for Hardwood Flooring

For hardwood flooring, ¾-inch A/C-graded plywood is the best choice. It provides a stable, nail-friendly base for both solid and engineered wood flooring.

Pro tip: If you’re upgrading, choose tongue-and-groove plywood to minimize movement and eliminate squeaks.

subfloor for hardwood flooring
Read more about our Hardwood Flooring Installation Services.

Subfloor for Laminate Flooring

Laminate can be installed directly over a plywood or OSB subfloor, but older homes may have thinner, uneven boards. To prevent flexing or visible seams:

Add a thin plywood layer as a secondary subfloor.
Use foam or cork underlayment to smooth out imperfections and absorb noise.

Learn more about our Laminate Flooring Installation.

Subfloor for Tile Flooring

Tile floors demand rigidity and zero movement.
An unstable subfloor can lead to grout cracks or tile fractures.

For tile:

Start with ¾-inch plywood or OSB subflooring.
Add cement board as the underlayment layer for strength and moisture resistance.
Inspect joists for rot or weakness before installation.

cement board subfloor for tile

Explore our Tile Flooring Services.

Concrete Slabs and Subfloor Considerations

Homes built on slabs don’t have a traditional wood subfloor. Instead, the concrete surface acts as both the subfloor and foundation. In these cases:

Use vapor barriers to prevent moisture intrusion.
For engineered wood or laminate, consider a moisture-resistant underlayment to protect the floor system.
Avoid installing solid hardwood directly on concrete without proper preparation.

FAQ: Subfloors & Underlayment

Q: What is the best subfloor for hardwood flooring?

A: A/C-rated plywood, typically ¾-inch thick, provides a stable, nail-friendly base and helps prevent squeaks.

Q: Can laminate flooring go over plywood or OSB?

A: Yes. Install laminate over plywood or OSB with a foam or cork underlayment to smooth minor imperfections and reduce noise.

Q: Do tile floors require cement board?

A: Yes. Cement board over a sturdy plywood or OSB subfloor adds rigidity and moisture resistance, helping prevent cracked grout or tiles.

Q: What’s the difference between a subfloor and an underlayment?

A: The subfloor supports the entire structure; underlayment is a thin layer between subfloor and floor finish that improves comfort, sound control, and moisture protection.

Q: Can I install flooring directly on a concrete slab?

A: Yes, but use a vapor barrier or moisture-resistant underlayment for laminate or laminate to protect against moisture. Engineered Wood can be glued right onto your subfloor using a moisture barrier glue.

Ready to Upgrade Your Floors?

At GC Flooring Pros, we help homeowners choose and install the right combination of subfloor, underlayment, and flooring for their home’s unique structure and style. From hardwood to laminate and tile, our experts ensure every layer, from the joists to the finish, is built to last.

Serving Frisco, Plano, McKinney, Allen, and North Dallas
Call us at (214) 814-1170 or Request a Free Estimate.

About Floors, Blog, Hardwood Flooring

How To Choose The Right Hardwood Flooring Species

August 19, 20170

The quick answer

The most popular types of wood flooring are white oak, red oak, hickory, maple, walnut and Brazilian cherry. For most homes, oak is the best all-around choice: hard enough for daily life, easy to stain and fairly priced. Hickory is the toughest domestic option for kids and pets, and walnut is the softer, dressier pick for low-traffic rooms.

On the concrete slabs under most Frisco, Plano and Prosper homes, choose any of these species in engineered form for the best stability.

Choosing a wood species is one of the most fun parts of a new floor. It decides the color, the grain you’ll see every day, and how well the floor holds up to dogs, kids and dining chairs. With so many types of wood flooring and wooden floorboards out there, it helps to narrow the field to the species that actually work well in homes. Below we compare the six we get asked about most, with hardness, look, price and the rooms each one suits best.

This is the same advice our team gives homeowners during free in-home estimates across Frisco, Plano and Prosper, where we bring real samples so you can see each species in your own light.

Types of Wood Flooring Compared: Best Wood Species at a Glance

The Janka rating measures how hard a wood is: it’s the force needed to press a steel ball halfway into a sample that has been dried to about 12% moisture. Higher numbers resist dents better. Anything above roughly 1,200 holds up well in a busy home. For the technical background on wood testing, see the USDA Forest Products Laboratory.

