Hardwood has earned its reputation as a beautiful, durable and timeless flooring option. However, when you live in Memphis, you might wonder how long it will actually last in your home.
It’s an important question to ask, especially since hardwood flooring in Memphis is a long-term investment that you want to last years, not just a few seasons. The good news? With the right product, proper flooring installation and a consistent maintenance routine, hardwood can last decades, even in Memphis’s humid climate.
At our Memphis flooring showroom, we help families choose flooring that performs well long-term, including engineered hardwood designed to handle humidity and moisture changes. Here’s what impacts the lifespan of hardwood floors and how to make yours last longer.
How Long Hardwood Floors Last
When it comes to durability, hardwood comes out on top. However, you should know that the lifespan depends on the type of hardwood and the environment it’s installed in.
Solid Hardwood Lifespan
Solid hardwood lasts 30–100 years with proper care. The biggest advantage is that it can be refinished many times, restoring the surface where wear appears. However, solid wood can expand and contract with humidity. That makes it less suitable for Memphis homes unless you control the humidity.
Engineered Hardwood Lifespan
Engineered hardwood lasts 20–40+ years. The lifespan will vary based on the thickness of the wear layer and how well it’s maintained. In Memphis homes, engineered hardwood makes more sense. The layered construction offers additional stability that prevents warping and cupping, while the real wood veneer top offers the same natural beauty.
Basically, solid hardwood lasts longer overall but requires additional maintenance and climate control. Meanwhile, engineered hardwood can last a few decades and performs better in Memphis conditions. Both are great long-term investments when cared for properly.
Factors That Impact Hardwood Lifespan in Memphis
Hardwood flooring doesn’t wear out on its own, it has some help. The combination of climate, traffic, product quality and daily habits determine how long it lasts. Here’s what matters most.
Memphis Humidity & Moisture Exposure
Humidity makes a huge difference in terms of hardwood performance. Memphis summers are humid, and moisture exposure can result in:
- Cupping
- Warping
- Gapping
- Buckling
- Adhesive failures (for glue-down installs)
Engineered hardwood works better than solid wood because its multiple layers allow it to resist movement. The stability allows engineered hardwood to thrive in Memphis homes.
Installation Quality
Even the best material won’t last if it’s installed incorrectly! Proper hardwood installation includes:
- Correct acclimation
- Subfloor moisture testing
- Subfloor leveling or repair when needed
- Using the right adhesive (if glue-down)
- Professional-grade underlayment
At King Flooring, our certified installers understand how humidity affects hardwood. We take the time to do the proper prep work and install your floors properly from day one.
Cleaning & Maintenance Habits
Your hardwood flooring’s finish also impacts how well it will perform. Maintenance mistakes can shorten its lifespan, while good habits extend it. Here’s the breakdown:
Good maintenance practices:
- Sweep and vacuum regularly
- Use hardwood-safe cleaners
- Maintain humidity between 40-60%
- Clean spills immediately
Mistakes that reduce lifespan:
- Using steam mops
- Letting spills sit
- Using harsh chemicals
- Dragging furniture without pads
Material Quality & Wear Layer Thickness
Every engineered hardwood floor is different. Higher-quality options have:
- A thicker wear layer
- Stronger core construction
- A more durable factory finish
These might seem like small details at first glance. However, they determine how many times a floor can be refinished (if at all) and how long they last.
At King Flooring, we carry a variety of engineered hardwood flooring options. Each is equipped with a thick wear layer designed to perform in Memphis homes.
How Often Can Hardwood Floors Be Refinished?
Hardwood flooring can be refinished. In other words, you don’t have to replace it as soon as it gets damaged. Depending on the product you choose, the number of times it can be refinished may vary:
- Solid Hardwood: These floors can be refinished 5-7 times depending on the plank thickness, which can extend their lifespan up to a century.
- Engineered Hardwood: Refinishing depends on the thickness of the top wood veneer. Most quality engineered hardwoods can be refinished 1-3 times so they can achieve decades of life.
The refinishing process removes scratches, refreshes the finish and makes older floors look brand new. It’s a key part of hardwood’s long-term value.
Hardwood Floors Can Last Decades with Proper Care
How long do hardwood floors last in Memphis? Engineered hardwood tends to last 20–40+ years, while solid hardwood lasts anywhere from 30–100 years.The key to making your hardwood floors last is partnering with King Flooring. We can help you choose a product that will last here in Memphis. We’re always here for you with professional installation and care guidance.
Ready to explore hardwood flooring options that will stand the test of time? Contact us today to book a shop-at-home consultation!
