Hardwood Flooring Choices for Metro Detroit Homes

Metro Detroit homeowners trust Al Havner & Sons Hardwood Flooring for expert guidance on the right hardwood choice—from Royal Oak to Dearborn Heights, we’ve mastered every plank and pattern.

Solid vs. Engineered Wood Floors: Choosing the Best Hardwood for Metro Detroit Homes

When you’re renovating a home in Metro Detroit—whether it’s a Craftsman in Ann Arbor or a modern loft near the Detroit Riverwalk—the decision between solid and engineered hardwood floors can feel overwhelming. From winter’s ice to summer humidity, our region’s climate demands flooring that stands up to temperature swings and moisture. With over 35 years of experience and 5th-Generation Family Business heritage, Al Havner & Sons Hardwood Flooring offers award-winning installations tailored to Michigan’s unique challenges.

Our Michigan-specialized expertise means we understand how sub-zero January nights in Troy can affect solid planks, or how Belle Isle’s riverfront humidity influences engineered layers. We serve 40+ Metro Detroit cities—Royal Oak, Dearborn Heights, Bloomfield Hills, Sterling Heights, Auburn Hills, and beyond—with:

• 5th-Generation Craftsmanship blending tradition and modern techniques
• Award-Winning Installations—two NWFA “Floor of the Year” titles
• On-Site Custom Finishing for seamless color matching and stain options
• Emergency & On-Call Services—weekends included for urgent repairs
• Free Bundled Service Discounts when combining installation and refinishing
• Customer Satisfaction Guarantee backed by premium materials and precision

Whether you’re attending the Detroit Jazz Festival, navigating Woodward Dream Cruise crowds, or hosting a cozy winter gathering near Palmer Park, your floors should look and perform flawlessly. Read on to explore the key differences and decide which hardwood solution best fits your home.

Understanding Solid Hardwood Floors

Solid hardwood floors are milled from a single piece of wood, offering timeless beauty and unlimited refinish potential. For homes in Bloomfield Township and Southfield, these floors deliver unmatched depth and character over decades. Here’s why solid hardwood remains a top choice:

• Durability & Longevity: Properly installed on a level subfloor, solid planks can last 50+ years with periodic sanding and refinishing—ideal for multi-generational homes in Northville.
• Refinishability: Unlike most engineered options, solid floors can be sanded multiple times. Our veteran-trained team expertly refinishes high-traffic areas near Eastern Market stalls or Grosse Pointe shoreline entrances.
• Value & Resale: Solid hardwood elevates property value in upscale Bloomfield Hills neighborhoods and signals quality craftsmanship to buyers.
• Natural Color Variations: Each board carries unique grain and tone, perfect for character-rich districts like Corktown and Mexicantown.

However, solid wood reacts to humidity and temperature. In frigid Detroit winters, boards contract and may gap. In summer, they expand. That’s why our Michigan-Specialized Expertise is crucial: we acclimate materials on-site before installation, monitor indoor climate, and recommend proper moisture barriers.

Ready to see samples? Explore our solid hardwood floors gallery and schedule a free consultation. From French oak in Troy bungalows to walnut in Dearborn Heights condos, we match species and grade to your lifestyle.

Exploring Engineered Hardwood Floors

Engineered hardwood features a real wood veneer atop plywood or high-density fiberboard, offering superior stability in Metro Detroit’s variable climate. This solution is particularly advantageous for:

• Moisture-Prone Areas: Basements in Warren or laundry rooms in Livonia benefit from engineered’s dimensional stability—far less prone to cupping or warping.
• Thin-Profile Applications: Renovations above garages in Royal Oak or apartments near Midtown Detroit often require thinner planks over concrete slabs. Our engineered options install seamlessly.
• Instant Refinishing: Many engineered floors come prefinished, allowing same-day occupancy—ideal for busy families returning from events at Meadow Brook Music Festival.
• Eco-Friendly Choices: With less waste and efficient use of hardwood veneers, engineered floors support sustainable practices for green-minded homeowners in Bloomfield Township.

Thanks to our on-site custom finishing, we can sand and stain even engineered boards for a flawless transition between old and new sections. Plus, our free bundled service discount sweetens the deal if you add finishing or refinishing to your package.

Curious about installation? Check out our engineered hardwood floors portfolio and learn how we prevent gaps and buckle issues through meticulous subfloor preparation and humidity control.

Choosing between solid and engineered hardwood ultimately depends on your home’s environment, lifestyle, and design goals. At Al Havner & Sons Hardwood Flooring, our veteran-trained team brings decades of expertise to every installation—customizing each project for neighborhoods from Ann Arbor’s historic districts to the suburbs of Canton and Novi.

Don’t let winter’s freeze or summer’s humidity compromise your floors. Contact us today for a free estimate and discover why Metro Detroit trusts our award-winning craftsmanship. Whether you need emergency repairs in Dearborn Heights or a full installation in Bloomfield Hills, our customer satisfaction guarantee ensures stunning results that last.

Schedule online or contact Al Havner & Sons Hardwood Flooring to get started on your perfect hardwood floor solution in Metro Detroit.