Species	Janka hardness	Look & grain	Price tier	Best for
White oak	1,360	Neutral tan to soft brown; tight, straight grain; takes modern stains beautifully	$$	Whole-home floors, light and natural looks, kitchens
Red oak	1,290	Warm with pink-red undertones; bold, open grain that hides wear	$	Traditional homes, budget-smart whole-home floors
Hickory	1,820	High color variation from cream to brown; strong, rustic grain	$$	Busy families, pets, rustic and farmhouse styles
Hard maple	1,450	Light, creamy and clean; subtle, fine grain	$$	Modern and Scandinavian looks, bright rooms
American walnut	1,010	Rich chocolate brown; smooth, flowing grain	$$$	Formal living and dining rooms, bedrooms, offices
Brazilian cherry	2,350	Deep red-orange that darkens with sunlight; interlocking grain	$$$	High-traffic areas where you want a bold, exotic look

Going deeper on a species? Compare the two most popular choices in our white oak vs red oak guide, or read more about hickory hardwood flooring, maple hardwood floors and black wood flooring.

The 30-Second Wood Species Finder

If you want the safest all-around pickWhite oak

Hard, stable, on-trend and easy to restain later.

If budget matters mostRed oak

The most affordable real hardwood, with grain that hides scuffs.

If you have big dogs and busy kidsHickory

The hardest domestic species, and its color variation hides wear.

If you love a light, modern lookMaple

Clean and bright. Choose a matte finish to keep it looking fresh.

If it’s a formal or low-traffic roomWalnut

Gorgeous dark color, but softer, so it suits quieter rooms.

If you want something boldBrazilian cherry

Very hard and very rich. Expect it to deepen in color over time.

How to Identify Wood Flooring by Grain

Trying to match an existing floor, or wondering what species you already have? Identifying wood by grain is the quickest place to start. Tighter, more uniform grain usually points to a denser, harder species, while open, bold grain tends to belong to softer woods that show their character.

Red oakBold, wavy, open grain

Pinkish-brown tones and a strong “cathedral” pattern. Pores look open up close.

White oakTighter, straighter grain

Tan to cool-gray tones, often with ray flecks on quarter-sawn boards.

MapleVery subtle, smooth grain

Creamy and clean, with the occasional birdseye or curly figure.

HickoryDramatic variation

Big swings in both grain and color, from cream to dark brown, even in one board.

Brazilian cherryComplex, interlocked grain

Rich red-brown color that deepens with sunlight.

BambooFibrous, linear grain

Straight “knuckle” lines. Technically a grass, not a wood.

If a board has been stained, look at the end of a plank (under a vent cover or at a threshold) where the grain and natural color are easier to see. Bring a loose piece to a free in-home estimate and we can help you match it.

Best Wood for Busy Family Homes

If your home sees backpacks, toy trucks and dinner guests, look for three things: a Janka rating above about 1,200, a grain or color variation that disguises small marks, and a lower-sheen finish. White oak and hickory check all three boxes. Red oak is a close third, and its open grain is very forgiving.

Finish and texture matter as much as species. A wire-brushed or lightly hand-scraped surface hides everyday scratches far better than a glossy one, and a matte finish doesn’t show dust and footprints. Glossy dark floors, on the other hand, show everything.

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Crew tip: the finish takes the hit first

Most everyday scratches are in the finish, not the wood. A floor with a tough factory finish can often be refreshed with a screen-and-recoat instead of a full sanding, so ask about finish quality as much as species.

Best Wood for Pets

For homes with dogs, hardness and texture are your best friends. Hickory and Brazilian cherry resist claw marks best, and white oak with a wire-brushed finish is a great middle ground. Softer species like walnut and lighter, glossy floors show scratches more. Our guide to the best wood flooring for dogs goes species by species, and also covers pet-friendly floors beyond hardwood.

Solid vs Engineered on North Texas Slab Foundations

Every species above comes in the two main types of wood floors by construction. Solid hardwood is one piece of wood, top to bottom, and is nailed down to a wood subfloor. Engineered hardwood has a real-wood top layer, in the same species and finishes, bonded to a stable cross-layered core.

Most homes in Frisco, Plano and Prosper sit on concrete slabs over clay soil, and North Texas swings from humid summers to dry heated winters. Engineered wood handles that movement better and can be glued down or floated directly over concrete, so it’s usually the best choice for slab homes. Solid hardwood is still a great option upstairs or anywhere with a wood subfloor, and it can be refinished more times over its life. Curious how the layers work? See how engineered wood flooring is made, or compare all three options in our hardwood vs engineered vs laminate guide.

	Solid hardwood	Engineered hardwood
Over a concrete slab	Only with a plywood subfloor	Yes, glued or floated
Stability in humidity swings	Good	Excellent
Refinishing	Many times	1–3 times, depending on wear layer
Wide planks (7″+)	More prone to cupping	Stays flatter
Look once installed	Identical: both are real wood on top

Other Ways Wood Floors Differ

Species is only one of your wood flooring options. These details change the look of the same wood dramatically:

CutPlain, rift or quarter sawn

Plain sawn shows the classic “cathedral” grain. Rift and quarter sawn give a straighter, calmer grain and extra stability.

GradeSelect to rustic

Select grades are clean and uniform. Character and rustic grades show knots and color variation, and often cost less.

WidthStrip to wide plank

Narrow strips feel traditional. Wide planks (7″+) feel open and modern and are best in engineered form.

FinishPrefinished or site-finished

Prefinished installs faster with no sanding dust. Site-finished is sanded and stained in place for a custom color.

Exotic Hardwood Species and the Janka Scale

Hardwood species vary enormously in hardness. The softest wood ever tested, cuipo, scores just 22 lbf, while Australian buloke reaches about 5,060 lbf. Most homeowners don’t need the hardest species available: very hard exotics look stunning but can be tougher to install, sand and refinish. Mid-range domestic woods like oak, maple and hickory balance looks, durability and easy upkeep.

Brazilian cherry (jatoba)About 2,350 lbf

Bold red-brown color and interlocked grain that darkens with light exposure.

Santos mahoganyAbout 2,200 lbf

Smoother, more even grain in rich chocolate and reddish-brown tones.

BambooVaries widely

Not a hardwood at all. Well-made strand-woven bamboo is very hard; lower-quality bamboo dents more easily.

Our Most-Installed Species in Frisco, Plano and Prosper

The species we stock and install most are white oak, red oak, hickory and maple, and we can source walnut, Brazilian cherry and many others on request. White oak’s neutral tone pairs well with the lighter, natural looks many North Texas homeowners want right now, while hickory is a favorite in homes with big dogs and active kids.

For engineered and solid hardwood, our customers love Bella Cera, Jackson Hardwood and D&M Flooring. The easiest way to choose is to see samples side by side in your own rooms, since daylight in a west-facing living room can change a color more than you’d expect.

MythThe hardest wood is always the best choice.

FactVery hard exotics can be harder to install and refinish. For most homes, oak or hickory gives you plenty of durability at a better price.

MythEngineered wood isn’t real hardwood.

FactThe surface is real wood in the same species as solid. Only the core underneath is different.

Ready to pick your wood species?

See our solid and engineered hardwood options, or book a free in-home estimate and we’ll bring samples to your door in Frisco, Plano, Prosper and across North Texas.

Explore hardwood flooring

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main types of wood flooring?

The main types are solid hardwood and engineered hardwood. Within each, the most popular species are white oak, red oak, hickory, maple, walnut and Brazilian cherry. Wood floors also differ by cut, grade, plank width and finish.

What is the best wood for wood floors?

Oak is the best all-around choice for most homes because it is durable, easy to stain and fairly priced. Hickory is better for heavy wear and pets, and walnut is best for low-traffic rooms where you want a rich, dark look.

What is the most durable type of wood flooring?

Among popular species, Brazilian cherry and hickory are the hardest, with Janka ratings around 2,350 and 1,820. Hickory is the most durable domestic species. A tough finish and textured surface also add a lot of everyday durability.

Is engineered wood flooring better than solid hardwood?

Neither is better everywhere. Engineered hardwood is more stable and can go directly over a concrete slab, which makes it the usual choice in North Texas homes. Solid hardwood can be refinished more times and works great over a wood subfloor.

Which wood flooring is most popular right now?

White oak is one of the most requested species today, thanks to its neutral tone and how well it takes light, natural stains. Red oak remains a popular, budget-friendly classic.

How can you identify wood flooring by its grain?

Look at the grain pattern and color. Red oak has bold, wavy, open grain with pinkish tones; white oak is tighter and straighter with tan or gray tones; maple is smooth and subtle; hickory shows dramatic color and grain variation; and Brazilian cherry has interlocked grain with a deep red-brown color.

is it worth the money to install hardwood flooring

About Floors, Blog, Hardwood Flooring

Is installing hardwood flooring worth the money?

June 29, 20170

Hardwood Flooring: Cost, Durability & How Long It Really Lasts

Hardwood flooring remains one of the most desired flooring options for homeowners who want beauty, warmth, and timeless elegance. Whether you choose solid hardwood or engineered hardwood, both options can elevate your home with natural character that other flooring materials simply can’t replicate. Beyond aesthetics, hardwood is also known for its impressive longevity—especially when properly maintained and refinished.

But how durable is hardwood flooring really? How much does it cost? And how many times can you refinish it? This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know so you can confidently decide whether hardwood is the right investment for your home.

Why Hardwood Flooring Is So Popular

Homeowners choose hardwood flooring because it offers:

Long-term durability that can last for generations
Warm, natural beauty with unique grain patterns
Refinishing capability to renew its appearance multiple times
Versatile styling that matches any interior trend
High resale value that attracts future buyers

Unlike vinyl or laminate—which eventually require full replacement—hardwood flooring can be restored many times, adding to its long-term value. If you want to explore options, you can view different styles, stains, and species on our Hardwood Flooring page.

How Much Does New Hardwood Flooring Cost?

Pricing varies depending on species, grade, installation complexity, and whether you choose prefinished or unfinished boards. Here are the most important cost factors:

1. Hardwood Grade

Wood grade heavily influences cost:

High/clear grade: Long planks, few imperfections, uniform color
Select/standard grade: Balanced appearance and cost
Rustic/character grade: Most affordable; knots and natural variation

Premium boards tend to be longer and smoother, while rustic planks show more natural markings.

2. Wood Species

Some species cost more because of rarity or import costs. Domestic species such as Oak and Maple are more budget-friendly, while rarer woods like Kempas or Jatoba cost more.

If you want to compare hardness, durability, and species performance, the USDA Forest Products Laboratory is a leading resource on wood science and Janka hardness ratings.

3. Typical Price Range

On average:

Standard hardwood: $4–$8 per sq ft
Prefinished hardwood: About $2 more per sq ft
Exotic species: Higher and variable costs

Additional expenses may include:

Subfloor preparation or moisture testing
Glue, nails, or floating underlayment systems
Delivery fees and furniture moving
Labor increases for small rooms or intricate layouts

How Durable Is Hardwood Flooring?

Both solid and engineered hardwood offer excellent durability. Solid hardwood is one solid piece of lumber, while engineered hardwood has multiple layers beneath a real wood veneer. The wear resistance on the surface, however, depends primarily on wood species.

Janka Hardness Ratings

This test measures how well a wood species withstands pressure and denting. Popular hardwood species include:

Hickory: 1820 lbf
Maple: ~1400 lbf
White Oak: 1360 lbf
Red Oak: 1290 lbf

Higher Janka numbers indicate harder, more durable flooring. That said, even mid-range species perform extremely well in typical residential settings.

Other Durability Factors

Finish type: Water-based, oil-based, aluminum oxide, UV-cured
Traffic level: High-traffic areas wear faster
Moisture exposure: Humidity fluctuations may cause cupping
Pets: Larger dogs may cause surface scratches

Engineered hardwood handles moisture fluctuations better due to its layered composition, making it ideal for basements, kitchens, and humid climates when properly installed.

How Much Does Refinishing Cost?

Refinishing is one of the greatest advantages of hardwood flooring. Instead of replacing the entire floor, refinishing involves sanding down the surface, repairing imperfections, applying stain, and sealing with a protective finish.

Average refinishing costs:

$1.50–$5.00 per sq ft for common species
4–5 hours to refinish a 100 sq ft room

Exotic hardwoods cost more to refinish because:

They may burnish under sanding due to high density
They create fine dust needing special filtration
They require careful, slow sanding to avoid damage

How Many Times Can You Refinish Hardwood Flooring?

The number of refinishes depends on the thickness of the wear layer and the precision of the sanding process.

Solid Hardwood

Most solid hardwood floors can be refinished up to 5 times—often lasting 50–100 years with proper maintenance.

Engineered Hardwood

Engineered hardwood can be refinished if its wear layer is at least 2mm thick. Higher-end engineered floors with 3–6mm veneers may be refinished multiple times.

The skill of the flooring professional also matters. Precise sanding preserves more wood, extending the life of your floor.

Is Hardwood Flooring Worth It?

For many homeowners, hardwood flooring is one of the most valuable long-term investments. It brings unmatched natural beauty, elevates home value, and offers decades of durability. Unlike other materials that wear out or go out of style, hardwood continues to age gracefully, gaining character over time.

If timeless design, longevity, and the ability to refinish your flooring matter to you, hardwood remains one of the best flooring choices available.

Your Perfect Hardwood Flooring Starts Here

Ready to upgrade your home with new hardwood flooring? Our team is here to help you compare species, finishes, installation methods, and refinishing options to ensure you choose the perfect fit.

Explore expert guidance and hardwood flooring options at GC Flooring Pros—and schedule your Free In-Home Estimate today.

Tag: hardwood